Usually we’re told that drinking alcohol can make acne even worse, but a new face masque made from beer sediment can actually help improve the symptoms of acne but slowing down sebum production and killing off bacteria that causes acne.
The skin benefits of beer sediment (brewer’s yeast) were discovered in ancient Egypt over 4,000 years ago. But more recently studies have confirmed that brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cereviseae) can help maintain a balanced pH level in the skin, help ease sebum blockages and combat bacteria that causes acne.
Acne is caused by an over-production of sebum, which is often the result hormonal disruptions such as puberty, monthly menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, even stress can marginally alter hormonal balances in the body and lead to increased sebum production. During puberty in particular the balance of male and female hormones in both sexes is shifted in favour of the male hormones. The sebaceous glands of about 90 per cent of all teenagers produce more sebum than necessary, causing the skin to shine greasily, leading to impurities and inflammation.
Acne is generally caused when the sebum reaches the surface of the skin and thickens as it comes into contact with oxygen, leading to pore blockages which, if left blocked, can lead to bacterial infection and inflammation (spots).
Brewer's yeast is made up of unicellular micro-organisms which are a type of fungus that cultivate on the skin’s surface, warding off bacteria and keeping a healthy pH balance. These tiny organisms are asexual and multiply, producing up to 24 new young cells at a time, meaning when applied to the skin they soon ‘populate’ the skin’s surface leaving no opportunity for acne-causing bacteria to take hold.
A published double blind placebo controlled study involving 139 patients and carried out recently at the university of Munich by professors Weber G, Adamczyk and A, Freytag found that a skin cream containing live brewer’s yeast was highly effective over a 5-month period compared to a placebo treatment for the treatment of acne. 80% of those using the brewer’s yeast preparation for their acne saw their skin improved significantly during the 5-month period.
Another study, carried out in May 2006 at Munich University as part of a trial on a skin preparation containing young brewer’s yeast cells, found that after three weeks of applying a yeast-based cream to acne sufferer’s skin, that their skin improved significantly.
Skin Shop’s new Anti-Acne Yeast Masque contains concentrated levels of active young brewer’s yeast cells, which multiply even faster than normal yeast cells, so the masque begins cultivating quickly on your skin as soon as it is applied.
The anti-acne masque also contains pure coconut oil, which is rich in lauric acid and is known for its antibacterial and anti-fungal effect.
Skin Shop's Anti-Acne Yeast Masque should be applied to the skin once a day (preferably before bed) and left on for approximately 15 minutes, then washed off with clean warm water. For maximum effects no other skin care products should be applied for 6-8 hours use. Results should be noticeable within 2-3 weeks.
Skin Shop’s Anti-Acne Yeast Face Masque costs £1.95 for 30ml and is available exclusively fromwww.skinshop.co.uk
