Acne Fighting Tips for Teens and Adults

Acne affects many people just as they hit their teens. It’s a common skin condition that usually begins in puberty and around 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 will experience some form of it. There’s no cure for acne but even serious cases can be managed. If your teen is experiencing serious and prolonged breakouts of spots and acne, come see our esthetician for advice. There are natural products that can relieve the symptoms. We know that acne can be a distressing condition at a time when appearance feels like everything. Unfortunately, even adults can experience embarassing hormonal breakouts.

What causes acne?

Changes in hormones can lead to increased sebum production, which is often made worse by using the wrong skincare products. Using over the counter products with a drying action can do more than just dry out the excess sebum – they take moisture out of the skin, causing your body to make even MORE sebum. When choosing acne skincare products, consult our professional esthetician for advice on which products will suit your or teen’s skin. Over the counter drugstore washes and lotions can be harsh and aren’t suitable for all skin types. Inflammation can also lead to acne in teens. If your teen plays a lot of sport and sweats a lot it can cause an acne breakout on their back. Other things that might irritate the skin include overdoing the cover-up cosmetics which can cause pores to become clogged. 

So what can you or your teen do?

There are a few sure fire ways to reduce acne that every teen can benefit from. Even if they don’t suffer from major breakouts, teaching your teen to take care of their skin will be something that keeps their skin healthy for life. 

1. Wash your face twice a day

Tell your teen to wash with lukewarm water and a gentle non-soap cleanser. Keep the water warm, not hot because very hot water can actually make acne worse. We use and recommend our all-natural, organic Probiotic Cleanser.

2. Use acne skincare products regularly

Find professional acne treatment products including a probiotic masque. We are proud to be selected as an Eminence Organic Skin Care retailer. No harsh chemicals are used in treatments at the Well Spa. Just plant-based, organic products that we use and love ourselves.

3. Apply moisturizer

Choose a moisturiser that’s oil free, non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic. (That goes for makeup and sunscreen, too.) Many people believe that they shouldn't use a moisturizer if they are prone to breakouts or have oily skin. This is incorrect. Dry skin will cause your body to produce more sebum making you breakout. A good probiotic moisturizer will help restore balance to your skin which means less breakouts for you.

4. Remember hair gets greasy too

Teens should be reminded that they need to keep their hair clean and off their face. They should aim to wash hair daily and after exercise, and also keep any sports helmets or caps clean to avoid transferring oil to their face. 

5. Don’t pick!

Educate your teen about the dangers of skin picking - no matter how tempting it is to squeeze spots and blackheads, doing so just spreads bacteria, which makes more spots develop. Seek professional advice from a skin specialist if your teen develops severe acne that won’t respond to treatment, or the condition is becoming unmanageable. For most cases of mild acne, a good skincare routine will keep their skin in good condition and stop the acne from getting too bad.

#acnetreatment #organicacnefacial #hormonalbreakouts

5 Ways to Keep a Positive Mindset

We all know that life can be so busy and so stressful! It’s easy to slip into complaining and negative thinking, but it is rarely helpful to do so.

Here are some easy ways to keep going in a positive direction.

1. Start your day on a positive note, take 15 minutes (or more) and read something inspiring like a daily devotional (Jesus Calling is one of my favorites) or your Bible. This should come first before checking email, Facebook or the news.

2. Give thanks - Think of or write down 3-10 things you are grateful for. For a challenge try not to repeat any for a while if you do this daily.

3. Use a journal for writing down your goals and dreams. Writing down your dreams is a great way to keep them in the top of your mind which helps you to see new opportunities, and inspires you to work toward your dreams.

4. Hang out with positive people. Every one needs a little vent now and again, but some people are chronic complainers. Sort of like a toxic dump! This can zap your energy and leave you feeling grumpy yourself. You don’t have to ditch your friends and family, but limiting your time with them can be a healthy choice.

5. Finally, move your body. Some exercise each day will keep both your body and mind healthy and thriving. As a bonus, combine exercise with listening to a great book or upbeat music.

These small changes can add up to a happier you! #beatingdepression #waystostaypositive

Should Massage Hurt?

Have you ever wondered if a massage has to hurt to be effective?

If so, you are not alone. Many people believe that a massage has to hurt in order to be effective. Well it doesn’t! You’ll be happy to hear that the saying “No pain, no gain” doesn’t apply to massage therapy. Sometimes the most effective massages are the ones that don’t cause you any pain. Something that feels marvelous, and it’s good for you too? It doesn’t get much better than that! #nopainnogain

Pain versus Discomfort

Muscles naturally react to any sort of pain. When your muscles feel that your body is about to be injured or feels pain, the reflex to deflect the pain is stimulated. If your massage therapist is ever applying too much pressure, your muscles tighten to naturally counterattack the force, and that is not a great way to relax. A massage is meant to relieve the tension of your muscles. So, if you feel as though your massage therapist is applying too much pressure, just ask her to use less pressure. Seriously, we want you to.

Don’t go into the massage thinking there won’t be any discomfort at all though. Pain and discomfort are two different things. People usually describe discomfort as a “good hurt” - especially in reference to getting a massage. When you experience pain during a massage, it is more than discomfort and you should let your therapist know immediately.

Everybody has different tolerances for pain, so a massage that is painful for one person may not be painful for you. If you find that your massage therapist isn’t working between your tolerance levels for pain, then it’s important that you say something during the massage. Massages should almost never cause you physical pain and very rarely is it okay for you to be left with marks on your body afterwards.

If you are booking your first massage, you probably don’t want to start out with a deep tissue session. Ease your way into massage therapy and start with light, medium or firm pressure. At the Well Spa, we customize your massage to give you the best results and the best

experience. #massagetherapy

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