Healthy and Often Overlooked Tips for all Skin Types

HEALTHY AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED TIPS FOR ALL SKIN TYPES
 
SKIN BASICS BROKEN DOWN:
 
Lipid Barrier: Lipids are oils found just below the epidermis (top layer of skin). They protect skin from moisture loss and supply fresh, new lipids to the lipid barrier. Using cleansing products that foam, harsh chemicals and antibiotics may cause a breakdown of the lipid barrier resulting in:
  • dry, cracked and scaly skin
  • compromised skin cell immunity
  • increased risk of infection, skin related diseases, bacteria related acne, black head congestion of skin pores, etc.
 
BREAKOUT AND ACNE PRONE SKIN TIPS:
It is very important to observe where the acne or breakouts are located on the face.
  1. Chin, lower jaw and lip area is mostly caused by hormones and appears to worsen for women around "that time" of the month.
  2. Cheek breakouts is indicative of a sensitivity to food, chemical, or allergic reaction. It is most helpful to remember anything that has changed recently such as different types of food you may have eaten, new laundry detergent, etc.
  3. Diamond shaped area between brows and nose and extending to the middle part of forehead is indicative of poor eating habits, lots of greasy fast foods, etc.
  4. Guys - if you're breaking out where you're shaving you may want to think about changing out your razor more frequently or investing in a UV sterilization box like they use for toothbrushes. This will kill bacteria that is contributing to the breakouts.
  5. If you suffer from ingrown hairs (AKA: folliculitis) try "NoBump", "Shaver's Secret", or "Tend Skin". All of these products will dry the skin and make it more prone to sunburn so please remember to moisturize with a product that has non-nano particle zinc with a SPF 15 at the minimum. Zinc is a broadband sun protector, is considered "reef friendly" and is not carcinogenic. 
FAIRLY EASY FIXES:
  1. Try flipping your pillow case every night and changing every other night. If your skin clears up your problem has been solved; if breakouts continue it's time to take a look at the laundry detergent you're using and/or the food you are consuming as sensitivities may have developed.
  2. The best way to tell if the cleanser you're using is right for your skin: it should NEVER feel dry, tight, and skin should not be flaky after your face dries. If any of these things are happening please change to a creamy cleanser that does not have rentinol palmitate (vitamin A) or any type of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. 
  3. It is more important for your skin to retain its natural lipid barrier (layer of oils your body produces) as this is done to protect your skin from environmental toxins. Get over being an "oilophobe"!
  4. Just because you have a "T-zone" does not mean you have oily skin. Take a look at the perimeter of your face about an inch from your hairline. If the skin appears dry or lacking oil more than likely you have combination skin that is dry.
  5. Always remember: Oil attracts oil - in other words, oil is NOT a bad thing. Tamanu oil while smelling a lot like curry has been getting quite a reputation for clearing acne, eczema and psoriasis yet softening clear skin. Grape seed oil is "non-comedogenic" (won't clog your pores) and is also awesome for cooking so it is a "multi-tasker". Manuka oil is an odd smelling anti-bacterial oil that is also very effective although I am uncertain of strength for usage. Last but not least is Black Seed oil (Black Cumin Seed). It smells a little like street tacos but it has been said that it cures "everything but death"...whoa!
  6. When skin is breaking out it is releasing toxins and does not require further irritation with witch hazel you get at the local drug store which is cut with isopropyl alcohol! If you use witch hazel it should be a distillate with no additional alcohol to further irritate the skin.