Acne is an inflammatory skin condition found on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest and upper arms which happens when your skin pores become blocked with oil, dead skin or bacteria. The intensity varies and can take on the form of whiteheads, blackheads, pustules/pimples, papules, cysts and nodules. Acne is caused by several factors including genetics, hormones, diet, medication, hygiene, lifestyle and stress. Getting rid of acne can be a struggle. There’s a certain frustration that comes with using products and no results. Here are some tips for dealing with acne:
Avoid touching your face: Try not to touch your face when your hands are not clean as this causes germs contacted with our hands throughout the day, to transfer to your face and potentially cause acne.
Stop smoking: Apart from the fact that smoking weakens our lungs, the carcinogen in cigarettes irritates the skin and dries it out. This in turn triggers your skin to produce more oil and break out.
Check ingredients: Products containing artificial dyes and fragrances, sulfates, silicone and chemical preservatives tend to considerably irritate the skin and cause breakouts. Make sure you know what ingredients are used in any product you’re buying and do you own research to see what would work for your skin. Don’t forget to look out for these in your hair products as well. This could be why you see those breakouts around your hairline, forehead, neck and back.
Improve your hygiene: It is important we take care of our body by keeping it clean. Washing your face twice a day showering after exercise or a long day outdoors, regularly washing your hands, towels, beddings and makeup brushes. Also make sure to properly clean off makeup before going to bed to remove any trace of impurities and avoid clogged pores
Quit popping those pimples: Many people believe that popping pimples makes them go away but what actually happens is that this pushes bacteria deeper into the skin and causes dark scars. Let the breakout clear on its own and also save yourself the pain that comes with popping a pimple.
Manage your stress: Skin cells that produce sebum respond to stress hormones. Stress causes the body to release hormones and cell signals that increase the body’s inflammatory response. This inflammatory response can make acne flare ups worse so make peace of mind a priority and remember that 8 hours of sleep at night will do wonders for your skin.
Watch what you eat: Certain foods that you eat set off the sebaceous gland to secrete more sebum than necessary. Dairy products have been proven to contain high level of hormones that lead to increased oil production and clogging the pores. Alcohol and salt cause dehydration which makes the skin produce more oil leading to breakouts. Sugar spikes the blood sugar level, generating more insulin and encouraging your skin to produce more oil. For acne free skin, replace these foods with fruit, vegetables, whole grains and protein.
How do you deal with acne?