Save your skin from breakouts - 6 top tips
The web is saturated with tips and shortcuts to glowing, break-out free skin. It can be a little confusing. We’ve shortened the list to the most important things you should be doing to end and prevent those never ending spot clusters!
Limit your exfoliation
Wait what? Exfoliation - bad for you? Surely not... Yes, exfoliation is great for clearing out pores and resetting your skin by ridding it of the dead cells. But sometimes, it can do such a good job that it strips the skin of all its natural oils, causing excess oil production, which results in clogged pores and more breakouts! If you’re not careful you can create more irritation and prolong your skin’s recovery. Don’t rule out exfoliation completely but try reducing it to 2 or 3 times a week.
Don't touch your face
This is a big one and maybe one of the hardest to stick to. Touching your face can spread the bacteria from nearby spots and cause new ones to form. Additionally, our hands hold dirt and oils that can be transferred to our faces and clog our pores. If you’re struggling with this a lot, try finding an object (like a ball) to hold onto to distract your mind and keep your hands busy!
Don’t pick or pop
It may be tempting to pick and pop those pesky little pimples but this can spread bacteria, cause more inflammation, and lead to scarring. All things we want to avoid.
Use sunscreen
Being in the sun is great for your skin but without sufficient protection this can lead to excess oil production. This excess oil will lead to more breakouts, so to prevent this from happening make sure you lather on an oil-free SPF 15 lotion. This is also important for preventing sun damage for younger looking skin and for preventing future health complications from UV exposure.
Diet
You really are what you eat. Your body is incredibly efficient at processing everything we consume, even foods that aren’t that good for us! Processed, high-sugar foods are another source of breakouts that can be eliminated or just reduced. Other substances such as caffeine can also be bad, as it heightens our stress response leading to the release of more stress hormones, such as cortisol. These hormones may increase oil production and cause more breakouts. Try to avoid processed foods and try eating as much fresh fruit and vegetables as possible. Also remember your skin's best friend is and always be water.
Water-based, oil-free products and makeup
If you are experiencing bad breakouts, it may also have to do with the type of products you’re using. Whether you have oily or combination skin, you should be looking for water-based rather than oil-based serums or moisturizers. This is because oil-based products may be contributing to your excessively clogged pores and facilitating the spread or continuation of breakouts. Pay close attention to the ingredients in your daily skincare or makeup products.
This list is non-exhaustive and of course there are a million more things you can do, but if you’re lost in a sea of endless tips why not give these simple ones a go?