The Acne Diaries - 'I Don't Want No Scrubs'

We are gaining some major 'skinspiration' from the latest SS16 shows; on the spring/summer 2016 catwalks, complexions ranged from dewy and fresh to sculpted and perfected, with "glowing" the word referenced more than any other backstage. Yet we are going back to basics before discussing that plain Jane look Thakoon nailed. Our first mistake we are revealing is the issue with not giving a product enough time, you need to recognize firstly skin reacts slowly to treatment. Even if the acne came on fast, it still requires time to heal. How long does it take? Dermatologists in the industry believe between 6 to 12 weeks, with a new product you should use if for the month and if you recognize a difference, keep with it one product our IMM models say is worth testing is the Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel  "works fast" and is "great under makeup."

2.) We all love beauty products however with acne it is best to stick with the less is more approach, many people don't stick with one product and beginning playing with numerous products, this is a big no. What happens is you begin trying different products, abandoning them very quickly if you don't see results in a day or two. The result? The products can cause irritation of the skin and add further insult to the person. As an aspiring model it is difficult to self treat acne and in turn you can accidentally distress your skin. This can make the acne lesions bigger, more likely to pigment, and heal with spots and scars. What you need? Our models say the one product you "can't live without" is Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, hailed as the "the best acne product" you'll ever use.

3.) Talking to Elle magazine dermatologist and skin care consultant for Neutrogen Berson stated that 'harsh cleansers, alkaline bar soaps, and alcohol-based products may worsen acne'. The best products to look for are “noncomedogenic” or “for acne-prone skin” products. Noncomedogenic products work as they don't contain ingredients that tend to clog pores when it comes to people with acne-prone skin. Now, if you have oil-prone skin primers may make you a little nervous, but there is way to accomplish the simplistic, 'I woke up like this' look from the Chloe SS17 show, you need to check out MACs Oil Control Lotion. This oil-free hydrating lotion provides a smooth, matte base for makeup look that lasts and lasts without drying, cracking or clogging pores. It's lightweight and formulated to keep skin pH balanced. In other words, it's a must.

4.) Although its bad everyone including models still struggle with the oldest rule in the book, popping and picking pimples = prolongs healing time and raises the risk of scarring so stop! 

Infected material can get pushed further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness - “People tend to groom the lesions. They examine them very closely several times a day and start imagining that there is something they can stick in the lesion or extract from the lesion. So they pick and the lesion gets worse,” Our advice? The IMM team are loving Sonya Dakar Drying potion, apply at night and 'zits will be gone in the morning'

5.) No I don't want no scrubs - Over-scrubbing and over-cleaning can actually worsen acne, as it can deteriorate the skin's protective barrier and increase irritation. Instead, gently wash with a nonirritating, pH-balanced cleanser to lessen inflammation. It's also important to thoroughly rinse off the cleanser, because the residue can be irritating. What to remember? "Acne is not from dirt," Many tend to over-wash and over-scrub when they get acne, an old saying to live by - 'If acne were from dirt, you would have it on your feet!'"

With basics done we can't get enough of one model who has the Dolce and Gabana SS16 minimal base down to a T, that's right this week we can't get enough of Lara. Afro? Check. Vintage footie shirt? Check. Lingeire clad? Check. We are crushin' on Lara's latest shoot with the renowned London photographer Luc Coiffait, keeping it simple in denim cutoffs, oozing a laid back feel with a sense of #sass. This model is sure making a name for herself in the modelling industry; from her studio collaboration with London lad Hugo Knapp to her first editorial with By Nwaka - See more of this model in our blog post 'Testing you' as she bares all with Brian Rolfe.