I had acne for several years, even as small girl. This was partially inherited; my mother had severe acne problems as well. I also believe it was partially due to my skin type–extremely fair with a tendency to be dry. I went to various dermatologists and used several pills and creams, but in the end, basic principles helped my skin the most. Below, I would like to share those with you.
Stay Moisturized
As I mentioned, my skin has a tendency to stay dry. Therefore, I needed to rely heavily on moisturizing lotions and products, but the truth is that I rarely had or made time to use them like I should have. If you’re like me and have a busy schedule, there are other ways to stay moisturized, as well as make sure dry bits of skin and old oils don’t clog up your pores. Even if your skin isn’t dry or particularly oily, these can help. First, drink plenty of water; if you don’t want to drink large glasses or bottles, drink pint-size bottles throughout the day, even with snacks or while working.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Wash your face frequently, but be careful of the soap you use. Soap dries itself out and will do the same to your skin. Brands like Dove are less likely to do this, but you’re better off using organic or goat’s-milk soaps, which hold moisture more. Also beware of heavily perfumed soaps, as these may cause redness and itchiness or introduce more oils into your skin.
Advanced Dermatology Care of Stillwater, MN recommends that you use a facial mask a few times a month to help your skin get the exfoliation it needs. I should stress the need for you to be sensitive to your skin’s need for moisture as you use these facial masks.
Watch What You Eat
I love chocolate, so of course I was crushed when I heard the old adage, “Chocolate gives you acne.” In reality, chocolate and other foods don’t directly cause acne and skin issues. However, too much of the wrong foods will damage skin. For example, a steady diet of sugar, soda, and fried foods will cause your oil glands to work overtime. They may also eventually cause your skin to look discolored–too red or too gray–and lead to acne, age marks, and other issues. This is also true of drinks; there’s a reason that people who drink frequently often look red in the face. It’s their body’s way of showing them that they have too much alcohol in their system. Therefore, make sweets, drinks, and fried foods an occasional treat, not staples, and be smart about what you choose. For example, dark chocolate’s antioxidants may help your skin.
Be Careful in the Sun
Even if you don’t have fair skin like me, sun exposure can cause severe skin damage and even skin diseases like cancer. Overexposure will dry out skin and make it easier for acne to pop up once your face and body is well-oiled again. Always wear sunblock, especially on humid days, and reapply frequently. You can also wear a hat while in the sun. Light-colored clothing will reflect rather than absorb heat, which will cut down on exposure, as will loose-fitting skirts, dresses, or pants.
Know Your Calendar
A lot of women, including myself, tend to break out more when it’s time for their menstrual cycle. If you are one of these women, chart your own cycle regularly. If you’re on birth control, use your pill pack as a guide to when you will begin. Then, during the week before and of your period, do as much as you can to avoid breakouts. Eat more carefully and exercise more, and as tempting as that hot bubble bath might be, don’t let the water overheat or soak too long. You can go ahead and use acne medicines during this time, but they shouldn’t be your first line of defense. Your body has natural ways of keeping skin healthy, so play into those.
I always found acne medications frustrating and time-consuming. Therefore, it’s a relief to know that various wellness principles can help me control my acne and skin health with less hassle. With tips like these, you can help yourself, too.
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