Welcome back, skincare warriors! Acne Awareness Month is here, and we at Sanctum understand that each of you is unique, with your own battles and triumphs against acne. We're here to debunk some of the most common and detrimental advice floating around and guide you towards skin care practices that are genuinely beneficial for your skin health. Let's dive right in:

1 "Scrub away the acne!" 

Scrubbing your face vigorously might seem like a quick fix to rid yourself of those pesky pimples, but hold your horses! Abrasive scrubs can actually exacerbate acne by causing micro-tears in the skin, leading to inflammation and more breakouts. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliation methods that use natural exfoliants. Our Gentle Face Exfoliant is a light creamy scrub containing fine grains of Certified Organic Rosehip Seeds and Rice Bran to delicately polish away dead skin cells and impurities. Clarifying and polishing away dull skin helps balance your skin and improve circulation, revealing smoother, brighter skin.

2 "Sun exposure will dry out your acne." 

While it's true that sun exposure can initially dry out acne lesions, it's a short-lived effect with long-term consequences. Prolonged sun exposure can damage the skin, leading to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and even increased acne severity due to excess oil production as the skin tries to compensate for dryness. Always wear a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic sunscreen, even if you have acne-prone skin and a hat! You can never be too sure in our Australian sun, even if it's hiding!

3 "Toothpaste is a miracle spot treatment." 

While toothpaste might seem like a quick fix for zapping pimples, it's not formulated for use on the skin and can do more harm than good. The ingredients in toothpaste, such as menthol and baking soda, can irritate and cause chemical burns or further inflammation. Why not try a natural alternative? Our On the Spot treatment is a gentle lotion enriched with Certified Organic Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E. It helps repair blemished skin, a rescue blend that soothes irritated skin with medicinal plant extracts and oils.  The cream, unlike toothpaste, is gentle, and the Certified Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice gives it a hydrating and cooling feeling, instantly soothing inflamed skin. We recommend always having one on hand for those unexpected skin emergencies.

4 "Avoid moisturiser if you have oily skin".

It's a common misconception that oily skin doesn't need moisturiser, but nothing could be further from the truth. Depriving oily skin of moisture can trigger the skin to produce even more oil as it compensates for the lack of hydration. Instead, opt for an oil-free hydration product like our moisturiser, Moisture Balance. This Certified Organic, oil-free, gel-based lotion guards against moisture loss while balancing oil flow. The hydrating properties of Certified Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and the antibacterial and detoxification properties of Bentonite Clay help draw out dirt and excess sebum, reducing acne and slowing down early signs of ageing. Your skin will feel cool, calm, and hydrated after applying this lightweight gel, thanks to the blend of therapeutic, Certified Organic ingredients like Petitgrain Peel Oil, which provides an uplifting, calming scent along with antibacterial properties that assist with maintaining natural moisture balance.

5 "Acne is only for teenagers".

Contrary to popular belief, acne isn't just a rite of passage for teenagers. It can affect individuals of any age, from adolescents to adults. Adult acne, in particular, is a common occurrence, with hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, and skincare routines all playing a role. So, if you're battling acne beyond your teen years, know that you're not alone, and effective treatments are available tailored to your specific needs.

Remember, when it comes to skincare advice, only some things you hear are golden. It's essential to separate fact from fiction and listen to your skin's unique needs. By steering clear of these misguided tips and embracing a gentle, considered skincare routine, you'll be well on your way to clearer, healthier skin. Stay tuned across our socials for more acne-busting tips and tricks from Sanctum during Acne Awareness Month.