10 TIPS FOR PREVENTING FACE ACNE
Facial acne is a frequent skin ailment that is brought on by the development of pimples. The most prevalent locations for acne-related breakouts are the forehead, chest, shoulders, face, and upper back. Genetics, fluctuating hormone levels, stress, high humidity, and the use of greasy or oily personal care products are a few of the factors. Teenagers are frequently affected by acne, but it can affect anyone.
Here are some tips to you help prevent facial acne:
- Keep your face clean.
The importance of face washing can never be over-emphasized. It is important to wash your face twice daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and extra oil from your skin’s surface. Washing more often than twice daily is not necessarily better as it may do more harm than good.
Use warm, not hot water and a mild facial cleanser or soap. Using a harsh soap (like deodorant body soap) can hurt already inflamed skin and cause more irritation. Try as much as possible to avoid scrubbing your skin harshly with a washcloth, an exfoliating glove or a loofah (a coarse-textured sponge). Gently wash your face with a very soft cloth or your hands. Always rinse well, and then dry your face with a clean towel.
- Keep your hands off your face.
Avoid touching your face or propping your cheek or chin on your hands. Not only can you spread bacteria, you can also irritate the already inflamed facial skin. Never pick or pop pimples with your fingers, as it can lead to infection and scarring. This can be tough but touching your face can transfer bacteria pore-clogging impurities onto your skin. Do your best to wash your hands regularly so that if you do by chance touch your face, your hands are clean.
- Know your skin type
Knowing your skin type is generally helpful so that you are able to know which products to use and avoid. You can use the following parameters to identify which skin type you may have but you can also consult a dermatologist for help if you’re still unsure:
Dry: Your skin often feels flaky and tight.
Oily: Your skin tends to look shiny by the end of the day.
A combination of both dry and oily: You have both dry areas and oily areas (your oily area is usually the T-zone; your forehead, nose, and chin).
Sensitive: Your skin is easily irritated and prone to redness.
In general, oily skin types are more prone to acne, Mikailove but anyone can get pimples, no matter their skin type. Having your skin type information on hand will help you choose the right acne regimen to help your skin clear up. For example, if your skin is sensitive and acneic, using too many actives that target acne like a salicylic acid wash, a salicylic acid exfoliating toner, and a retinol cream may be too much for your skin and lead to more breakouts due to a damaged skin barrier.
If your skin is on the oilier side, using a moisturizer formulated for dry skin may be too occlusive and lead to clogged pores. So knowing your skin either by observing your skin and learning what works for you or by taking advice from your dermatologist will help you understand and know what is best for your skin and help you prevent acne.
- Stay hydrated
If you are dehydrated, your body may signal your skin’s oil glands to produce more oil. Dehydration also gives your skin a dull appearance and promotes inflammation and redness. To keep your body well-hydrated, drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Drink more after exercise, if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding or you spend time in a hot and humid environment.
- Use makeup sparingly or limit makeup.
During a breakout, avoid wearing foundation, powder, or blush. If possible, choose oil-free cosmetics without added dyes and chemicals. Choose makeup that is labeled as “non-comedogenic” meaning it should not cause acne. Be sure to choose a foundation or concealer that is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. Be sure to gently wash any makeup off when you’re done wearing it. Mention any other products you might be using near your face, particularly hair styling products.
- Do not pop pimples
As tempting as it may be to squeeze that whitehead on the tip of your nose or on any part of your face do not squeeze or pop them. Popping pimples may cause bleeding, severe scarring, or infection. It may also increase inflammation and clog surrounding pores, making your pimple problem worse.
- Stay out of the sun.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase inflammation and redness, and can cause post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (dark discoloration). Some acne medications may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a broad-brimmed hat. Whether you have pimples or not, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.
- Use a moisturizer
Moisturizers help the skin stay hydrated. Even if you have acne, moisturizer is important because if your skin gets too dry, it will produce oil (sebum) to counterbalance and an excess of sebum causes pimples. However, many moisturizers contain oil, synthetic fragrance, or other ingredients that may irritate skin and cause pimples. Be sure to check the ingredient list before purchasing a moisturizer and check that it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
- Avoid certain foods
Your diet can also be a factor in causing acne. Processed foods, dairy products, alcohol, and refined sugars are the common culprits causing skin issues. Reducing your intake of these foods may help ease your breakouts. If reduction does not seem to help your acne flare-ups, you can try an elimination diet to more clearly identify the cause.
Typically, the common protocol for an elimination diet is to cut out gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, fast food, and alcohol for 23 days. This can sound pretty extreme, but after 23 days, you can start introducing these foods back into your diet, one at a time, and record any changes to your skin that occur. This allows you to identify if any of these foods truly are acne triggers for you. Prior to beginning any new type of diet, you should talk with your doctor to make sure you are still consuming a healthy amount of calories and nutrients each day.
- Exercise daily.
Regular exercise is good for your whole body, including your skin. When you exercise, avoid wearing clothing or using exercise equipment that rubs your skin and may cause irritation. Take a shower or bathe right after exercise.