If you have noticed a blemish or two, you are not alone. Acne affects around 50% of adults 20-40 years of age, which makes adult acne one of the most common diseases in the world.
If you have noticed a blemish or two, you are not alone. Acne affects around 50% of adults 20-40 years of age, which makes adult acne one of the most common diseases in the world.
People often try to treat acne by "de-oiling" and "drying" the skin with products that include harsh soaps, strong scrubs and mass-market medicated (drying) cosmetics. This approach to acne can cause intense drying of the skin, and provides only short-term benefits.
While drying out blemishes can make skin appear satisfactory for a few weeks, over-drying can cause oil glands to compensate by working harder, resulting in clogged pores and more "breakouts" a few weeks later. This often causes the user to resort back to drying products, which are causing the problem. In addition, treating adult acne harshly can create problems such as redness or broken capillaries.
When blemishes add to wrinkles, you should take a double caution when treating blemishes with conventional methods. Your best bet is to switch to the mildest possible skin care routine which is based on natural effective products that work with minimal irritation. Clearing and preventing breakouts is now possible without irritation and over-drying the skin.
No matter how vigorously we try to get rid of acne it always hits back, which is why acne-prone skin requires constant upkeep. We were lucky to come across a Dermalogica line which comprised of professional-strength products free of mineral oil, lanolin, SD alcohol, artificial colors and fragrances. Dermalogica also uses food-grade preservatives instead of commonly used harsh ones.
Dermalogica requires a serious approach, and the best way to benefit from this line is to give it a honest run for at least a month. Here is the Dermalogica lineup for adult acne-prone skin:
1. Cleansing: Dermal Clay Cleanser formulated with super-absorbent kaolin, menthol and watercress. Works wonders on t-zone, but not suitable for use around eyes.
2. Conditioning: Multi-Active Toner created with Aloe, Lavender, non-stingy Balm Mint and Arnica.
3. Moisturizing: Active Moist at night, Sheer Moisture at day.
Dermalogica creator L.A.-based Jane Wurwand believes that the skin should be cleansed with double lathering twice a day, and that a hydrating mist does skin more good than a thick layer of heavy moisturizer. We followed the advice, and by the end of the trial month we didn't get a usual array of blemishes, plus, the spots from the old ones were noticeably lighter.
None of the Dermalogica products, most of which were created back in 1986 and constantly improved since, are labeled according to certain skin types. Instead, Dermalogica dermatologists prescribe products based on Skin Mapping – a technique which defines 14 problem zones and assigns specific products for them. For instance, my face map revealed breakout activity where I would normally least expect it and assigned me not one but two conditioners for my problem areas – a light hydrating Multi-Active Toner and a spectacular Daily Microfoliant, a sushi-smelling rice-based powder packed with exfoliating enzymes and salicylic acid.
Adult skin, especially aging one, cannot be stripped of moisture, and Dermalogica products offer just the right amount of moisturizing. Active Moist – a lightweight oil-free lotion packed with silk amino acids, lavender essential oil and natural astringents such as lemon and burdock, - should be used at night, while Sheer Moisture with SPF15 should be used daily – even in winter to combat elements.
This winter Dermalogica launched a true Holy Grail moisturizer for drier skins and inhospitable weather conditions. Aptly called Super Rich Repair, this cream is formulated with palmitoyl tetrapeptides-3, palmitoyl oligopeptides and hyaluronic acid in the base of shea butter and evening primrose oil. Concentrated and naturally fragrant, Super Rich Repair cocoons dry dehydrated skin with protecting repairing emollient shield.
When it comes to treating adult problem skin, many dermatologists admit that when a product does not appeal to the person, he or she will never use it, no matter how effective it might be. Sleek, subtly fragrant, concentrated Dermalogica products will satisfy even the most adept metrosexual. Sadly thought, they are available only through trained skin therapists, but hey, at least you always have a chance to fine-tune your beauty regimen!
In Toronto Dermalogica skin care line is available at Stillwater Spa at Part Hyatt hotel and Glow Spa.
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