By Rose Ewing
Keeping skin clear and healthy-looking is intentional. But can pimples, zits, lumps and bumps on your skin be controlled?
“While skin breakouts may be inevitable, establishing a routine to care for your skin will keep it looking healthy,” explained Connie Polk Nickles, a licensed esthetician with 18 years of skin care experience who manages the spa at the Celadon Club on Lady’s Island.
But what are these bumps?
Acne is often referred to as pimples or zits. It’s a skin condition that occurs when sebaceous glands become clogged and inflamed with dirt or oil. While zits are most often found on the face, they can also appear on a person’s neck or back. This condition is difficult to treat, but it can be controlled with proper skin care and lifestyle changes.
Sebaceous hyperplasia is the name for a condition where the sebaceous glands in your skin become enlarged and form small flesh-colored, umbilicated bumps. (Umbilicated means having a small depression in the center that resembles a navel.) It’s a harmless, benign enlargement of a hair follicle. These typically do not go away on their own, but they can be minimized in appearance.
While these two skin disorders cannot be controlled completely, success can be found by following these tips:
- Establish a morning and nightly skincare routine.
- In the morning, cleanse skin. Very often, dirt, residue or makeup that did not come off the night before will come out of the skin overnight. Therefore, it is just as important to cleanse the skin in the morning as it is at night. Moisturize with a noncomedogenic skin moisturizer; then apply sunscreen. If you wear makeup, make sure the makeup has sunscreen in it. “A successful skin care plan can be as simple as cleansing, moisturizing and using sunscreen,” explained Nickles.
- At night, remove all makeup and cleanse skin. Follow with a toner for sensitive skin on a fresh cotton disposable pad.
- Change out your pillowcase regularly.
- Avoid touching your face throughout the day with dirty hands.
- Wash skin as soon as possible following exercise. Sweat can clog pores and make skin conditions worse, so shower or bathe after exercising.
- For large pores, breakouts, or anything that needs to be cleared, clay is a good option. Pre-moistened Bentonite Clay can be applied using a Q-tip or cotton ball. Spread on the skin in the desired area. Let dry. When ready to remove, rinse to moisten, then wipe with a warm, wet wash cloth. This helps draw out impurities.
- To remove dead skin cells, exfoliate. Use baking soda on a damp wash cloth, or dip a finger covered with a wet washcloth in aluminum oxide crystals, found in the skin care aisle in drugstores. Rub to exfoliate. Avoid pressing too hard and avoid exfoliating areas with open sores. Once you have exfoliated, that area of skin will need extra care to prevent sun damage.
- Cut out all sugar and sodium from your diet. Sugar is the enemy of the skin and causes breakouts. To avoid puffy eyes in the morning, avoid foods high in sodium after 5p.m.
- If you wear foundation makeup or concealer, use brands that do not clog pores. Look for ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label. Does it have a lightweight feeling when applied? If you feel as if you are wearing a mask, keep looking for a different brand. It is recommended to use a fresh makeup application sponge each time foundation or concealer is applied.
- If you use makeup brushes, be sure to regularly clean all makeup brushes, foundation brushes, blush or highlighter sponges to prevent bacteria buildup. To clean, wet with warm water, then use a drop of liquid dish soap and use your clean fingers to work it in followed by a good rinse. You may have to wash a couple times, then shake well to dry. Shake or tap the brush handle against the hand afterward to fluff up the brush. Dry with bristles upright.
“Good skin care and healthy habits in your 20’s and 30’s can prepare your skin for the effects of aging down the road. By following a regime, your skin will remain healthy as you age. You are never too young or too old to begin to take care of your skin,” said Nickles.
For questions about specific skin issues or to make an appointment, contact Connie Polk Nickles, Celadon spa manager, at 843-379-1088.
