Spots & Pustules- Behind the crime scene!

Spots!! You always get one right when you really don't need one....right on the end of your nose or middle of the chin and weddings are no exception.
So how do they happen and whats the best approach to dealing with them?

Below is a diagram of a cross section of the skin showing how a spot can develop in a hair follicle.
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In the 1st diagram on the left you can see the follicle with the hair growing out and up through the surface of the skin. The two lumpy things on the side are the sebaceous glands, they produce sebum which is an oily substance. It's necessary to keep the skin supple and also mixes with sweat on the skin's surface to keep bacteria under control. 
In the 2nd diagram you can see a 'plug' forming which in blocking the pore, at this stage a blackhead could start to form which happens as the sebum reacts with the oxygen in the air and turns dark.
In the 3rd diagram there is no hair present and the 'plug' of sebum is getting bigger which is starting to form a papule  or small spot.
Most of the follicles on the face don't have hairs growing out of them so they are more likely to develop these blockages.
The 4th diagram shows the blockage getting bigger and inflammation builds in the area as the body's natural reactions agains infection kick in. 
The puss at the head of the spot is the natural 'debris'  created as the body deals with the bacterial infection.

So the ideal way to prevent this happening is to use a gentle face was or cleanser which effectively removes make up and rinse off or use a toner to remove all the cleansing product residue.
Using a deep cleansing mask weekly will help to keep the pores free of blockages or a dermabrasion facial (vacuum suction based) every 4-6 weeks will really help to blocked pores under control.

​If the spot has already arrived and is screaming at you in the mirror from the end of your nose then i suggest Lavender essential oil as a starting point, it's known for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It also has antispasmodic, analgesic, detoxifying and sedative effects. 

Its really tempting to try to squeeze out the puss but be patient, let the lavender work its magic and come back to it in 10 mins, apply another dab and repeat 3 or 4 times. 
If there is still a head on it, break the seal and let the liquid escape, apply little more lavender and then let it dry.
Don't give in to the temptation to squeeze and you risk damaging the already sensitive and inflamed skin around the spot.
Try to cover with concealer and remember that people will NOT be looking at your spot they'll be looking at you as a radiant bride and joining you in the best day possible to help you celebrate!

Scroll down for product recommendations.

Product recommendations:
Elizabeth's Daughter is fantastic, free form all the nasty chemicals and i have found the gel cleanser really effective on younger congested skin types.
http://www.myshowcase.com/shop/elizabeths_daughter/the-facial-gel-cleanser/ELZD103-01
Antonia Burrell's skin care range is fantastic for an older age group with congested a skin type.
http://www.myshowcase.com/shop/antonia_burrell/natural-glow-cleansing-oil/ABUR001-03

Aromatherapy Associates are the creme de la creme in my mind when it comes to essential oil and bare in mind you only need a drop of oil for a treatment. 
https://www.aromatherapyassociates.com/support-lavender-pure-essential-oil.html

Holland and Barrett also produce a fantastic range of essential oils.
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/miaroma-lavender-pure-essential-oil-60060115


Thanks for reading, please feel free to leave any comments below and ask any questions you may have!
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