Your skin is 70% water, and many skin problems are associated with dry skin. That is why many skin preparations are made, using the concept of preventing moisture from leaving the skin. They therefore use occlusive agents, that is ingredients that clog your pores, thus theoretically sealing moisture in.

There is a problem with this approach however, and I’ll explain shortly, but first…

Let’s Learn About Your Skin. How it is Made, and How it Actually Works.

Your skin consists of two distinct layers: The outer layer, the epidermis, consists of dry mature cells and forms the protective layer. The inner layer or dermis consists of collagen. This gives the skin strength and flexibility. The dermis also contains the sweat glands, nerves, blood capillaries hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

Your skin is an important, vital, living, dynamic organ without which you could not survive. Among its many functions, it regulates your body temperature, and through its more than 2,000,000 sweat pores, is an organ of excretion. Your skin should also be allowed to breathe.

With this background, it’s easy to understand why the following ingredients do NOT belong on your skin:

 •Wash your face twice a day (no more) with warm water and a mild soap made for people with acne. Gently massage your face with circular motions. Don’t scrub. Overwashing and scrubbing can cause skin to become irritated. After cleansing, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying an over-the-counter (no prescription needed) lotion containing benzoyl peroxide. This will decrease oil and bacteria.

•Don’t pop pimples. It’s tempting, but here’s why you shouldn’t: Popping pimples can push infected material further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring. If you notice a pimple coming before a big event, like the prom, a dermatologist can often treat it for you with less risk of scarring or infection.

•Avoid touching your face with your fingers or leaning your face on objects that collect sebum and skin residue like the telephone receiver. Touching your face can spread the bacteria that cause pores to become inflamed and irritated. To keep bacteria at bay, wash your hands before applying anything to your face, such as treatment creams or makeup.

•If you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose.

•If you get acne on your body, try not to wear tight clothes, which don’t allow skin to breathe and may cause irritation. You also might want to stay away from scarves, headbands, and caps, which can collect dirt and oil, too.

•Remove your makeup before you go to sleep. When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” on the label. Throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it.

•Keep hair clean and out of your face to prevent additional dirt and oil from clogging your pores.

 •Protect your skin from the sun. It may seem like a tan masks acne, but it’s only temporary. A tan can cause the body to produce extra sebum, which may worsen your acne, not improve it. Tanning also causes damage to skin that will eventually lead to wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer.