A holistic approach is essential for acne-prone skins. Janine Tait looks at the topical, nutritional and lifestyle factors to consider when treating blocked skin.
Attempting to clear blocked skin from the outside without addressing the underlying internal causes is like trying to shovel snow while it’s still still snowing – pointless!
It’s important to realise that your skin is a reflection of your life. To clear blocked skin you first need to identify the underlying dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to skin problems. Quick-fix methods can sometimes make temporary improvements, but genuine skin transformation is only possible when we work from within. Of course, topical skincare and treatments are also vital, but they are only half the story.
We need to address the cause of the problem rather than focusing entirely on the symptoms. If you don’t, you may continue to experience problems, producing blockages as fast as they can be removed. This is a discouraging cycle. Thankfully, there is a better way - the holistic beauty way.
Working From Within To Clear Blocked Skin
Avoid Foods That Block Skin
The oil glands in our skin produce oil that is secreted on to the skin’s surface to act as protection. The quality of this oil is determined by the food we eat which provides the raw material for the oil glands to produce their oil.
Some foods contain fats that are thick and sticky, resulting in oil that is also thick, sticky and more likely to block pores. These same foods often also contain free fatty acids that irritate and inflame the skin when secreted onto its surface.
Of course, this is not always the only factor; blocked skin can sometimes be caused by a lack of certain nutrients or inappropriate skin care products but in the majority of cases it can be traced back to saturated fats.
Three common culprits to look out for are chocolate, cheese and chips, sometimes called the ‘three C’s’. These foods all contain fats that block the pore and worsen blockages.
Blocking Foods to Avoid
Meat fat, mince, sausages, chips, fried fatty foods, mayonnaise, peanut butter, cheese, milo, nougat, fudge, full cream milk, cream, cream-based desserts, ice cream, cheese cake.
Skin Smoothing Alternatives
Skim milk, soy milk, grilled or baked lean meat dishes, french dressing, grilled, steamed or baked foods, salads, eggs, almonds, walnuts, spirulina, tahini, gelato, mejool dates, cacao, carob.
JANINE TAIT is New Zealand’s leading dermo-nutritionist and the founder of Bestow Beauty, which offers a beautiful range of organic super-food blends, recipes and rituals to nourish skin from within. She is also a respected leader within the Slow Beauty movement which champions a holistic approach to skincare.