Acne is a common occurrence and many young adults, even older ones, deal with it silently. Not much is discussed about acne and its treatment and a lot needs to be told to these individuals on how to manage acne.
Hormonal fluctuations, menstruation in women especially, can trigger acne breakouts in individuals. Acne breakouts usually are seen on the chin, jawline, or cheeks, and can be frustrating and painful.
Here are a few simple tips on how to manage your skin during acne breakout:
Follow a skincare routine and be consistent
Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser twice daily to remove excess oil and impurities. Incorporate a chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid 2-3 times a week to unclog pores. Hydrate your skin with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to prevent acne scars.
Know which ingredients fight acne
When you are buying products to treat acne, check your ingredients carefully. For example, salicylic acid penetrates skin and reduces excess oil, benzoyl peroxide kills acne causing bacteria and reduces inflammation, niacinamide soothes irritation and controls oil production and retinoids prevent clogged pores.
Do not over wash your face
A common misconception is that washing your face often can keep the skin clean and will hence reduce the acne. However, the truth is far from this claim. Washing your face too often can strip the skin of its natural oils, prompting it to produce even more sebum. Stick to cleansing twice a day, unless you’ve been sweating heavily.
Dehydration can weaken your skin
Drinking plenty of water flushes toxins from your body and keeps your skin hydrated. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to maintain skin elasticity and reduce breakouts.
Manage your stress level
Stress can exacerbate hormonal imbalances, worsening acne. Incorporate stress-relief practices like practicing relaxation, boosting endorphins and taking proper sleep.
Adopt a healthy diet
Reduce sugar and refined carbs to prevent insulin spikes. Include omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts, and seeds to reduce inflammation. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to protect skin from damage.
Avoid touching face
Touching your face transfers bacteria and dirt from your hands to your skin, increasing the risk of breakouts. Keep your hands clean and avoid picking at pimples to prevent scarring.
Few DIY remedies to know
Use masks like honey and cinnamon mask (mix 1 tablespoon honey with ½ teaspoon cinnamon, apply for 10-15 minutes to reduce bacteria and inflammation), apply aloe vera gel, turmeric paste and apple cider vinegar to treat it.
