Do you have a serious acne problem that shatters your confidence, every time you’re leaving the house? If your answer is yes, then the following tips will help you reduce Acne breakouts. But first, read a little about common causes of Acne.
Why Does Acne Appear?
Some people presume acne only appears in the teenage years, and the problem diminishes with age. This is just a myth because in many cases, adults and even older people can also have the problem.
Nature has bestowed us with oil-secreting glands on the skin known as ‘sebaceous glands’. Sometimes, these glands produce excess sebum that clogs pores and results in blackheads, whiteheads, skin redness, breakouts and serious acne.
Other reasons behind acne are hormonal changes in pregnancy, menopause and stress. Taking or quitting some medications, e.g. when you quit taking birth control pills, or start using anti-seizure drugs, lithium drugs, and corticosteroids, can result in Acne.
Controlling Acne – Six Helpful Tips!
There are different types of acne depending on the severity. If you have a serious recurring acne problem, it’s better to seek the help of a dermatologist for proper and in-time treatment. However, mild and occasional acnes can be treated with the following tips.
1: Cleanse Gently but Regularly:
Cleanse your face twice a day with a light cleanser and avoid harsh scrubbing. This removes extra oil from the skin surface that is clogging the pores and resulting in acne. Use your hands to remove the cleanser with water instead of using hard facial puffs.
2: Avoid Exposure to Heat:
Reduce your exposure to heat because it causes itching and irritation in the acne and exuberates the problem. Avoid using hair styling products that emit heat, spend fewer hours in the kitchen and protect your face from the sun.
3: Take Care of Proper Hygiene:
Unhygienic habits cannot directly cause acne because it’s an internal problem, but once the problem is there, such habits can add to the misery. Make sure you are washing your face after exercise, keep your cosmetic brushes clean, and change your pillows and towels regularly.
4: Don’t Touch the Acne:
If you have a habit of keeping your hands on your face, you might have to change it. It can transfer the bacteria to your hands and increase the redness and irritation on the face. Similarly, don’t pick, squeeze or scratch at the pimples.
5: Choose your Cosmetics Carefully:
Look for cosmetics with non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic written on the label, because they don’t clog skin pores. Choose creams and lotions that have salicylic acid, retinoid, sulfur and benzyl peroxide. Steer clear of sunscreens, lotions and creams that contain too many chemicals.
6: Fine Tune your Eating Habits:
Increase the intake of water to 12 to 15 glasses in a day and eat fruits and vegetables that balance hormones. Chew Brazilian nuts and take other foods containing selenium, Omega-3 and zinc such as poultry, salmon, fish, garlic, onions, oysters, whole grains and red meat.
In addition to that, you can also apply tomato masks because tomato is a great natural remedy to fight acne and control its re-growth. Avoid facial massages at the salons and try using matte makeup products over oily ones.