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.
