Ance? Maskne? Butt-ne?

Ance? Maskne? Butt-ne?

Skin Imperfections are a normal part of life, but when they occur, they can sap our confidence.  

 Terra Supra clay salts are the fix for you!

 Acne is clogged pores, pimples, and cysts (which go deeper under the skin than pimples) that occur on the face, neck, shoulders, upper arms, and upper back or chest. Caused when dirt, oil, and bacteria clog and inflame a hair follicle, acne is frustrating, but treatable. There are many oil glands in the chest, back, and upper arms, which is why acne may develop there. The buildup of dirt and oil trapped within the follicles can lead to an overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria and subsequent inflammation.

 The masks we must wear can also trap dirt and oil against the skin, so treat your masks like underwear, and change, and wash them often. Make-up free skin under masks and a simple skin care regimen with few ingredients is best to prevent ‘maskne’ flare-ups.  

 Butt ‘acne’ is also very common; however is not true acne; rather it is an infection of the hair follicle caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungus. Folliculitis on the buttocks typically develops because of friction between clothing and skin, which, combined with sweating, disrupts the skin’s outer layer. A mild case of folliculitis on the butt will generally clear up on its own in a few days; however, more severe infections can cause crusty, even painful sores that may need medical attention. If the tips below do not help, see your doctor for a topical antibiotic or antifungal.

 If you have active acne or folliculitis, we do not recommend exfoliating until active lesions have healed.  Scrubbing the area may cause the bacteria or pathogen to spread to other parts of the skin.  Our Terra Supra clay salts are naturally antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and their antibacterial properties discourage the growth of bacteria responsible for breakouts and acne. Their detoxifying properties help heal small lesions and draw out toxins, microscopic dirt, and pollutants that get into pores over time.

 For acne on the face, neck, shoulders, upper arms, or chest, mix a scant part water with two parts salt and gently dab this paste onto blemishes.  Leave until dry and then gently wash the area with a non-soap cleanser and warm water. Repeat two or three times per week.

For larger areas, such as the back or buttocks, make and apply a ‘paste’ mask.  Again, use one part water and two parts salt – about the consistency of toothpaste.  Pat gently over the affected area and leave on skin until dry.  At first, this mask will sting on open skin, but this means it is working on healing and the stinging will subside after a few minutes.  Rehydrate once the mask is dry, and rinse with warm water without rubbing.  Repeat this mask, two or three times per week.  

 Once lesions have healed, gently exfoliate with one of our clay salts one to three times per week depending on your skin’s sensitivity to help maintain clear, beautiful skin.