Your Complete Guide to Managing Blemish and Breakout-Prone Skin

First things first, blemish-prone skin is usually oily due to an excess of oil or sebum on the surface of the skin. Sebum is naturally produced to help protect the skin barrier and keep it moisturised, but an excess of it can lead to clogged pores and stubborn blemishes.

The fact is, there’s not just one culprit here- but rather several that add up. Factors contributing to the overproduction of oil include hormonal fluctuations, poor diet, insufficient sleep, increased stress, clogged hair follicles, and the usual, bacteria. The key is balancing skin’s oil production to maintain its natural moisture without leading to unwanted blemishes.

Healthy skin starts with healthy habits. To achieve a clear complexion, integrate these tips into your daily routine to maximise glow from the inside-out.

Avoid prolonged sun exposure:

UV rays can aggravate and darken blemishes, whilst inhibiting collagen production and prolonging the healing process. Always apply SPF protection before going outside (like Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30) and avoid damaging sunbeds.

Regularly change your pillowcases:

Along with oil, a cotton pillowcase retains bacteria, dirt and allergens, which can likely worsen existing blemishes. Wash with a mild detergent to prevent any bacteria from transferring to your skin at night, or try using a silk pillowcase for even more benefits, as the material doesn’t absorb as much moisture and dirt as traditional cotton.

Regularly wash makeup brushes:

as they are constantly being used, brushes pick up and harbour dirt and bacteria that can be transferred to your skin. During the summer months, why not swap your heavy foundation for a more lightweight option: mix 2-3 drops of Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil in with your foundation for softer, dewy looking skin whilst reaping skin-loving benefits from nourishing Rosehip Seed Oil.

Chill out:

being stressed for extended periods of time can raise cortisol levels, causing increased sebum production and clogged pores. Unwind by indulging in a warm bath doused in Skin Nourishing Milk Bath, and follow by massaging De-Stress Massage Oil into the body for the ultimate calming routine. Follow-up with 7-8 hours of sleep to allow your skin to time to repair from the day’s work.

Eat the right foods:

Avoid highly processed foods high in simple carbohydrates, that can impact hormone levels and lead to excessive oiliness and breakouts. Instead, opt for foods containing high levels of Omega-3’s, which can help reduce inflammation (such as salmon, avocado and flaxseeds) and antioxidant-rich berries and veggies.

Avoid picking at blemishes:

It might be obvious, but it's worth repeating. This not only increases irritation and redness, but also the likelihood of scarring developing. Instead, apply Herbal Lavender Repair Mask as a spot treatment to any blemishes and leave on for 10 minutes to rebalance and nourish skin.

Never sleep with your makeup on:

Here at Elemis, we are strong advocates of the double-cleanse method to ensure a clean canvas before applying the rest of your skincare routine. Start with a cleansing balm, such as our unscented Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm, to melt off the surface layer of makeup, and follow with a balancing cleanser such as Clarifying Clay Wash, containing Kaolin Clay to eliminate excess oil. To learn more about double cleansing, see this blog post.

Exercise:

Not only does working out stimulate blood circulation and sends oxygen to skin cells, it also is a great stress-buster due to endorphins being released. Don’t forget to shower and cleanse the skin ASAP, to prevent sweat from clogging pores and resulting in blemishes. Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser helps to rebalance and re-energise skin, whilst a trio of exfoliating acids remove dead skin cells to reveal a more radiant complexion. TIP: After exercising, spritz Superfood Kefir Tea Mist to hydrate and maintain that post-workout glow. Check out our blog for post-workout skincare for more tips.

The takeaway here is knowing that oily blemish-prone skin is not a bad thing, it's just a balancing act to learning how to manage it. In addition to creating a skincare routine that works, consider how you can adapt your habits to be more skin-loving. After all, each day is a new opportunity to improve and with some change, you’ll see clearer skin in no time.

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