ACNE TREATMENT AND CAUSES
On top of everything else that’s happening in this world, you’ve just had to add “acne breakout” to the list. I mean, come on! You’ve searched high and low about how to prevent acne, you’ve checked which foods cause acne and what causes breakouts.
One in four Americans suffers from acne. Suffer, is an apt word because you’ve not only suffered some physical pain associated with acne but emotional scarring too. We get it and sympathize.
WHAT CAUSES ACNE?
Most people are applauded for being overachievers, but not when the overachievement is in the oil-producing department! No skin is perfect, not even the models you see on advertisements – nobody’s skin is as smooth as edited images claim them to be. Rest assured that you are not alone when it comes to the overproduction of sebum (oil).
ACNE FACTS
Hormonal changes like puberty, periods, pregnancy and menopause can cause acne.
Medication could be contributing to your acne issues.
Diet, yes it has to be said I’m afraid. Try not to eat too many refined sugars, healthy on the inside means healthy on the outside.
Humid and hot climates can contribute to acne problems.
Blame your parents! Then your parents can blame their parents. It’s true, acne can be passed down genetically.
Stress can trigger acne outbreaks, so think of ways to reduce your stress levels.
ACNE FICTION
Greasy food and chocolate cause acne – you’ll be happy to know that these foods do not cause acne, but eat them in moderation.
Cosmetics make acne worse – only the pore-clogging ones. Look for non-comedogenic cosmetics (it’s just a fancy word that means it won’t clog your pores).
Scrub your face and body to keep it clean – actually, scrubbing can make acne worse! Be gentle with yourself.
ACNE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
More severe cases of acne will require a visit to a dermatologist but here are 10 ways to treat acne at home:- Clean your skin daily with an oil-free cleanser, this will remove dirt and oil. Clean your skin before you go to bed too, especially if you wear make-up.
- Sweating compounds acne problems, wash after excessive sweating, this will help to prevent acne outbreaks.
- Tight clothes and hairbands rub against your skin and trigger outbreaks, so keep it loose and cool.
- Keep your hair clean and off your face.
- Use non-comedogenic cosmetics.
- Pimple popping spreads bacteria and causes more pimples. It’s really hard, but leave them alone.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Try not to touch your face, you may spread bacteria, dirt and oil.
- Use an over-the-counter acne cream that contains ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, lactic acid or glycolic acid. They help to prevent clogged pores and kill bacteria that causes acne.
- Try using a pillow that relieves pressure on your face, like this one: YourFacePillow. Get 6 - 8 hours of sleep on a pillow that gives your skin space to breathe and heal.
Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, relax, you got this.