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Have you tried just about everything to get rid of your acne but failed? Well, you’re not alone. Acne is complex and could show up at almost any point of your life. Unhealthy diets, irregular sleep patterns, excessive stress levels, imbalance of hormones or underlying autoimmune diseases are major contributors to acne. Pimples usually pop up when the pores of your skin are blocked due to excessive oil, dead skin or bacteria.
If you are wondering how to get rid of these stubborn spots on your skin, you are at the right place. We have suggested three effective ways which will help you keep your acne at bay. So go flaunt that blemish free confident skin.
Use skincare that suits your skin type
Men, know your skin type. Literally, anyone can have a breakout but it becomes easier to keep a check on your acne and know what suits you better depending on your skin type.
- Oily skin is when your glands produce excess sebum (oil) and is therefore acne-prone.
- Combination skin is a mixture of both dry and oily skin where certain patches of your face tend to be oily. i.e. forehead, nose, and chin (also called your t-zone) whilst other parts are dry.
- Dry skin is characterised by redness, itchiness, scaling; along with loss of moisture and dehydration.
Acne can appear in all types of skin and it is important to invest in a skincare routine which is best suited for your skin type and condition. Skincare doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated or time consuming. A good five minutes in the morning and before bed with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen can go a long way. Also, avoid using oil based or pore clogging products.
Treatments such as niacinamide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide are said to reduce the occurrences of acne and prevent scarring. Consult a dermatologist before introducing these in your routine.
Nutrition for acne
A nutritious and healthy diet is the solution to most of our modern day problems. Acne is a hormone driven process. Hence, the best way to treat acne is from within. The type of food you eat could result in inflammation in your body, thereby wrecking a havoc on your skin. Certain foods trigger acne due to their ability to release blood sugar into your body more quickly than others. This promotes insulin production in the body which leads to excessive oil production thus increasing your risks of acne.
A wholesome, balanced diet including complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, high sources of protein such as beans, lentils and legumes, veggies packed with antioxidants, mineral rich fruits, good fats such as nuts and seeds is best for those managing acne.
Consult your nutritionist to find out what works best for you and use proper supplementation in case of deficiencies such as zinc, vitamin A and E, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and polyphenols.
Lifestyle Factors to Consider
Your lifestyle can trigger your acne and hence it becomes essential to incorporate a few changes in your life-
Move daily
Try to get at least 30 mins of exercise daily. When you exercise your body releases ‘feel good’ chemicals called endorphins which manage stress levels in your body. A good sweat releases stored toxins, fats and waste. It also increases blood circulation to your skin resulting in boosting collagen formation and new skin cell production. Remember, moving mindfully and regularly is the key.
Stay well hydrated
Wishful thinking won’t get you a radiant skin, but drinking water definitely might! Drinking enough water hydrates the skin, detoxifies the body and metabolises the food you eat. Whereas, if the fluid intake is restrained, your skin’s oil glands might produce more oil, resulting in a breakout. And we wouldn’t want that now, do we? So, drink up. A sufficient intake of water paired with mineral rich fluids such as juices, herbal tea and coconut water will keep your pimples at bay.
Get sufficient sleep
Staying up all night might sound hip and all, but it is your skin’s worst nightmare. Our body relaxes thereby allowing skin cells to repair and rejuvenate overnight. A good night's sleep is also helpful in reducing overall stress levels in the body. What’s more, when your body fails to get its 7-8 hours of recommended sleep it may produce glucocorticoid, which causes severe skin problems. So next time, you find yourself scrolling or stepping out at night, stop!
Avoid touching your face
Your hands are a germ infested from constantly touching, grabbing and holding things during the day. There are chances that those pore-clogging impurities may get transferred to your skin from your hands or gadgets (phones, headphones, camera). And if you just can’t stop touching your face throughout the day, sanitize your gadgets and wash your hands thoroughly to avoid the spread of bacteria.
Do not pop your pimples
As satisfying as it feels, popping a pimple is not the ideal thing to do. This spreads the bacteria and pus (that gooey white liquid) from the infected pore to surrounding pores on your face. In most cases, it also leaves behind an acne scar. Popping a pimple can delay your body's natural healing process, taking it longer to heal. Apply a pimple hydrocolloid patch instead and stop fiddling with your bump, it’s just skin after all!
We understand that acne is stubborn, frustrating and affects your mental wellbeing. Follow these tips and understand that results cannot be achieved instantly and you are on a journey to healing. We at Traya believe that getting proper help and treatment is the first step. If you are suffering from dandruff related acne consult with our experts and find out how to combat your acne effectively.
