The Tribune

By SARAH BEEK

Your skin has something to say! Let’s start with the basics ...

Why does my skin break out?

Androgen, a hormone that becomes more pronounced during adolescence, makes oil glands grow and produce more sebum (aka oil). That excess oil can mix with skin cells and clump together, forming a plug that gets infected with bacteria, swells and becomes a breakout.

Why is my skin oily?

One part overactive sebaceous (oil) glands + one part overactive hormones = a 24-hour non-stop formula for oil-loaded pores. If that oil doesn’t mix with skin cells to become a breakout, then it spills out onto your skin’s surface.

Stinging + burning does not mean it’s working. Live it, learn it and stop using products that make your skin hurt. If it over-dries your skin, it’s not your friend.

The matt finish from alcohol-based toners makes you feel photo-worthy - but the solution is temporary. Over-drying the skin stimulates even more oil to compensate for what was lost.

Blackheads are not dirt inside your pores

Blackheads are trapped excess oils that have been changed in colour by coming into contact with oxygen (the way an apple turns brown after you cut it).

Breakouts do not mean your skin is dirty

But, keeping skin properly cleansed and treated with the right products can help you keep skin fresh and clear.

Sun Protection Factor does not make you break out.

There are new, more sophisticated Broad Spectrum formulations available that deliver sun protection without clogging pores and causing breakouts.

And finally, the golden rule of skin care

Be nice to your skin today, and it will behave better in the future. Clear Start takes a three-level approach to clearing breakouts, combining the best of nature’s botanicals and the science of skin care.

These formulas combine serious, medicated ingredients with skin-soothing botanicals - which means they are tough on breakouts but kind to your skin.

• Sarah Beek is a professional Skin Therapist at Dermalogica Skin Centre, Old Fort Town Centre. For appointments contact @dermalogicaskincentre.com or 377-SKIN (7546)