June is Acne Awareness Month

In case you are unaware, June is “Acne Awareness Month.” Anyone who suffers from acne or is just learning that there is a month dedicated to its presence is probably wondering, “when isn’t Acne Awareness Month?” I have no idea what this means or if I am expected to be wearing a colorful ribbon to make people aware of acne…but I am pretty sure acne receives enough attention on its own. In a nutshell, acne is an infection in your skin caused by dead skin cells and oil clogging your pores. The combination of dead skin cells and oil triggers the bacteria responsible for acne to multiply and thrive inside your pores. The bacteria feeds off of the dead skin cells and oil triggering a chemical process that attracts white blood cells to fight off the bacteria causing extreme inflammation. Acne can develop almost anywhere on the face and body and can start at any age. While clogged pores and bacteria are huge causes for acne, hormones, stress, and genetics are also contributing factors. For those who celebrate Acne Awareness Month…every month…here are the ingredients you should incorporate into your daily skin care routine to naturally prevent and cure acne.

Soapberry
Soapberries contain saponins which naturally cleanse your skin and contain anti-inflammatory properties. Soapberry is an active ingredient found in Dream Clean making it an excellent cleanser to treat and prevent acne prone skin. Use Dream Clean twice a day (morning and night) to gently cleanse your pores and combat acne causing bacteria. (It is also one of my favorite products in the world.)
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil has proven to be an effective antimicrobial, fighting against the bacteria that causes acne. This oil disinfects skin and has anti-inflammatory properties making it an excellent ingredient to prevent and cure any breakout. Tea Tree Oil is a key ingredient found in Masque of Zen which helps extract impurities and create healthy, balanced skin with regular use.
Aloe Vera
While there is a myth that drying out your skin will help get rid of acne, it is quite the opposite. Hydration is essential for skin health regardless of your age, skin type, or condition. As Derek Zoolander once said, “Moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty.” (Couldn’t have said it better myself!) Aloe Vera is a great for adding moisture to your skin without leaving a oily or greasy residue. Aloe Vera is also an anti-irritant making it an excellent ingredient to hydrate skin while calming inflammation. Cool Balm is the perfect moisturizer for oily or acne prone skin because it is gentle and can be used on the most sensitive of skin.
Coconut Oil
Like other ingredients great for treating acne, coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties great for fighting against infection and keeping bacteria away. Scrubtini body scrub is a great solution to cure acne anywhere on the body (especially your back!) because it naturally disinfects pores, creates a protective barrier against bacteria for your skin and replenishes hydration. (Bonus: it smells uhhhhh-mazing.)
Tamanu Seed Oil
Tamanu Seed Oil, also known as Foraha, is grown on a giant tree in Madagascar that is also know as “The Forty Cure Tree.” It is called “The Forty Cure Tree” because it is proven to cure a variety of skin disorders (maybe forty?) including acne and acne scaring. This seed contains anti-bacterial properties to help fight bacteria and has a unique ability to increase the formation of new skin tissue accelerating the healing process of scars and the growth of new, healthy skin cells. Apply Forty Cure Creme to your body (and even face) regularly to prevent the formation of bacteria in your pores, treat acne, and eliminate acne scars.
While a tailored skin care routine is one of the most beneficial ways to prevent and treat acne, there are many other ways you can help keep your skin healthy and breakout free!

• Frequently change your pillow case
• Eat healthy foods rich in water, Vitamins A and C, Zinc, and Essential Fatty Acids- a vitamin deficient diet can leave your skin vulnerable to breakouts
• Clean your cell phone everyday- you do not want to know what colonies of bacteria are invited to a party in your pores every time you get a phone call.
• Take a shower as soon as possible after a workout- the longer you sit in those sweaty gym clothes the longer bacteria has to creep into your pores!

Make these lifestyle changes and incorporate these ingredients into your skin care routine to work towards achieving healthy, acne-free skin in no time! Build a custom skin care collection to start treating your skin to these ingredients right away! The “Fresh Start” Collection ($44 USD) includes one cleanser and one moisturizer which is a great place to start! Upgrade to the “Skin Confidence” Collection ($82 USD) which includes a face mask to take your routine to the next level!
XO
Madison