6 solutions for skin trouble

Let’s look at six common problems.

No. 1 You can feel a spot developing but it’s still quite deep

• Leave it alone, and don’t squeeze it. It just might go away.
• Clean your skin and apply an organic clay-based mask (from a pharmacy or health food store) or zinc paste to the affected area.
• If you can’t resist squeezing, have clean hands & skin too.
• Wrap a tissue around your fingers when cleaning the spot.
• Clean it again afterwards, and apply the clay or zinc paste to the area - this may help with healing.

No. 2 The spot has healed, but there’s still a red crust

• Again, leave it alone. The skin will eventually heal.
• The red crust may not look good, but it is still the spot. Underneath is fresh skin.
• If you scratch it, you will see a pinkish red mark. ALWAYS put sun cream on this mark to prevent photo damage your skin (dark pigmentation)
   
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  No. 3 Allergic reaction: red, itchy, swollen!

  • Try to identify what you are reacting to. If it’s food and it’s getting worse, see a doctor.
  • If it’s cosmetics, apply a cold compress: Wet a small towel in cold water. Press it into your face for 10 seconds. Repeat this at least five times or longer if you feel it’s good for you.
  • If it’s on your body, take a cold shower or bath. Immerse a bed sheet in cold water and wrap yourself in it. If this doesn’t help, see a doctor.
  • Leave your skin bare of any creams until the reaction disappears. 
    No. 4 Sunburn

    • Drink as much water as you can, at least 2 litres a day (hydration from inside).
    • Take only cold showers, baths, and apply a cold towel or sheet (see No. 3).
    • Mix the flesh of a fresh aloe vera leaf in the blender and apply the mixture.
    • Keep the mixture in the fridge – it’s very cooling. Use often - your skin is de-hydrated and needs plenty of moisture.
      NEVER use warm or hot water (this dries your skin more).
      Massage organic coconut oil into your skin (250 ml costs around AU$8-$9).
       
      No. 5 Blackheads

      
      Our skin is biggest organ on our body and it breathes. It contains glands that are working 24/7. The sebaceous glands (found on all our skin except the soles and palms) are most abundant on the face and scalp. They continuously secrete a substance called sebum. Under the skin surface this is white/yellow, but once exposed to the air it darkens through oxidation: this is what we call blackheads.

       

      Because sebum is always being produced, we can get our skin looking clean one day, but a couple of days later, we see blackheads again. You can’t stop the glands producing sebum, though this does slow down as we age. That’s why young people tend to have oily skin, and older people have drier skin.

       

      Here are some tips

      • Clean the area often with cleanser, using your fingertips.
      • Exfoliate regularly with a good product-.
      • Use a clay-base mask. It draws oil from the skin and keeps it clean. BUT as explained, blemishes will continue to appear because our glands are always active.
      • If you have constant blemishes or severe acne, consult a doctor. For occasional problems, you could consult a professional beautician, who can treat them without causing damage to your skin. 
        No. 6 Wrinkles

        • Drink plenty of water
        • Always use sunscreen and avoid staying out in the sun.
        • Use skin care which really supports your skin (see my Good food for dry skin blog to learn about ingredients)
        • Eat antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, beta carotene: found in papaya, citrus fruit, berries, cereal grains, nuts and oils derived from plants, cocoa, wheat bran, yeast grains, meats (especially organs and fish), green vegetables.
        • Exfoliate with scrub 
        • Use a rejuvenating mask twice a week