Chances are, you had to deal with acne as a teenager; even adolescents with the clearest skin faced the occasional pimple from time to time. You may have assumed those days were behind you, only to find that as an adult, you get the occasional (or frequent) zit yourself. This may be very frustrating and embarrassing for you, and that is understandable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing acne. In this blog, we will go over some acne prevention tips so you can put your best face forward.
Cleanse Your Face Twice Daily
The most important step you can take towards preventing acne is keeping your face clean, yet many people don’t have the patience to incorporate washing their faces into their morning and bedtime routines. This is a mistake. When you wash your face twice a day, you remove the dirt, debris, excess oil, and dead skin cells from your face that are responsible for clogging your pores and causing breakouts. When you wake up in the morning, use warm water and a mild cleanser to wash your face. Make sure not to use very hot water or a harsh soap, which can cause your skin to become more irritated. Additionally, use a gentle washcloth on your face, and never use a loofah or other coarse-textured exfoliating tool. Rinse your face completely of your cleanser, and pat it dry with a clean towel. Only use the washcloth and towel once, as this can spread bacteria, further aggravating your acne.
Moisturize Your Face
After you have cleansed your face, it is also important to moisturize, particularly if you are using an acne-fighting facial cleanser, which often has ingredients that dry out skin. Look for a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer, as this will not cause acne. Also make a point to invest in a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type, whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin.
Mind Your Makeup
When you break out, makeup can aggravate the issue by further clogging your pores. If you can avoid it, try abstaining for makeup during a breakout. Otherwise, make sure that you thoroughly clean off all makeup at the end of the day. Also choose cosmetics that do not have oil or any added chemicals or dyes. You should also look for labels that specifically say “noncomedogenic” on your makeup products.
Keep Your Hair Clean
You may wonder what your hair has to do with acne, but it can actually have a big impact on the health of your skin. When your hair is oily, it can add oil to your face, particularly if you have long hair. Keep your hair pulled away from your face, and avoid using products that will make your hair oily, such as gels, pomades, or oil treatments.
Eat For Your Skin
Many people have a difficult time eating healthy because they don’t really feel the consequences of unhealthy eating until much later. However, if you have adult acne, there is a good chance that it could be caused by your diet. While eating chocolate isn’t going to give you acne, contrary to popular belief, eating foods that are greasy and lack nutrients shows in your skin. Additionally, many people find their acne is triggered when they eat sugar or dairy, so avoid these for a couple of weeks to see if your face clears. Opt for whole foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits and lean protein.
Keep Out of the Sun
Too much sun can cause inflammation, redness, and hyperpigmentation. Additionally, if you are using an acne cleanser, it may cause your skin to become more sensitive. Therefore, it is best to not spend too much time in the sun, particularly when it is at its strongest around noon. Always apply a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen when you are spending time outdoors.
Try a Hydrafacial
At Skinworx, we offer our Acne Clearing Hydrafacial MD™ just for people like you who are concerned about acne. During this treatment, we cleanse and exfoliate the skin, apply a peel, perform extractions and hydration, and finish by applying an antibacterial LED blue light. This process is an effective method of reducing or eliminating acne, and when you sign up for our facial membership, it is only $149 for a 50 minute session! Contact Skinworx for hydrafacials in San Francisco here today.