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Bodybuilding Skin Care
Brass Tack Beauty
No Fluff. No Fads. Just the Facts.
w / Alex Bloomquist
Q ~
Dear Alex,
I hope you can give me some advice on how to take care of acne that keeps coming up on my chin! I'm not 12 anymore! Yet I am constantly chasing around some sort of breakout around my mouth and chin area! I'm happy adulting, but this is really dragging me down!
Please help! -Tired of Teen Breakout!
A ~
Hello, Tired!
It's a great day when you look in the mirror and see the fine adult you have become. Stubborn acne can be a real drag back to those turbulent teenage years! Let's move on!
I had a chance encounter years ago, reading a professional magazine for dermatologists that shed an amazing light on just your problem. A problem that I too was plagued with. My skincare routine was dialed in. My skin looked great, except for my chin area, which just wouldn't clear up.
The definition of this issue is peri-oral dermatitis. Now that we have a diagnosis, we can chase down a corresponding treatment. First off, do a little test. Try one week without fluoride in your life, or more to the point, not in your mouth! This is an easy experiment to try. Put some baking soda in a small glass by your sink. Dip your damp toothbrush in the powder, you do not need very much. Gently brush your teeth this way for at least seven days. If you don't get any new 'friends'(zits) in this time, you may have found your answer! Twice a day delivery of fluoride to the tissue in your mouth can build up over time to an intolerance reaction. If this is your fix then you can look for a flouride free tothpaste you like. Re-mineralizing toothpastes are great for adults and recommended by dentists. My dentist suggests Boka.
A key step in your testing will to also consider that hormone fluctuations during the month can also cause peri-oral dermatitis. So, don't run the above experiment during your 'happy time' of the month! Hold off on your no-fluoride test week till that time has passed.
Another consideration in your quest is the elimination of stress. If you had a stressful situation about 7-10 days ago, this will just be showing up on your skin now. Now, if I had a cure for stress, I would be a billionaire! But, short of a cure, I can definitely give you some skin-clearing tips. When we are stressed we often hold our breath rapidly and shallow. Deep breathing will absolutely help the condition of your skin and your potential for chin breakout. A great way to work this into your life is to have triggers. These are mine: When washing my hands, I do a few deep exhales, like I'm trying to fog up the mirror. Also, when getting into the car, deep exhales like I want to fog up the windshield. Deep out - means deep in. Get that oxygen revving in your system. Think of it as a science experiment. Give it a good 2 weeks of consistent effort. You'll be surprised how clear your chin can be!
Q ~
Dear Alex,
I have THE MOST SENSITIVE skin! Just thinking about it can make me flush, turn red, and raise a rash. What can I do to calm things down? I'm strong - but my skin is so weak! I need to get ready for a competition and am so nervous about hair removal. Shaving is a nightmare. I don't even dare to think about waxing. I'm about ready to just give up.
Call Me - Shaggy Softy!
A ~
Hello, Softy!
I feel your pain! When you do your best to be good to your skin and it's this sensitive, it's almost abuse just trying to protect it!
Let's start with some basics to start with:
Your skin is your largest organ. Things you do to the surface of your skin as well as things you take internally can make your skin react. Let's start with the possibility you have skin 'intolerances' - not necessarily allergies. You can search online for the protocol for an elimination diet. This is something a dermatologist might have you try for a few weeks. Then you start to add things back to find what you react to.
First, do a sweep of any supplements you are taking. B3, niacin can cause flushing of the face and chest. Flushing may be minimized by taking niacin with meals (or at bedtime with a low-fat snack), avoiding exacerbating factors (alcohol or hot beverages), and taking 325 mg of aspirin 30 minutes before niacin dosing.
Next, we can help your skin become stronger and less reactive. This will take some time, but it can be done. Strengthening your skin's barrier function is really important. Keep your skin hydrated with a non-fregranced moisturizer at night. Use an SPF 30+ every day - even in the winter. If your out more than 2 hours on a sunny day, be sure to reapply. It's important to choose a product you like. The texture and style of the SPF is key to wanting to wear it. Do not strip your skin with harsh cleansers or super hot water. Take mild temperature showers and always aim for the most gentle soap. Try Dr. Bronner's in the unscented variety.
In addition to gentle cleansing and hydration, there are ingredients to look for that can help build stronger, less reactive skin. True witch hazel extract is very helpful. Be careful what you shop for, as most drugstore witch hazel products have up to 14%+ alcohol in them. Bikini Kitty and Dirty Dog Gear have a spray-on treatment, based in aloe (also skin strengthening) that, with daily use, can help to build back a less reactive skin. It's also an amazing cooling, redness-reducing product to use right after hair removal. Daily use will help strengthen the skin over time. Build gentle care habits and build stronger skin!!
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