Acne marks. Pimples. Zits. Pimple scars.

 

 

 

 

1. Cleanse gently, splashing with warm water and pat dry
2. Apply moisturiser gently. No rubbing.

3. *Top Homecare Tip*  Dab anti-acne cream, gently, no rubbing, with a cotton bud. Key to effective treatment here are ingredients containing retinoid + benzoyl peroxide. But balancing the side effects require time and careful use. |Epiduo, Differin cream, clindoxyl and clindamycin are my top choices | (Retin A based creams like retacnyl, differin work best with benzoyl peroxide based antibiotic creams for example clindoxyl and epiduo, but these products are harsher and do cause more skin irritation, so its important to learn how best to apply them onto your face for optimum efficacy and minimal side effects. Watch my video to learn more. 

   Daniel Chang

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Acne triggers | Lifestyle GUIDE 

1. Diet | Studies have shown that dairy products, food rich in GI, and fried oily food are a no no. They tend to provoke a hormonal surge, which is the trigger for acne. Thats probably why acne tends to affect people in developed countries, where the diet is so rich.
2. Lifestyle | Stress is no good. Thats why breakouts tend to occur after frequent OTs, after a flight (as the cabin air is super-drying to your skin), before an important photo-event etc. Keeping a regular exercise regime and sleeping sufficiently helps!
3. Contact | And, in this day and age, its our dreaded mask. Minimise contact with your fingers. Dap, and not wipe, your face with a towel. Apply cosmetics sparingly. Use oil-free, non comedogenic products. And when applying acne treatment like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, adopt a hands-free approach. All these serve to reduce inflammation. As for how to select the right products for your skin, and how to use them appropriately, please speak to your Aesthetic physician for further information.
   

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Now, let me share with you my TOP skincare tips for acne control.

1.  Cleanse, exfoliate and go easy | Gently clean your face 2x a day, using a minimal touch technique. Dont overclean your face. (This is to remove all the old and dead skin that is clogging the pores, but not over irritating your skin.)
2. Use oil free or ‘non comedogenic’ makeup products | Remember, you use makeup to look more beautiful, not to look worsen your acne.
3. Never ever squeeze a pimple and minimise touching your face | I know its easier said than done. You risk scarring, darkening and spreading the pimple to other parts of your precious face
4. Wash your pillowcase, and your pillow on a regular basis | *Question: How many of you still let your parents do this for you, own up now lol* Your pillows otherwise collect all the sebum, makeup and dirt that contribute to pore clogging.

Common pitfalls: Lifestyle mistakes

1. No moisturiser used OR Mistaking aloe vera gel as a moisturiser | A well moisturised skin will help with sebum control and reduce clogging of pores, which leads to acne. And keep yourself well hydrated. Healthy skin starts from within. Oftentimes, the patients I see having breakouts do not use mositurisers. They may use aloe vera gel (which is NOT a moisturiser). Moisturising helps. The skin takes a month to get used to a new product. 2 months to stabilise. 3 months to gain good control.
2. Too much makeup | When you cover your skin with heavy makeup, this becomes a vicious cycle as makeup clogs pores. If u run your fingers over your skin, you may feel mini bumps, common over the cheeks, jawline and forehead.
3.  Habit of picking your pimples, squeezing them | *raises hand* I confess i have itchy fingers too lol! This is a major NO no! Scar and pigmentation risk is high. Some people go to beauticians for their extractions. I dont recommend this, but if you must, find a professional to do it for you.

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(pictures courtesy of dermnetnz)