8 Dermatologists Approved Tips For Fighting Acne
Acne… An issue we all suffered or still suffering from. If it makes you feel any better; even celebrities can’t run away from this problem. Which is great somehow as we get the chance to hear some tips on how to deal with it from the world’s greatest dermatologists. If you have already tried every tip out there to fight this annoying issue, believe me you are not alone. And we don’t mind doing what it takes to get rid of these stubborn breakouts. So here are some more acne-fighting tips straight from celebrity dermatologists.
1 || Observe What You Eat
In a nutshell, avoid sugar, diary and anything with high glycemic index and up your anti-inflammatory foods intake. Here is why… Foods that are high in sugar cause the insulin levels to spike in your body which increases oil production in your skin and as a result clog your pores. alongside the inflammatory effects caused by the spike of insulin, this creates a perfect environment for acne bacteria to thrive. We recommend limiting or completely eliminating foods with highglycemic index such as cereal and milk, pasta, and other processed foods as these are one of the main reasons of breakouts. Instead, stick to natural sugar sources or reach out for low sugar sweet treats.
Also, aim to eliminate dairy for three weeks as a test of whether dairy affects your skin. The skin is our barrier to the outside world as well as being a vessel through which unwanted substances can leave our bodies, for example dairy. Dairy is known to form mucous, and when you have more than your body’s need, it will exit your body in the form of cystic acne. On top of that, cows are usually given growth hormones and these will trigger the skin’s oil production and thus acne will appear on the areas most affected by hormone changes such as the chin. You may not need to cut out dairy for ever but doing the three week test will give you an indication of how your body responds to dairy and you will behave accordingly.
2 || No Picking
My mom always tells me to keep my hands off my face. And it turned out that she’s right. Perhaps you didn’t know that the face is the dirtiest part of the body and the act of constantly touching your face isn’t helping. When you squeeze or pick at acne you are only making it worse by spreading inflammation and causing scarring and pigmentation. That said, be conscious of where your hands are at and aim to wash them more frequently. Use acne treatment and try an at home steam or gentle clay mask to clear out impurities.
3 || Read Your Sunscreen Label Carefully
According to dermatologists, If you have acne-prone skin you should replace your chemical sunscreen with a zinc-based one. Chemical sunscreens are made of chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene and homosalate that absorb sun rays and turn it into heat. Heating up the skin triggers rosacea breakouts. On the other hand, using a physical sunscreen with the natural ingredients of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is less likely to clog your pores and irritate your complexion, preventing your skin from acne caused by sunscreen.
4 || Wash Your Gym Face
We all like how glowy and refreshed our skins look after a good workout. So sweat it out but make sure you clean your face immediately after your sweaty gym session. As we said, heat is bad for acne-prone and sensitive skin, but it is not only about heat. Excessive sweating may lead to build up of oil, dirt, and bacteria on your skin all of which can lead to acne. Try your best to clean your face immediately after your workout, and avoid makeup before your session.
5|| Keep Linens Clean
Grime adds up fast. So make sure you change and wash your pillow cases regularly. Also, dry your face with a clean towel after washing. After exfoliating and washing your face your pores open to absorb creams and skincare products more easily. So Imagine what will happen to your skin if you slept on a dirty linens or used a dirty towel to dry it!