It can take decades and numerous trips to the dermatologist to learn how to eliminate acne on your unique skin. Yes! Everyone has unique skin tones, genetic histories, skin types, and lifestyles, making it impossible to have one-size-fits-all advice. Besides, we’re constantly bombarded by different marketing hype from various cosmetic and skincare products and advice from beauty gurus and social media influencers. So, what works and doesn’t work in the quest for clear and radiant skin? Acne is a common skin condition that results in several types of blemish. Some include blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads. This piece will help answer those questions by providing evidence-based tips on what you can do to clear your acne and get that glowing complexion.
Factors that contribute to the development of acne
- Dead skin cells building up
- Skin producing too much oil, clogging pores
- Presence of (P.acnes) bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes in the pores
- Inflammation of the skin leading to redness
- Drugs
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes
- Genetics
- Unhealthy diet
- Stress
- Touching your face regularly
A dermatologist can assist in identifying the factor or combination of factors that cause acne. However, numerous treatment and prevention methods are similar despite the cause. The following tips can help protect against acne naturally and lower the breakout numbers.
Wash your face twice a day
Washing your face at least twice a day is the first and most essential rule of preventing or treating acne. Washing helps remove dead skin cells, extra oils, and impurities from the skin surface. However, acne-prone skin can be quite sensitive, and it’s not advisable to wash the face more than twice a day as this might do more harm than good.
Avoid harsh scrubbing
Some individuals rub their skin with rough washcloths and cloth pads. This irritates the skin causing skin inflammation and worsening the breakouts. You should apply a gentle cleanser using a soft brush or clean hands to avoid pimples.
Keeping the hair clean
When the excess oil in the hair flows down the skin, this can worsen the skin condition. So, regularly washing the hair can stop acne from developing, especially in the area close to the hairline. Besides, avoid getting products such as spray and hair gel on your face. These can clog the skin pores leading to breakouts.
Avoid picking or popping pimples.
It’s always tempting to pop or squeeze a pimple, but this can result in scarring and inflammation. Therefore, to lower the appearance of blemishes, you should use a topical treatment instead. While they may take some time to work, they can prevent new pimples from developing.
Applying topical treatments
Over-the-counter treatments like serums or creams can help reduce breakouts, mostly when they occur in specific areas. The following problem areas are common:
- The forehead
- The chin
- The nose
Online treatments mostly contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are not as potent as the prescription-strength treatments. They can also help reduce breakouts and prevent mild acne.
Avoid food linked to acne.
There is not enough research about the connection between acne and foods. However, a growing research body suggests that particular foods can trigger acne in some patients. As per the American Academy of Dermatology, foods high in glycemic index can increase the risk of developing or worsening acne. These foods usually are high in carbohydrates and sugar. Some examples include:
- Pies
- Cakes
- Cookies
- Dairy products such as skim milk can increase the risk.
Other natural ways of preventing acne
- Avoiding skincare products containing oil
- Wearing sunscreen
- Reducing stress
- Avoiding excess exfoliation
- Keeping facial products clean
- Use makeup sparingly
- Avocado oil
- Ice
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Aloe Vera
- Egg whites
- Quinoa
- Apple cider vinegar as a toner
- Honey
