Lets face it to a teenager whether its an occasional breakout or an ongoing issue with acne prone skin, the angst around their appearance can be quite overwhelming. With a simple daily routine, a few good techniques and the right products, Aromatherapy really helps to improve this situation.

Cleanse gently When you deeply cleanse oily skin with harsh cleansers the skin is stripped of protection leaving it vulnerable to bacterial infections and over-drying. The body then compensates and oil production can go into overdrive. Try a nightly skin balancing face cleanse with jojoba and olive squalane, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, sebum balancing essential oils and steaming water. Tone with an antibacterial facial spray like tea tree hydrosol and moisturise with a few drops of jojoba. Essential oils of choice include tea tree, lemongrass, niaouli, sandalwood, helichrysum, frankincense, palmarosa and lavender.

Skip exfoliation Exfoliation is too harsh for oily prone skin. Instead when completing your nightly cleanse use fingertips to massage skin gently for a few minutes and avoid abrasive ingredients like beads altogether. Afterward, pat skin dry—never rub with a washcloth or towel.

Avoid Over-Drying Many products meant to combat acne are really drying to skin triggering extra oil production. Avoid alcohol-based astringents and moisturise immediately after cleansing while skin is still damp to maximise absorption. A small amount of jojoba is perfect for moisturising the skin because it has properties similar to the skins natural sebum, so your skin won’t go into overdrive to produce more.

Clean Your Makeup Brushes  Wash brushes every 2 weeks and sponges at least once a week.  To wash brushes, make a cleaning solution using a teaspoon of natural cleanser such as castile soap, warm water with a few drops of tea tree essential oil.Swish brushes in the solution, rinse thoroughly, pat dry, and lay flat on a towel to air dry. For sponges, moisten with cleaning solution and gently rub under warm water until it  clear. Air dry.

Be careful with makeup When your skin is acting up, avoid reaching for concealer and foundation.  If you must use makeup try mineral-based cosmetics. They contain ingredients like silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide that sop up excess oil without clogging pores. 

What’s in your hair care? If you’ve been breaking out on your forehead, back, or neck, check your hair care products for parabens and other chemicals which can cause skin problems. Change personal care products to ones using natural ingredients. Going chemical free also reduces inflammation, improves the immune system and overall health and wellbeing.

Keep your hands off it  Dirt and bacteria from your hands can cause more problems. As hard as it is, fight the urge to pick or pop pimples: Squeezing skin not only causes irritation and aggravates breakouts, but it also comes with the risk of scarring. Try an aromatherapy spot treatment for blemishes. These treatments contain antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and skin balancing properties to clear up blemishes quickly.

Try removing Dairy from your diet The jury is out whether there is a definitive link between dairy and acne, but many skin care experts agree that the components in milk related to testosterone hormones may stimulate oil glands, creating a breeding ground for acne. Try cutting out dairy for 2 weeks to see how your skin reacts.

Reduce stress When stress increases often breakouts increase as well. Essential oils have an amazing ability to reduce the stress response simply by enjoying their aroma. The essential oils used in treatments for acne prone skin also have stress relieving properties. When you are enjoying your daily face cleanse and massage simply concentrate on slow deep breathes and enjoy the amazing feeling of relaxation you will experience.

Aromatherapy really is a very simple, safe and effective treatment for acne prone skin because it helps manage and combat the underlying causes. Gently massaging affected areas with skin balancing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and stress relieving carrier and essential oils encourages circulation, combats infection, reduces redness and swelling, eases pain, and balances secretions of the sebaceous glands. Best of all it is a pleasant experience because the treatment is relaxing, pleasing to the senses, doesn’t take a lot of time and improves your sense of wellbeing.

For more information or to have a specific blend made just for you please contact me.

Yours in Living Well,

Kim