Blackheads, enlarged pores, oily skin

Blackheads are a consequence of excess sebum and, for most people, they are caused by skin care products. A harsh cleanser is the product most likely to damage the skin barrier. When the skin's natural protective oils are stripped away, the skin is forced to produce more sebum to compensate. Stress can also cause blackheads and enlarged pores. Blackheads and whiteheads can also indicate acne-prone skin.

Cleansing is an important step in skin care. If you wear oil-based makeup or SPF during the day, use a gentle oil-based makeup remover, and then use a cleanser. A gentle cleanser is already half the battle for healthy skin, so choose your cleanser carefully.

Daily Skin Care Routine

Morning:

1. Cleanse face with Triple Action Cleanser + cold water. This concentrated cleanser doesn't foam and only a small amount is needed. It gently exfoliates and adds probiotics. Note that this is a gentle cleanser that respects your skin's pH and microbiome.
2. Apply Multilayer Serum to the affected area to control oxidized sebum.
3. Apply Regulating Moisturizer to the entire face to hydrate and prevent future blemishes. This cream works in synergy with the Multilayer Serum to target sebum.

Evening:

1. Cleanse face with Triple Action Cleanser + cold water.
2. Apply Multilayer Serum to the affected area.
3. Apply Regulating Moisturizer to the entire face.

Nutrition

Thanks to the new science of Nutrition, a healthy diet now has a new purpose. Given the paramount importance of our gut microbiome in overall health and skin health, we should choose foods to nourish our gut microbiome.

Examples of foods that help nourish our microbiome:
- Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables such as oats, broccoli, bananas, apples, cabbage, etc.
- Varied plant-based foods - aim for a minimum of 30-35 different foods per week (including herbs, spices, seeds, fruits, and vegetables) to improve gut microbiome diversity.

Reduce sugar:
- Sugars (including simple carbohydrates) produce more insulin. An increase in insulin leads to an increase in androgens. An increase in androgens leads to an increase in sebum and potentially acne or breakouts.
- In the case of skin aging, sugar leads to premature aging through a process called glycation. Glycation irreversibly damages collagen and elastin, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.

Lifestyle

Physical exercise accelerates blood flow, and blood carries oxygen and nutrients to active cells in the body, including the skin. Physical movement is also essential for balancing hormones. Any form of exercise is effective, from brisk walking to strength training. Find an activity you enjoy, and you'll be more likely to stick with it.

Stress management is another key component of health and healthy skin. Incorporate breathing exercises into your life, even if it's only a few minutes a day. Yoga is an excellent way to combine physical and breathing exercises.

Improve your sleep and take time to relax. Stress is an aggravating factor for acne, and many people suffer from stress without recognizing its symptoms. In cases of prolonged stress, we recommend taking our Acne & Stress food supplement, rich in antioxidants and magnesium.