You probably have more than enough stress at work without the irritation and damage to your self esteem that acne can cause. Why should you have to put up with it?
At the very least can you reduce the problems associated with blotchy skin? Well, for starters...
1/ Are your spots definitely acne and not a rash or allergy? Flare ups after eating or drinking particular foods can indicate the latter. (There is no proven link between acne and diet).
There are links between your general health and diet though - go easy on processed foods, dairy products, nuts, tea coffee and sweets, and eat more fruit, salads, vegetables and fish, and drink plenty of water. You’ll feel better, so you’ll look better!
2/ If its bad or recurrent, have you seen your doctor or dermatologist for suitable diagnosis and possible acne treatments?
If it’s a similar condition to acne,such as rosacea or eczema, acne treatments or remedies may make your skin worse.
Stick rigidly to the regime prescribed, but let them know immediately if it becomes worse, or you suffer unexpected side effects.
3/ Do you pick at your spots during idle moments at the desk? You won't cure your acne that way - breaking a pimple will very likely inflame your skin further.
4/ Keep your nails short and clean - damaging and contaminating spots on any part of the body, even accidentally, can aggravate them.
5/ What’s your office environment like? Air too dry, close or hot? Get humidifiers, open windows but stay out of direct sun.
6/ Clean up your workstation regularly. Debris from dust, hair skin, mites and spills can produce toxins that may make you itchy and sore.
7/ To further remedy acne outbreaks, avoid anything that removes natural moisture and oils. So don't repeatedly scrub your face with harsh soaps in the wash room, bring in your own mild hypoallergenic ones and dont wash more than a couple of times a day.
Instead of a face cloth or pads, which can rub, scratch and harbour germs, use your hands.
First pre clean them with hypoallergenic baby wipes, as these are generally free of artificial fragrances and alcohol.
8/ If you use makeup to the office, ensure that the products are labelled as "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic," i.e. they don’t trigger acne.
9/ Is your outbreak seasonal? A study in the US between 1990-1998 showed that acne, along with other skin diseases varied with the season. Its also worth noting that pregnancy and menstruation can also produce temporary acne induced by hormonal changes.
Finally, while there are many effective acne treatments, there is no automatic 'acne cure.'
However, if you read some articles about acne, speak to professionals, experiment a little, follow these guidelines above, try not to worry, and above all, NEVER DESPAIR - you'll be in a much better position to greatly improve your complexion at work and at home.
Blemishes are on you not in you-and nothing is unblemished.
Remember the old proverb
"The brightest of all things, the sun, hath its spots."
Good luck!
