Where am I going wrong with my skincare routine? A question every frustrated person with acne might ask themselves. Acne, an unwelcome guest causes discomfort and irritation. In spite of acne treatment, dealing with persistent breakouts is a big pain. Acne has various causes and hence treatment differs from person to person. It is essential to explore and practice self-care measures to complement the treatment. There are several proactive measures you can take to prevent acne breakouts. By incorporating these measures, you can achieve clearer and healthier skin.
You might be familiar with what causes acne. If not, it’s important to understand the cause. Acne is caused when the hair follicles are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Let’s find out how you can manage acne.
Nourish Your Body From Within
Nourishing your body internally is as important as externally. Let’s glance through a few pointers on how you can nourish your body internally.
- Balanced Diet: Choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary (with a high glycemic index) and processed foods. They can exacerbate acne.
- Anti-inflammatory foods: Opting for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce acne symptoms. These include fish, eggs, flaxseeds, nuts, and mushrooms. Green tea extract & cucumber extract are rich in omega-3 fatty acids too.
- Hydration: Flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Understand Your Skin Type
Skin types are generally classified as oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. It is essential to understand your skin type for effective acne management. This understanding aids in choosing products that will not trigger acne breakouts.
Practice Good Skincare Habits
Develop a good and consistent skincare routine. Try incorporating the following into your routine to avoid acne breakouts.
- Gentle Cleansing: Cleanse your face twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic, zero-dryness cleanser. Avoid scrubbing harshly or over-washing. This can strip your skin of its natural oils.
- Moisturize: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic, ceramide-based moisturizer. It keeps your skin hydrated & maintains a healthy barrier.
- Photoprotection: Protect your skin from harmful UV & Blue light. It is advisable to apply sunscreen with an SPF of a minimum 30. Non-comedogenic physical sunscreen with Iron oxide is preferable.
Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliate gently using a natural, light, body scrub 1-2 times a week. This can unclog pores and prevent new acne breakouts. Do not exfoliate excessively as it can lead to increased inflammation and irritation.
Wash Makeup Before Bedtime
Ensure that you wash your skin before going to bed. This helps our skin breathe and reduces the chances of skin eruptions.
Manage Stress Levels
Stress levels can aggravate acne by increasing inflammation. Let’s have a look at some of the ways to manage stress.
- Stress Reduction Techniques: Engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress levels. These can include meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and hobbies. High-stress levels can trigger hormonal imbalances that contribute to acne breakouts.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Take out time for yourself. Practice self-care rituals, and engage in activities that bring you joy. A well-rested mind and body can help maintain hormonal balance.
Regular Exercise
Regular workouts and exercise aid in improved blood circulation. This reduces stress and promotes a healthy body. Sweating during exercise unclogs the pores, keeping the skin healthy. Make sure to cleanse your skin to prevent breakouts due to sweat.
Quality Sleep
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Ensure 7-9 hours of sleep daily. Establish a bedtime routine and create a comfortable environment for good sleep. Deprived sleep can cause hormonal imbalance contributing to acne flare-ups.
Don’t Pop Those Bumps!
Resist the temptation to pick or squeeze your spots at all costs! Touching them introduces bacteria and can disrupt the pore seal. This leads to the spread of bacteria and inflammation.
Managing acne requires a consistent approach. This includes healthy skincare habits and a healthy lifestyle. By incorporating the measures outlined in the blog, you can regain control over your skin. Consistency is the key, and results will take time. Every person has a unique skin. So, it works differently for everyone. Embrace the journey towards healthier skin. Make sure you consult a Dermatologist for professional opinion and treatment.