BellaSugar

Definition: Sebum

BellaSugar — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 15:15:25 -0700

Sebum, which comes from the Latin word for "fat," is an odorless oil produced by the sebaceous glands. The substance contributes to oily hair and skin, while overproduction of sebum can cause acne. As sebum breaks down, the bacteria gives off an unpleasant smell, which can contribute to body odor.

Sebum isn't all bad, though: It's also what coats your hair to make it nice and shiny. In addition, sebum protects skin from infection and keeps it from dehydrating. Sebum production slows down with age, so post-menopausal women produce less sebum.

One common misconception is that powder and blotting papers can reduce sebum production. Though these products will remove oil on the surface of your skin, they will not decrease the amount of sebum your body makes.

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5 Tips For Keeping Your Locks Glossy

BellaSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:00:49 -0700

After perusing through the pictures from Rock a Little, Feed a Lot benefit concert that took place last night in LA, I was struck by all of the completely gorgeous, shiny hair. From Isla Fisher to Christina Applegate to Alanis Morissette, it was all about light-reflective locks. There are countless ways to boost shine through technique and product, including starting off by giving residue and buildup a farewell party with a good clarifying shampoo. And I have even more tips to keep you glossy. Just keep reading.

Beer: Three Ways It Does a Beauty Good

BellaSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:00:55 -0700

You may not love the Taste of the Rockies now, but you might after you find out just how useful a couple cheap cans can be. Whatever ale's rolling around in your fridge can make for several great beauty treatments-and there really is no better guy pickup line than "Hey there, I just bathed in beer." So keep reading, because this Bud's for you.

Acne

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:56 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by clogged pores, blackheads, and pimples. The oil glands, or sebaceous glands, are connected to hair follicles and release a substance known as sebum that lubricates hair and skin. Usually, sebum travels up the hair follicle and out onto your skin. But when the sebaceous glands produce too much oil and combine with dead skin cells, the follicles become blocked and inflamed. The nose, forehead, cheeks, chin, back, and trunk are the areas acne most often affects. Between 17 - 45 million people have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the United States. While it tends to last longer in women, men are more likely to get acne and tend to have more severe cases. Acne is most common in adolescents, and it generally disappears by age 30. Although it is not a serious health threat, severe acne can be painful and may cause permanent scarring, which can be upsetting for people who suffer from the condition.

Signs and Symptoms

There are several types of acne lesions:

Closed comedone (whitehead) -- a clogged follicle. Whiteheads usually appear on the skin as small, round, white bumps.
Open comedone (blackhead) -- a plugged follicle that opens and turns dark at the surface of the skin. Blackheads do not indicate the presence of dirt.
Papules -- inflamed lesions that appear as small, pink bumps on the skin.
Pustules (pimples) -- inflamed pus-filled lesions that are red at the base.
Cysts and nodules -- large, inflamed, pus-filled lesions deep under the skin that can cause pain and scarring.

Lesions can cause scars ranging from small, depressed pits to large elevated blemishes, depending on the severity of the acne and the person's skin type.

What Causes It?

Acne is caused by the combination of too much sebum and a buildup of dead skin cells, but no one knows what trigger the overproduction of sebum. During adolescence, rising hormone levels are thought to be a factor. The increased sebum blocks hair follicles, and small bacteria-filled cysts called comedones form. If these comedones do not rupture, they develop into whiteheads or blackheads. When comedones rupture, the inflammation can spread into the surrounding area. Papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules are types of inflammatory lesions.

Risk Factors

The following may cause or worsen acne:

Family history of acne
Using oily cosmetic or hair products containing vegetable or animal fats
Hormonal changes common during adolescence, pregnancy, or menstruation (acne tends to flare up 2 - 7 days before menstruation begins)
Certain medications such as corticosteroids, androgens, oral contraceptives, lithium, halogens, isoniazid, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and high levels of iodine (such as from kelp)
Sweating and friction on your skin, caused by headbands, back packs, bicycle helmets, or tight collars
Squeezing and picking comedones

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Acne is rarely a serious health problem, and general practitioners and internists can treat most people with mild-to-moderate forms of acne. People with more severe cases are often referred to a dermatologist. Your doctor will take a complete medical history that includes questions about skin care, cosmetic use, and diet; factors that trigger flare-ups; medication use; and prior treatment. Your doctor will also examine your face, chest, back, and other areas for blemishes, lesions, and scars.

Treatment Options

Treatments for acne involves lessening sebum production, helping the skin shed dead cells so they don't build up, and preventing bacteria from accumulating. The following self-care techniques may be helpful:

Wash skin once or twice a day with a mild cleanser. Washing more frequently, scrubbing skin, or using facial masks can make acne worse.
Use oil-free skin care products and cosmetics. Look for products that say "water-based" or "non-comedogenic."
Try over-the-counter lotions containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
People with mild cases of acne may improve symptoms with herbs, Ayurveda, or homeopathy. Expect to use medications or complementary and alternative remedies for at least 6 - 8 weeks before seeing a noticeable improvement in symptoms.

Drug Therapies

Topical

Your doctor may also prescribe topical medications to treat acne. The most commonly used include:

Retinoids (tretinoin or Retin-A, adapalene or Differin, and tazarotene or Tazorac) -- are medications derived from vitamin A that work by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. Side effects may include redness, peeling, and photosensitivity (high risk of sunburn). Most retinoids are applied at night and should not be applied at the same time as benzoyl peroxide (with the exception of adapalene). Pregnant women should not use topical retinoids during pregnancy.
Antibiotics -- work by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin are available in prescription form and may be used to treat mild-to-moderate acne.
Benzoyl peroxide -- Benzoyl peroxide is also available in prescription form.

Your doctor may recommend a combination of topical medications, such as benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin.

Oral

Your doctor may prescribe oral (taken by mouth) antibiotics either alone or in addition to topical medications for moderate-to-severe acne. For those with severe, inflammatory acne that does not improve with other medications, an oral retinoid called isotretinoin may be prescribed.

Antibiotics -- work by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Commonly prescribed oral antibiotics include doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline. Antibiotics taken by mouth should not be used during pregnancy or by children under 9.
Isotretinoin (Accutane) -- doctors aren't sure exactly how isotretinoin works, although it may reduce the production of sebum. It is usually prescribed for people with severe, inflammatory acne that does not improve with other medications. Isotretinoin is taken twice a day for 20 weeks. It causes severe birth defects and must not be used by pregnant women or those who may become pregnant. In fact, in the U.S. women who take isotretinoin are required to undergo regular pregnancy tests and take some form of prescription birth control.

Some women may be prescribed birth control pills that seem to reduce acne.

Surgery and Other Procedures

Surgery or other procedures can help improve the appearance of skin scarred by acne. Chemical peeling (where a chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to blister and eventually peel off) can reduce minor scars, while dermabrasion (a procedure that uses a rapidly rotating brush to remove the top layers of skin) can help more severe scarring. Laser resurfacing uses pulses of light to remove the top layer of skin and reduce scarring.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Nutrition

Although some people with acne report that certain drinks and foods (particularly nuts) make their symptoms worse, there is no scientific evidence that any food (even chocolate) affects acne. It is possible that food allergies may play a role in adult acne, and people may want to avoid foods that appear to aggravate their symptoms. Some doctors may suggest a low glycemic diet, which helps keep blood sugar stable and under control.

Zinc (30 mg two times per day for a month, then 30 mg per day) -- Several studies indicate that the mineral zinc may reduce the effects of acne. However, high doses of zinc can cause anemia, vomiting, and immune system suppression. It also interacts with tetracycline, which is often prescribed for acne. For these reasons, talk to your doctor before taking zinc.
Niacinamide (as a 4% topical gel) -- One study found that applying a 4% niacinamide gel to the skin two times per day for two months significantly improved acne symptoms. However, the study lacked a placebo, so it is hard to tell exactly how effective niacinamide might be.
L-carnitine -- Researchers in Greece showed that, among a large group of people, mild side effects from isotretinoin (dry skin, chapped lips, dry eyes, and nosebleeds caused by dry nose) improved when taking L-carnitine compared to those who took a placebo.
Vitamin A -- has many of the same properties as the retinoid drugs, but often with fewer side effects. Few studies have been done on vitamin A and acne, however. Too much vitamin A can be toxic, so talk to your doctor to determine the right dose for you, and only take higher doses of vitamin A under a doctor's supervision. Do not take extra vitamin A if you are pregnant or have liver disease.

Herbs

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternafolia, 5% gel) -- Applied topically, tea tree oil may help reduce bacteria on the skin, lessening inflammation and improving symptoms. One study compared the effectiveness of tea tree oil gel with benzoyl peroxide lotion in 119 people with mild-to-moderate acne. People in both groups improved, and the people using tea tree oil reported less side effects (including stinging, itching, burning, and dryness) than those using benzoyl peroxide.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul, dose equivalent to 25 mg guggulsterones or about 500 mg of guggul two times per day) -- In one study, taking guggul orally had the same effect as taking tetracycline. Guggul should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women. Guggul may have estrogen-like effects, and should not be taken by anyone with a history or family history of hormone-related cancers, including prostate cancer and breast or ovarian cancer. In addition, the herb may interact with anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications), tamoxifen, and birth control pills containing estrogen, as well as herbs that have estrogen-like effects (such as black cohosh, licorice, soy, and others). People who take these herbs or drugs should not take guggul.

Ayurvedic medicine -- Ayurvedic medicine may help improve symptoms, although further studies are needed. In one study, a combination of ginger (zingiber officinale), Holarrhena antidysenterica, and Embelia ribes reduced the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. In another study, combined oral and topical use of Aloe barbadensis, Azardirachta indica, turmeric (Curcuma longa), Hemidesmus indicus, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia arjuna, and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera ) also reduced the number of lesions.

Homeopathy

There have been few studies examining the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopaths, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for acne based on their knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. In homeopathic terms, a person's constitution is his or her physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.

Belladonna -- for people who experience flushes of heat to the face or who have inflamed pustular acne that improves with cold applications
Calendula -- for skin conditions involving pustules or blisters
Hepar sulphur -- for painful, pus-filled acne
Kali bromatum -- for deep acne, especially on the forehead, in persons who are chilled and nervous
Silicea -- for pustules or pit-forming acne

Other Considerations

Pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid all retinoids (those either taken by mouth or applied to the skin), isotretinoin, and the antibiotics tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline because they can be harmful to the fetus. The antibiotic erythromycin (in both forms applied to the skin and taken by mouth) is safe to use during pregnancy.

Prognosis and Complications

Acne is not a serious health threat, but severe acne can be painful, emotionally upsetting, and may cause permanent scarring. Squeezing lesions can rupture comedones and cause inflammation. Infants with acne have an increased risk of developing acne in adolescence. Symptoms generally diminish after adolescence and disappear by age 30. However, the incidence of adult acne, especially in women, seems to be increasing and is not unusual in women in their 30s and 40s.

Supporting Research

Bassett IB, Pannowits DL, Barneston RSC. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust. 1990;153:455-458.

Brown DJ, Dattner AM. Phytotherapeutic approaches to common dermatologic conditions. Arch Dermtol. 1998;134:1401-1404.

Darmstadt GL. Acne vulgaris. In: Behrman RE, Kliefman RM, and Jenson HB, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 16th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 2000: 2047-2051.

Dreno B, Amblard P, Agache P, Sirot S, Litoux P. Low doses of zinc gluconate for inflammatory acne. Acta Derm Venereol. 1989;69:541-543.

Dreno B, Trossaert M, Boiteau HL, Litoux P. Zinc salts effects on granulocyte zinc concentration and chemotaxis in acne patients. Acta Dermatol Venereol. 1992;72:250-252.

Ernst E, Huntley A. Tea tree oil: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Forsch Komplementärmed. 2000;7:17-20.

Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2007 Jan-Feb;73(1):22-5.

Georgala S, Schulpis KH, Georgala C, Michas T. L-carnitine supplementation in patients with cystic acne on isotretinoin therapy. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 1999;13(3):205-209.

Gfesser M, Worret WI. Seasonal variations in the severity of acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 1996;35(2):116-117.

Gold MH. Acne and PDT: new techniques with lasers and light sources. Lasers Med Sci. 2007 Jan 16; (Epub ahead of print).

Jansen T, Plewig G. Advances and perspectives in acne therapy. Eur J Med Res. 1997;2:321-334.

Jonas WB, Jacobs J. Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors' Guide. New York, NY: Warner Books; 1996: 227-230.

Krowchuk DP. Treating acne. A practical guide. Med Clin North Am. 2000;84(4):811-828.

Kubo I, Muroi H, Kubo A. Naturally occurring antiacne agents. J Nat Prod. 1994;57(1):9-17.

Lucky AW, Biro FM, Simbartl LA, Morrison JA, Sorg NW. Predictors of severity of acne vulgaris in young adolescent girls: results from a five-year longitudinal study. J Pediatr. 1997;13(1):5.

Lucky AW, Cullen SI, Jarratt MT. Comparative efficacy and safety of two 0.025% tretinoin gel: results from a multicenter double-blind, parallel study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998; 38(4): S17–23.

Meynadier J. Efficacy and safety study of two zinc gluconate regimens in the treatment of inflammatory acne. Eur J Dermatol. 2000;10:269-273.

Papageorgiou PP, Chu AC. Chloroxylenol and zinc oxide containing cream (Nels cream®) vs. 5% benzoyl peroxide cream in the treatment of acne vulgaris. A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Clin and Exp Dermatol. 2000;25:16-20.

Paranjpe P, Kulkarni PH. Comparative efficacy of four Ayurvedic formulations in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical evaluation. J Ethnopharm. 1995;49:127-132.

Raman A, Weir U, Bloomfield SF. Antimicrobial effects of tea-tree oil and its major components on Staphylococcus aureus, Staph. epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. Letters in Applied Microbiol. 1995;21:242-245.

Swerlick RA, Lawley TJ. Eczema, psoriasis, cutaneous infections, acne, and other common skin disorders. In: Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998:303-304.

Thappa DM, Dogra J. Nodulocystic acne: oral gugulipid versus tetracycline. J Dermatol. 1994;21:729-31.

Thiboutot D. New treatments and therapeutic strategies for acne. Arch Fam Med. 2000;9:179-187.

Ullman D. The Consumer's Guide to Homeopathy. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1995: 185-186.

Whang KK, Lee M. The principle of a three-staged operation in the surgery of acne scars. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999; 40(1): 95–97.

Whitmore, SL. Common problems of the skin. In: Barker LR, Burton JR, Zieve PD. Principals of Ambulatory Medicine. 5th ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins; 1999: 1511.

Review Date:
3/18/2007
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

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Say So Long to Limp Locks With a Colored Hair Powder

BellaSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Now that warmer weather is approaching, is your scalp heating up, too? Perhaps your roots and/or bangs are oily, but your ends are just fine. That's when hair powders come into play. Not only do these oil-absorbing products help sop up excess sebum, they revitalize styles and assist in giving your hair a lift in the aroma department, too. Here are a few colored powders to ensure that you can focus on warm-weather activities, not your hair. Tip: While tinted powders are amazing at blending into your hair color sans white residue, keep in mind that they are tinted, so protect clothing with a towel or cape while applying.

You won't have to shell out lots of dough for Salon Graphix Powder Shampoo ($8). This spray-on cleanser is available in three shades, plus one for the silver foxes out there, too.
Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder ($19 to $35) comes in two sizes, and sprays on for a black, red, white, blondish, or brown finish.
The cheekily-named The All-Nighter Styling Powder ($18) is available in six shades and helps create volume and texture in the hair. It's made from all-natural ingredients and lends a pleasant citrus smell.
T3 Refresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($25) helps promote healthy hair with vitamin B6, and is sold in light, dark, and auburn colors.

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8 Foods That Strengthen Your Hair

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Aside from cleaning, conditioning, and using products to make your hair silky and shiny, your diet also plays a huge role in its health. Here are some essential vitamins and minerals you'll need for strong tresses.

Iron-rich foods such as lentils, potatoes with skin, peanuts, sunflower seeds, tofu, molasses, flaxseed, oysters, beef, chicken, shrimp, and trout are necessary for strong hair.
Foods rich in zinc such as walnuts, salmon, cashews, pecans, almonds, and oysters can help prevent hair loss.
Foods that contain biotin such as beans and eggs can prevent brittle hair.
Foods rich in selenium like nuts are necessary for a healthy scalp.

To see the other four foods read more.

Foods rich in vitamin B12 promote healthy hair, so get at least 2.4 micrograms a day by including foods such as chicken, shellfish, yogurt, cottage cheese, and eggs.
Carbs such as whole grains and fruit are necessary every day. Low-carb diets can contribute to thinning hair.
Foods rich in vitamin A such as cheese, eggs, carrots, spinach, and foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits and tomatoes are needed to produce sebum, your body's natural conditioner.
Calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, sesame seeds and spinach are needed for hair growth. They also contain protein which prevents brittle hair.

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Beauty Glossary: Blackheads

BellaSugarUK — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:00:00 -0700

Not the most glamorous of topics for this week's glossary, I know, but let's face it (excuse the pun) we've all been there. Sufferers of adult acne, in particular, will know just how upsetting waking up and finding one of these babies nestling on your skin can be.

Blackheads are scientifically known as open comedones. They occur when excess skin sebum (oil) and the skin cells become clogged in the sebaceous hair follicle. They appear to be black in color and can often be quite painful.

They are termed 'non-inflammatory lesions' by doctors and dermatologists, as unlike the red bumps and pus-containing pustules, they generally don't swell.

Blackheads are caused by partially blocked pores, and the black appearance is not dirt, as you may think, but the oxidising effect of air on the sebum in a blocked pore and the melanin pigment from the dead skin cells.

The best way to get rid of blackheads is to remove the cause of them - dead skin cells and excessive sebum, using products that are not too astringent. Anything overly harsh, will strip the skin of all oil, causing it to retaliate by producing more.

Watch this space for more expert tips and tricks for getting rid of blackheads.

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All About Hairbrush Bristles: Part Two

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:00:46 -0700

Did you ever wonder why some hairbrushes are more wiry and others were soft to the touch? Well, you're about to find out. All this week I'm exploring everything you ever want to know about hairbrush bristles. I've already covered how and why bristles are spaced apart and what those little ball-like endings are there for - read about it here. Next up? It's all about the materials from which bristles are made, whether synthetic, natural, or a little of both.

Natural bristles are typically comprised of hair from an adult boar. While boar bristles work for all hair types, those with very curly or thick hair might find them to be too soft to penetrate through their hair. The advantages of boar bristles are that the scaly texture of the bristles helps to clean the hair and scalp and distribute shine-enhancing sebum. They're also easy on the scalp, cause little to no breakage, and reduce static. The biggest disadvantage? Depending on the cut of the hair, boar bristle hairbrushes can be expensive, like the classic Mason Pearson Boar Bristle Hairbrush ($170). Fortunately, there are more affordable versions, like the Swissco Oakwood Oval Boar Bristle Hairbrush ($12).

Dr. Obagi: Moisturizers Make You Age

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:01:07 -0700

When it comes to skin, we're all aging - whether we like it or not. Recently, I interviewed dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi of ZO Skin Health. I asked him a few questions regarding his specialty, anti-aging skin care, and he had plenty to say. Here's a bit; more to come!

How is it that pimples and wrinkles can occur at the same time? Talk about a double whammy!
The two problems may occur at the same time, but they have different causes. Pimples are related to oil gland activity, the amount of sebum produced, and pores. Oil glands are hyperactive in some individuals (hormones, genetic factors), resulting in acne and rosacea when pores become clogged. Acne has nothing to do with age. Wrinkles are due to loss and destruction of collagen without replacement, due to cell inactivity. Both problems can and do, sometimes, occur at the same time.

What products/techniques can actually do the reverse, causing premature aging and/or wrinkling?
Moisturizers, when used daily as part of a skin care program, will accelerate aging and wrinkling of the skin, as they reduce cellular activity, causing the cells to become lazy and sensitive. Repeated AHA use, IPL [Intense Pulsed Light], and photo-rejuvenation treatments without cell stimulation, will reduce the skin's ability to regenerate healthy functioning cells.

Come back later this week for more of Dr. Obagi's thoughts on healthy aging and skin care.
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Spot Check: Banish Blackheads

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Whether you're suffering from adult acne or you just get the occasional spot - chances are you've had those bad face days, when a pesky blackhead made you want to retreat right back to the duvet.

The best way to get rid of blackheads is to remove the cause of them - excessive sebum or oil and dead skin cells. As I've said before, don't use anything overly harsh or too astringent, as your skin will only compensate by producing more oil. A specially formulated range for blemish-prone skin is best.

Don't be afraid of using cleansing products containing natural oils, such as jojoba or coconut oil to cleanse the skin. These oils are close to our natural oils, so they don't block the pores. I swear by DHC Cleansing Oil (£16) to keep your skin looking clear.

For my blackhead-banishing guide, just read more.

Use a gentle exfoliating mask every day to remove dead skin cells so they don't block pores. Just remember to be very gentle as over exfoliation can exacerbate the problem.
To squeeze or not to squeeze is the question. Personally, I'm against forcing the blackhead out, unless it's being done by a proper skincare expert, as part of a facial, with steam to open the pores.
Try to avoid touching your skin to prevent the spots and infection spreading.
Watch your diet. Make sure you're eating the right kinds of food to reduce sebum production. Avoid too many cooked carbohydrates and fats, and instead replace these with fresh fruits, vegetables and raw fats, such as avocados, olives, and olive oil.
Make sure any foundations and concealers are non-comedogenic and oil free so they won't block pores. Mineral makeup is ideal, though try and give your skin a break from makeup, at least one day a week.
Avoid products containing the following: alcohol, isopropyl mystate, lanolin, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, propylene glycol, mineral oil and parabens. Your skin is ultra sensitive when you're suffering from blemishes, so treat it kindly.
Steaming your face using tea tree oil and then applying a clay mask, a few times a week, will really help.

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