Acne can have a big impact on your life. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be uncomfortable. Acne can make your skin feel irritated, swollen or raw. If you try to cover it up with makeup, it can feel even more uncomfortable. Even if you’re not dealing with chronic acne or massive breakouts, though, any type of pimple can be a nuisance, especially if it pops up at an inopportune moment, like right before a special event or a first date.
When it comes to skincare, what works for someone else may not work for you. We all have different features, skin tones, genetics and lifestyles that play a role in our skin. There are a host of reasons why you may be dealing with acne (or premature wrinkles, extra dryness, oily skin, and on and on). However, while there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for acne, there are a few techniques that people tend to have luck with.
Keep in mind that while the following tips may reduce your acne or even get rid of it for now, if it becomes a persistent problem, consider visiting a dermatologist. A professional will be able to assess precisely whey you’re prone to acne and then come up with a treatment plan that’s customized for you.
1. Cleaner Diet
Eating a better, cleaner diet may improve your skin. Not only will you be getting rid of pore-clogging foods (like greasy French fries), but you’ll also add in foods that will help clear up your skin. Let’s dive into two main areas of an acne-free diet: dropping dairy and adding nuts.
Even a small amount of dairy, like that splash of cream in your morning coffee, can wreak havoc on your skin. Dairy products (yes, organic included) stimulate the oil glands on your skin as well as your pores, which both result in acne. Don’t just cut out milk itself, though. Dairy is hidden in a lot of foods, like creamy salad dressings and even “healthy” protein bars. Start checking food labels more carefully. If you have no choice but to have milk, opt for skim milk – the acne-producing hormones are found in fattier milks.
Mixed nuts can clear up your skin quite a bit. Walnuts are especially good for acne-prone skin because they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which work against inflammation and keep breakouts at bay. Macadamia nuts are good for repairing and rejuvenating the skin, two things you’ll need after an acne flair up. If you want to increase skin elasticity, throw some Brazil nuts into the mix, too.
2. Cleanser
Choose the right cleanser that’s meant to treat acne-prone skin. At the same time, you want a cleanser that will improve your complexion (some generic acne washes are incredibly drying). On top of getting rid of acne, what other needs does your skin have? Is it too oily or is it on the dry side? Is it sensitive?
For oily skin, opt for a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide. For dry skin, you’ll want an acne cleanser that also has hydrating ingredients (glycerin is a good one); hydrating acne cleansers won’t be nearly as drying as other kinds. If you have sensitive skin, choose a cleanser that contains lactic acid.
3. Daily Wash
It’s important to wash your face every day, twice a day (once in the morning, and then again before you go to bed). To get rid of breakouts, and then to keep them away, you’ll need to keep your skin very clean. Cleansing in the morning will get rid of any buildup from the night before, and cleaning at night will get rid of dirt and sweat from the day.
There are going to be nights when you feel extra lazy and can’t bear the thought of washing your face. At the very least, keep cleansing face wipes by your bed and give your skin a good wipe before drifting off.
4. Exfoliate
Exfoliating will clear out whatever’s clogging up your pores, will make it easier for your skin to stay clear. Smaller-looking pores will also improve the appearance of your skin, giving you a smoother, more even looking texture and tone. Until your skin is completely clear of acne, you can exfoliate as often as one time per day. Use an exfoliator that has salicylic acid and glycolic acid. You can exfoliate with a more intense treatment, like an at-home microdermabrasion tool, weekly if you’d like, which will get rid of any dead cells on the surface of the skin. Just pay attention to how your skin is reacting to the exfoliating treatments – if it’s becoming irritated, use a more gentle exfoliator or scale back how often you’re using it.
5. Fresh Towel
It’s convenient to grab the same towel every time you wash your face, but you’re actually putting pore-clogging, acne-causing bacteria right onto your skin when you do this. Towels harbor a lot of bacteria, and using a towel on your skin means you’re introducing new bacteria to it, which is a recipe for acne. You should use a clean towel every single time you dry your face. Consider buying a pack of inexpensive washcloths so that you’re not wasting a hand towel every time you cleanse.
P.S. Approach your pillowcases the same way, and change to a new pillowcase one to two times per week.
6. Moisturize
You may think that moisturizing your skin will promote acne, but the truth is that hydrated skin has healthier pores that get clogged less. Moisturized skin also loosens up the sebum that builds up in the pores, which means it’s getting rid of the oil that causes acne.
Just like with your cleanser, the goal here is to find a moisturizer that won’t make acne worse and that will work with your skin type. Look for a gel moisturizer, or one that’s water-based or oil-free. You want a lightweight moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated without promoting breakouts. Consider using a serum, which is lighter than a moisturizer while still being highly hydrating.
7. No Makeup
Whenever possible, skip wearing makeup (especially if you’re about to workout). Keeping your skin clear of makeup will minimize the chance of a breakout. Throughout the day, your pores will release small amounts of sweat, and if makeup is covering the pores, the sweat can’t get to the skin’s surface. The result is clogged pores, which trap bacteria and debris, and often lead to acne. If you have to wear makeup, try to find brands that are best for acne-prone skin, and cleanse your face to remove the makeup as soon as possible. Also, keep your makeup brushes and applicators clean so that they don’t harbor bacteria.
For the most part, dealing with acne is about keeping your skin clean. This way, the secretions that come from the sebaceous glands on your skin won’t have as good of a chance at plugging your pores, which means your breakouts will be reduced. Ultimately, the cleaner you’re able to keep your skin, the better.
