Luckily, there are a number of things you
can do every day to make sure your skin is less prone to flare-ups. Here are
five tips for taking control of your acne starting today.
1. Exercise :
Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels
that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. However, some
safeguards need to be in place to ward off acne that can result from your
workout routines. Watch what you put on your body with regards to clothing,
sports gear, and equipment.
For example, tight lycra and nylon exercise
outfits might look great in the movies and on magazine models, but if you are
susceptible to acne problems, avoid these synthetic fabrics that tend to trap
in body moisture and heat resulting in a bacteria frenzy. Instead, choose loose
clothing made of cotton or natural blends to allow more air to get to your skin.
And when you are finished with your
workout, get out of clothing wet from perspiration or water sports. Shower and
change into dry, clean clothing. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean,
too. Dirty headgear, for instance, can irritate forehead areas prone to acne
problems. So toss headbands into the washing machine after workout sessions.
2. Cosmetics:
To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that are similar to acne and that
can contribute to acne, use products labeled noncomedogenic or oil-free.
Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause
skin irritations and clog pores. Other additives in coloring that can cause
similar reactions are coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes.
More preventative measures include using a
lip gloss that promotes a matte finish instead of a high gloss for less
pore-clogging; note the more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and
the more the pores can clog. Beware that eye creams can contain heavier
concentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions, meaning they
have greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding facial areas.
3. Diet:
Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the
treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acne preventative care is
this: what is best for your body is best for your skin, especially since your
skin is the largest organ of your body. So remember to watch your diet and
consume healthy vitamins, minerals, and other supplements. This will help to
prevent and help conquer acne breakout.
4. Hygiene:
A
healthy skin regimen should include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because
this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to
replace what has washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with
gentle exfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit
shell pieces that can tear the skin. And skip alcohol products when possible; these
can take off the top layer of your skin and cause your glands to product more
oil, clogging pores in the process.
If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT
mess with them. Remember that these are already weeks in the making, and
squeezing or picking blemishes can force the infected area to regress back
inside, further troubling the region and possibly leave a scar. If necessary,
seek help from a dermatologist for alternative treatments.
5. Shaving:
Shaving for both genders is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or
removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of
leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in
process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. A word
of caution: for areas with infection or high inflammatory activity (redness,
sensitive, open acne, sores, etc.), do not shave. Or at the very least, use a
shaving cream for sensitive skin!
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