A few weeks ago I posted about the best way to pop an annoying spot. Wouldn't it b great though if you could avoid getting a spot all together? The dream, right? Unfortunately, I can't tell you how to never get a spot because everyone, even Taylor Swift's squad, gets spots. However, I can share a few pieces of advice with you on how to try and prevent spots and how best to treat them when you get one.
(Disclaimer: there is more than one type of spot, but as a base line don't try and extract your own blackheads unless you're really confident and know what you're doing, don't pick anything and don't pop anything unless it's got a white head and if washing your face with a warm flannel doesn't knock it off then maybe leave it alone.)
When you get a spot the first thing to consider is why it might have decided to grace your face with it's presence? If you've changed something in your diet, have been taking into much fat or dairy that could be one reason. If you're trying a new product or have changed your facial routine that could also be a reason. Also hormones and stress can and will cause spots even when you've passed the hormonal teenage part of your life and there's no getting away from that.
The best thing you can do to avoid spots is to clean your face. That sounds obvious but it's important to know what products are good for your skin type and what you should be avoiding. If you're using facial wipes STOP. Why? They're easy, quick, no fuss. I know, but stop. They're drying your face out with ingredients that are there mainly to keep the wipe moist but preserved and they're not actually cleaning your face properly, more just moving dirt around. The wipe may look dirty when you've finished but if you go in with another cleanser you'll find you haven't cleaned your face half as well as you thought you had.
Cleansers to look for are lotions, milks and balms. They can work for the evening and morning. They're soft and gentle and can be wiped away with a soft muslin cloth or flannel. Invest in an acid toner as well. It will chemically exfoliate your skin so that it really drinks up whatever moisturiser you are putting on it. Also don't be afraid of oil. Avoid mineral oils, but good quality natural oils are great for your skin. A couple of drops before a topical treatment and then again after will help combat the spot and also make your skin feel a lot more quenched.
Supplements can help in avoiding spots especially fish oils and omegas. As well as that healthy foods, lots of fruit and veg will keep your skin looking glowy. It's not a myth that feeling good on the inside keeps you looking good on the outside. On that note try and avoid too much sugar/dairy/fat.
Most importantly try and find products that work for you and your skin. Everyone's skin is different and will react differently to different products. Generally, however, try and avoid alcohol where it's the main ingredient, find a topical treatment and use acids like salicylic or lactic. Just because you've got a spot doesn't mean you have to avoid oil, your skin will thank you for a little oil later. Dry skin is a breeding ground for spot making bacteria, oil is your friend.
As a general rule cleanse morning and night but go for a deeper cleanse at night. Use a toner day and night and don't be afraid of using an acid toner both times but if you're unsure an acid toner at night and a soothing toner in the morning is fine. Find a topical gel treatment to target spots head on and a light SPF moisturiser for the day and a good face oil for night. Skin care is a good area to splurge a bit more money, but be aware that just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's a miracle worker and will solve all your skin problems. Be aware of ingredients that won't do you any favours and look out for them on products you've not used before.
Until next time,
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