Skin Secrets with Sue Dewes from Tranquillo Beauty

There’s nothing worse than going to bed with a flawless complexion and waking up to a face dotted with blemishes. So here’s some derm-approved dos and don’ts to prevent morning breakouts.

Don’t use the same washcloth twice – you’ll simply transfer bacteria you removed from your face earlier back onto your skin.

Sleep on a clean pillowcase. Dirt, dust, and oil from hair can collect on a pillowcase, making it a breeding ground for bacteria.

Don’t reach for a late-night snack. Sweets or a sugary cocktail before bed can spike blood sugar levels and create inflammation, worsening conditions such as acne.

Don’t take stress to bed with you. Easier said than done, but stress can increase oil production in skin and promote inflammation.

Never bring your cellphone to bed. Bacteria on cellphones can put skin at risk of breakouts, especially around the mouth and cheeks.

Sleep in a cool room. A too-warm room will cause pores to contract and expand — and once sweat gets in, pores can become clogged and prone to blackheads and breakouts. 

Wash your face twice-daily – this allows two opportunities to remove bacteria and prevent breakouts.

Resist the urge to squeeze a blemish. It will look worse and can lead to scarring.

Don’t choose overly aggressive skin products. Abrasive scrubs, harsh cleansers or alcohol-based toners can cause sebaceous glands to go into overdrive and lead to more breakouts.

Exfoliate at least once-a-week with either a physical or chemical exfoliator.

Or book in at Tranquillo for a skin consultation.