Skin is complex; there are many systems in (and on) the body that impact the look and function of skin and acne progression. Food, sleep, work — everything is connected to your skin.
At Consonant Skin+Care we recognize that great skin comes from more than just great skin-care products. To achieve your best skin, we know that your regimen needs to be amplified with a wellness practice.
Sometimes it’s a tall glass of water, a good night’s sleep, or a trip to the gym. Sometimes it means meditation and other times it means medication. At Consonant, we pair real products with real life so you can tackle your acne and beyond.
Addressing acne through your skin-care regimen is the perfect place to start. We’ve teamed up with Felix to bring you the Acne Edit, three skin-care products curated by Felix doctors to work with your prescription to support and balance acne-prone skin. All of our products are 100 percent natural, pure unscented, cruelty-free, and proudly made in Canada.
Natural Foaming Face Wash
What it is: An innovative 3-in-1 cleanser, makeup remover, and toner to gently wash your skin without stripping and prep it for the next step.
Why it’s great for acne-prone skin: Made with a natural coconut surfactant, niacinamide, and ginseng root extract, this face wash is formulated to control oil, boost clarity, and improve the look of acne scars.
Balancing Face Cream
What it is: A lightweight and hydrating face cream packed with nourishing botanicals.
Why it’s great for acne-prone skin: Conditioning grape and flaxseed oils reduce redness due to dryness and balance visible oil activity. Water-binding sugars help deeply hydrate and smooth skin to combat any drying effects of medications, without clogging pores.
The Perfect Sunscreen
What it is: A 100% mineral-based sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30.
Why it’s great for acne-prone skin: Sun protection is crucial as many acne treatments increase skin sensitivity to UV light. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide help protect the skin while organic, cold-pressed aloe leaf juice and grape seed oil add light moisturization without clogging pores.
Since acne is impacted by what’s happening internally, it’s important to go beyond the bottle to layer in science-based wellness practices to address acne from the inside out. Try incorporating some wellness tips into your daily routine and see if you notice a difference!
What to try: When eating meals and snacks try mixing up food groups. Pair carbohydrate-rich foods with ones high in protein, fibre, and fats. For example, instead of snacking on a granola bar by itself, try pairing it with some protein-rich Greek yogurt and a fibre-containing apple. Perhaps combine carbohydrate-containing polenta with some protein-rich paneer. Instead of just a slice of toast on its own, add some avocado and a fried egg for healthy fats and protein.
Why it may help with acne: Studies show that eating easily digestible carbohydrate-rich foods can quickly spike blood sugar levels and is associated with greater severity of acne. By combining slower digesting foods like proteins, fats, and fibre, with faster-digesting carbohydrates, the rate at which blood sugar levels rise is slowed and the risk of acne flare-ups may be reduced.
What to try: Be cognizant of what’s touching your face throughout the day and night and wash surfaces with which your skin regularly comes into contact. Keep hands clean and avoid touching or picking your skin, frequently launder bedding with unscented detergent, and disinfect phone receivers and screens.
Why it may help with acne: Acne is caused by the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes that clogs and inflames pores, leading to blemishes. Touching the skin with dirty fingers, cell phones, makeup brushes, or pillowcases can breed more bacteria or spread it around the skin, contributing to acne. Keeping these surfaces clean may help reduce or prevent breakouts.
What to try: Prioritize your mental and physical health. Check-in regularly on your stress levels, outlets, and overall happiness. If you feel overwhelmed check out these resources.
Why it may help with acne: Studies indicate that mental imbalances can influence the severity of acne. Researchers propose that stress hormones can cause reactions in the skin that makes common skin conditions worse. Taking care of your emotional wellbeing can help calm your mind and may help promote clearer skin.
Acne can be a challenge but with the right products, preparation, and positive habits you’ll be on your way to achieving your best skin. After all, great skin comes from more than just great skin-care products.
Want to discuss options with a healthcare practitioner? Start your free skin care assessment with Felix.
The views expressed here are those of the author and, as with the rest of the content on Health Guide, are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare practitioner.
