Acne can be caused by a number of different factors, meaning that there are many ways in which you can gain control over it. From lifestyle changes to skin care products, these methods will all help you to achieve a smooth and acne-free complexion.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle choices have a huge impact on your skin, and this is even more the case when it comes to dealing with acne. Stress, as well as a lack of sleep, can drastically worsen acne, as this releases certain hormones into your body that interfere with the way in which your skin cells function. Improving your diet is another lifestyle change that is easy to make, as some foods cause a rise in blood sugar levels, which then boosts oil production and leads to an increase in acne. Foods that you should be eating more of include oily fish, green tea, probiotics and fruits and vegetables, while those that you should be avoiding include dairy, sugar and processed foods, as well as junk and fast food, as these cause dramatic hormone fluctuations.
Water-Based Products
When it comes to the majority of skin care products out there, you will tend to find that they are usually either water or oil based. Since you want to reduce the amount of oil on your skin, oil-based products are best avoided, as water-based products will be much better suited to targeting your acne. The same applies to the shampoo and conditioner that you apply to your hair, as these products often come into contact with the skin on your face, and if they contain any oil or fragrances, will only irritate your acne even more.
Sun Protection
The UV rays from the sun not only exacerbate redness and inflammation but can also cause discoloration, with your chances increased if you suffer from acne. In addition to this, a number of acne products also cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun’s rays, which makes sun protection even more vital. To ensure that the sun cream that you use does not make your acne worse, look for products that are labeled as being non-comedogenic, which means that it has been formulated in a way that will not block your pores.
Frequent Exercise
While it may not seem as though frequent exercise will make a difference to your acne, this is not at all the case. In fact, exercise actually stimulates the secretion of certain hormones that help to prevent adult acne. Even if you are not one for going to the gym, just taking a 30-minute walk each day can have a positive impact, not only on your acne but also on your overall health.
Before using steroids or any strong form of acne treatment, it is always a good idea to first try methods that are as gentle as possible. By altering some of your lifestyle choices, and using products that are designed to work with acne and oily skin, you may be able to do away with your acne much faster than you thought.
