Tips & Tricks to Banish Blemishes💣

We've all been there.

Stubborn pimples that randomly appear no matter how well you've eaten, drank and taken care of your skin? Yep, they're the most annoying of them all. 

If you're constantly breaking out, it's always a good idea to address your skincare routine and wellbeing habits. Hormonal acne, on the other hand, takes a little more TLC to shift. 

Here are some of the best tips and tricks to banish the blemishes:

• Look For Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is an ingredient found in lots of blemish treatments. Don’t be deterred by the word “acid” – it’s really not that scary. Salicylic acid reduces swelling and redness and conceals spots when applied directly onto your blemish before bed and in the morning. Skyn Iceland Blemish Dots with Salicylic Acid ($120TT).  They're pretty much invisible once you've got one on. You can also try putting the  Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Solution ($120TT) onto your pimples before bed which will banish the blemish overnight.

• Try Light Therapy

      If your spots are really stubborn, you might want to try an at-home light therapy treatment. Neutrogena's Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask ($210TT)  is available in the form of masks and spot-on treatments. The blue light kills bacteria, whilst the red light works to reduce inflammation. 

• Go For An Anti-Blemish Facial
  If you're struggling with outbreaks, facials can be really effective. The therapist will give your skin a thorough cleanse before directly targeting blemishes. Afterwards, you will most likely be given an at-home treatment plan. In between facials you can try Murad's Clarifying Mask ($266TT) which absorbs impurities while cleansing and contains sulfur to reduce acne. 

• Check Your Diet
  Even though your spots are hormonal, certain foods might still trigger them. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water and try to limit refined or process foods, pepper and dairy to see if it helps.

• Drink Green Tea
  Research shows that drinking green tea helps to reduce inflammation in the skin. This means if you've got a prominent spot, it may help to bring down the swelling and redness more quickly. 
• Exfoliate
  To have an efficient skin care routine when your acne is hormonal is very important. Sometimes, less is more. Steer clear from grainy, physical exfoliators like scrubs as these could be too harsh on the blemish, scrape away the head and lead to infection. Chemical exfoliators are better for active spots - look for something with lactic acid or fruit enzymes like Pixi's Glow Tonic ($235TT) with Aloe Vera and Ginseng.
• Limit Stress
  Last but not least - try not to stress about your skin!! I know this sounds easier than it is - but stress is very often another trigger for hormonal acne. Manage your stress more effectively through enrolling yourself in a yoga class, exercising regularly and meditation.