Chapter 5: Acne Control
The skin is the largest organ in the body so it is important to keep it healthy and blemish free as much as possible. Here are some lifestyle changes that can keep acne at bay.
Get more sleep
Stress can increase glucocorticoid production which can cause skin problems like acne. Lack of sleep can aggravate acne and increase inflammation. Sleeping relaxes the body and makes it easier for acne to heal. Turn the thermostat between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Lying in a cooler temperature makes it easier to fall asleep.
Limit sugar
In general, avoid food that causes spikes in the blood sugar level because this can result in inflammation. Excess levels of insulin can trigger a hormonal cascade that can lead to the growth of bacteria and the production of oil. Studies have shown that people who are in a low-glycemic diet have fewer breakouts.
Exercise
Exercise reduces stress, regulates hormones, and increases blood circulation, which helps clear the skin through sweating. Be careful though, sweat can also cause acne. Be sure to wash your face with water after every workout session and wash garments regularly.
Drink water
Water flushes toxins out of the body. Just by drinking two glasses of water, you can increase blood flow throughout the entire body. Flushing out your body with water helps get rid of waste, which makes it easier for the body to fight acne causing bacteria and maintain healthy skin. After trying a variety of different water sources, my all-time favorite is: ZeroWater.
Sunscreen
The sun can do more damage than burning the skin; it can also aggravate pimples and potentially worsen the condition. Acne sufferers should opt for a lighter sunscreen that contains oxybenzone and avobenxone. Avoid products that contain titanium oxide and zinc oxide, since these tend to be thicker in consistency and can block pores. Look for ‘noncomedogenic’ on the label to make sure that the product does not block the pores. Consume
Omega 3 fatty acids
Good fats like omega 3 fatty acids control the production of leukotriene B4, a molecule that increases the oil production. A good source of Omega 3 is Nature Made Fish Oil Omega 3.
Washing your face
Wash your face twice a day to clear the skin of sweat, dirt, and makeup that can lead to acne breakouts. Make it a habit to wash the face in the morning and night with gentle cleanser. Use the right product for your skin type. Drier skin needs products that do not rob the skin of too much oil while oily skin needs a stronger formula.
Exfoliate and Moisturize
Gently exfoliate the skin once a week to remove dead skin cells that can also be the breeding ground for bacteria. A body loofah is great for this. Follow up with a moisturizer to help protect the skin and to replenish the lost moisture after each wash.
Astringent
If you notice your skin is oily or are in a rush and don’t want to wash your face, applying a deep cleaning astringent to your face with a cotton ball or paper towel is excellent for treating acne.
Clean your cellphone
Studies have shown that cellphones are a breeding ground for germs. They can be exposed to thousands of bacteria that can be passed from the fingers to the face. The heat produced by the phone also aids the multiplication of bacteria. Wipe your phone with hand sanitizer every day.
Sleep with a clean face
Remove makeup before sleeping. Makeup can clog the pores that lead to acne. Invest in some wipes that can be used to clean your face without water.
Stop touching your face
Fingers can be a breeding ground for bacteria so avoid touching your face to prevent it from transferring.
Keep it clean
Change pillowcases and towels weekly to prevent bacteria from building up and causing breakouts.
Pay attention to hair routine
The scalp releases oil to keep the hair shiny and lustrous. Too much oil can seep from the hair to the skin. Try to wash your hair every other day to prevent acne. Too much products such as gels and sprays can also get into pores and clog them. Be careful in applying hair products, especially to the forehead. Consider non- fragrant products to clean your hair. Also, make sure to rinse conditioner thoroughly from your hair, as it may contain oil that can transfer to the skin.
Check laundry detergent
Laundry detergents also contain harsh chemicals that can cause breakouts. Opt for natural laundry detergents instead.
Reduce stress
Stress is linked to breakouts. Try to maintain a happy and calm disposition to control acne. Do recreational and enjoyable things to look and feel better.
Quit smoking and drinking
Smoking and excessive drinking can dehydrate the skin which makes it prone to acne breakouts. Eliminating these habits can make the body so much healthier.
Make up tips for concealing acne
Acne cannot be cured overnight so concealing them temporarily is essential in looking fresh and clean.
Step 1
Wash your face with a medicated cleanser. Gently scrub the skin in a circular motion then rinse with cold water. Apply toner then moisturize with a water based moisturizer.
Step 2
Choose a tinted