8 Myths About Acne

Myth 1: Acne Is for Teenagers

 
Truth: You can develop acne anytime. In fact, most patients treated for acne are between the ages of 20 and 52. When you think of acne you do think of teenagers but while their skin usually clears up, some adults may suffer from acne for many years.

Myth 2: It's Just a Phase -- Acne Goes Away Eventually

Truth: Acne can last for years, if not a lifetime. If left alone, without even topical treatments, it can worsen and scar. Acne is treatable and usually begins with mild, over-the-counter topical treatments. If that doesn't work, your dermatologist may prescribe oral and topical medicine. Control it well and breakouts will become scarce and hopefully you wont leave yourself with scars to deal with due to popping and over scrubbing. (I'm guilty of this)

Myth 3: Acne Is Caused By Dirt

Truth: Acne is a complex skin condition that has nothing to do with dirt -- bacteria is the culprit. A type of bacteria called Propionibacteria acnes gets into the pores, causing inflammation that results in pimples. Blackheads are caused by a buildup of sebum -- your skin's natural oil -- in your pores. Often washing to much can be more damaging (See number 4)

Myth 4: You'll Have Less Acne if You Wash Your Face More

Truth: Since acne isn't caused by dirt, it can't simply be washed away. Facial cleaners with ingredients such a benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulfur compounds can help treat acne, but an abrasive soap won't help clear up acne any better (or faster). Harsh scrubs and cleaners can actually irritate your face by stripping skin of its natural moisture, often causing "rebound" oiliness as your skin tries to balance the dryness. So don't over wash or scrub. cleansing twice a day is enough.

Myth 5: Popping Pimples Is a Good Way to Get Rid of Acne

Truth: Popping pimples damages the top layer of the skin and can result in scarring which can sometimes be permanent. Instead of picking at the area, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, gently towel dry and then spot treat with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You can add at-home masks, but restrict toners to the summer. Also moisturise if needed. Often acne treatments can lead to dry skin so if you feel your skin in a little dry apply an extra bit of moisture to your skin. it will pay off in the long run.

Myth 6: You Can't Wear Make Up If You Have Acne

Truth: While it’s true that some types of cosmetics can make acne worse, those labelled noncomedogenic generally won't. There are some concealers that contain benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol or salicylic acid, and there are also tinted acne treatment products. to be safe, do some research before you buy any makeup and pay attention to your own skin. If you are particularly oily go for oil free and if you are a little dry go for something moisturising.

Myth 7: Steam Helps Get Rid of Acne

Truth: Several studies -- including an Indian study in which patients said their acne was worse in the summer -- have suggested that heat and sweating make acne worse. Stay out of the sauna and keep your skin cool. i am particularly guilty of this. even having a bath can have a terrible affect on my skin. as i said pay attention to your own skin. its telling you more then your aware.

Myth 8: Tanning Clears Up Acne

Truth: While some light therapies can help treat acne, they don't work for the majority of acne sufferers. And the ultraviolet light from the sun (or tanning beds) is even worse – besides raising the risk of skin cancer it dries out skin and can lead to premature ageing while worsening acne. Your best bet is a chemical peel that focuses on the blocked pores without damaging your skin. be kind to your skin and it will calm down and look much better.

Wilkinson Sword Intuition

Ill try anything once. If a beauty product offers me the moon and stars I lap it up thinking "of course it will do what it promises to do, why wouldn't it?

...in comes the Wilkinson sword intuition razor.

It promises to shave you nice and smooth, while providing a layer of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to protect the skin. So no need for the usual shaving cream or anything else really as the razor is all you need.

Comes with a fitted head an a suction cup so it fits nicely onto the tiles of the shower. so convenient and easy to get your hands on mid shower.

The razor head pops off with ease to replace it when you have finished with the old one

So how did I get on? well the shaving itself was a breeze. The razor glided over my legs and removed hair as good as any other razor. The layer of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E was consistent and thick and in my opinion smelt wonderful. So all in all, it was great experience in the shower. 

HOWEVER, my skin was not happy afterwards. I had very sore and very big red marks left on my skin. Almost like burns. This is something I would expect if I had a dry shave (which I didn't). The box stated this razor was suitable for sensitive skin: I THINK NOT. I certainly don't see my skin as sensitive, dry: yes, sensitive: no. 

Perhaps my skin just doesn't get on with the ingredients but one thing is for certain, I wont be using it again and will not be repurchasing. A week late and my legs are still sore in the shower and even after applying HEAVY moisturiser twice daily still look blotchy and almost like I was burnt.

Its unfortunate though as the shave the razor provided was perfect. 

Maybe you will get on better with it then I did.

May Empties

I love that feeling you get when you finish up a product, regardless whether your feelings about it were good, bad or indifferent. Just knowing you used every last drop and got your money's worth is enough.

(I only decided to set up this blog about a week ago so very little empties this month) 

Unfortunately all of my empties this month are bath and body products so hopefully there will be a wider variety come next month. So here goes.......

VO5 Gloss Me Smoothly Shampoo

Personally I loved this shampoo. I loved the smell, it was so lightly fragranced and yet you could still smell it off my hair hours later. It lathered up great in the shower only a small amount was needed and it left my greasy roots and dry ends feeling clean without it feeling dry. I tend to wash my hair twice with shampoo in the shower as my hair is so greasy and the second wash gave the same results as the first, great smelling hair that was moisturised and clean. Brilliant

REPURCHASE: Yes, already have.

Johnson's Shower Gel Be Fresh &Awaken

Well what can I said about this shower gel. Nothing positive really. Smelt ok, although very hard to tell it had any smell at all. Came out of the bottle in a goopy lump and basically ran down the drain before it made it to my body. I would reckon I wasted at least half of the bottle. When I did eventually put it on my skin I used twice as much as I normally would with any other shower gel (cheap or expensive). It didn't upset my skin however which is really the only positive thing I can say. Luckily it was cheap (I got it for €1 on special offer, I will not be purchasing these again regardless of how cheap they are).

REPURCHASE: Definitely not.

Soap & Glory Glad Hair Day Thick Conditioner 

I love soap and glory. Pretty much every product in their range smells divine and this is no exception. I used this conditioner as a leave in treatment rather then just a conditioner and I must say it performed quite well. I left it on for about 10 minutes and my hair felt silky smooth, soft and smelled wonderful afterwards.

REPURCHASE: Yes.

Radox Moisture Boost Shower Cream

Another shower gel, although this one I actually liked. Smelled beautiful, worked up a great lather, left my body feeling clean and it didn't irritate my skin. What more could you want for a basic shower gel. 

REPURCHASE: Maybe, if it was on offer but i wouldn't specifically go out and purchase this again.

Nivea Pure and Natural Hand cream (For dry hands)

I have terribly dry skin so  I go through a lot of hand cream. I've tried many creams some more expensive then others. I really did like this cream even though its a relatively cheap buy. Surprisingly it smells really nice and is quite thick so very little is needed so you really do get your monies worth. I don't think its ideal for exceptionally dry skin, however those with normal skin would be very happy with this product as its light, relatively non greasy, smells really nice and moisturises well.

REPURCHASE: Yes, more them likely as it smells nice and sinks in well.

Garnier 7 Days Daily Body Lotion (for Dry and Rough Skin)

Flaky skin on your legs is never attractive so I moisturise and moisturise (and then I moisturise some more). As this is designed for dry and rough skin I taught I'd give it a try and see is it just another moisturiser which promises to give me perfect skin but realistically is just a basic body lotion or does it actually achieve what is says it will. I've come to the conclusion that its neither. I wouldn't class it as just another basic body lotion it does moisturise well, very well if fact. However it certainly does not provide moisture for 7 days after using it for a week. Although realistically I didn't expect it to. It smells lovely and not to greasy. Some drier parts required more than one application during the day but as my skin is so dry I don't blame the cream for this.

REPURCHASE: Yes, absolutely as it smells beautiful.

Johnson's Shower Gel Be Fresh & Revive

As I said above, I wasn't really happy with these shower gels. I used them just to simply get rid of them. Thank heavens there all gone because I really didn't enjoy my shower using these.

REPURCHASE: Absolutely not.

Pharmacy Brand Epsom Salts

I must say I really do enjoy using Epsom salts. I throw a handful in the bath to reduce and bloating or swelling or if I'm using the foot spa I throw a few in to soothe my feet and reduce swelling especially if I have been wearing heels and my feet are unhappy as a result. This tub has lasted me quite a while and a tub is very cheap to buy. I used the last of it while giving my feet a pedicure at home (trying to get my feet ready for sandal season) and I must say my feet look at feel all the better for it. A staple in my bathroom. 

REPURCHASE: Yes, in fact I already have.

Johnson's Dreamy Skin Relaxing Body Cream

I saw this on offer in Tesco for €1 and had to buy it. When I think of body cream I would never think of Johnson's. This is my first time trying a Johnson's body lotion and I must say I'm not disappointed. It promises to relax your body and help you to sleep peacefully, neither of which it does. It does however smell lovely. It has a very light fragrance which sits on your body, its thick and yet not as thick as a standard body butter. It moisturises like a body butter yet sinks into the skin like a lotion. Ideal  for when your in a hurry and need to get dressed. I was very impressed with this product.

REPURCHASE: Yes, if I ever find it again (haven't been able to find it anywhere).