With all the ads and information on the Internet, knowing what your skin needs to remain healthy and clear can seem like an impossible task. And if you live with acne, I’m sure you’ve met with many dermatologists and tried every possible treatment out there. But you still don’t know what works and what doesn’t.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to acne. With the wide variation in lifestyle, complexion, genetics, and skin type, a solution that works for some might not be useful for others. Talking to an aesthetic doctor can also help, but not everyone has the same level of access to treatment. That said, there are a few things you can do to make your skin healthy and glowing.
The journey to clear skin starts with common-sense approaches to skincare.
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Wash your face often
The skin is your first line of protection against grime, oil, and other pollutants. If you don’t wash your face regularly, all that dirt can lead to blemishes, clogged pores, and eventually, acne. The foundation of any skincare routine is cleanliness, and it starts with washing your face.
A Harvard Medical School study tested the effects of face washing on long-term skin health. The results revealed that those who washed their face with a mild cleanser at least twice a day were less likely to develop acne than those who didn’t.
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Use a gentle cleanser
Drugstore and supermarket aisles are full of facial cleansers, all promising clear and glowing skin. However, with all the options available to consumers, choosing just one cleanser proves to be a difficult task.
Instinct tells us to go for the most expensive brand. However, just because something is pricier doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. Most facial cleansers use the same active ingredients and modes of action. Your best bet could be a no-frills drugstore brand; just make sure it’s mild on the skin.
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Moisturize at night
Dry skin is more likely to develop acne. Why? If your skin is too dry, your body tries to compensate by producing more oil, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts. And it’s not all genetic. Environmental factors such as low air humidity and extreme temperatures also affect the moisture in your skin.
The solution? Use a moisturizer. Keeping your skin moisturized goes a long way in keeping the pimples at bay. The same principle applies when choosing a moisturizer: keep it simple and choose the best one for your skin type.
If you have naturally dry skin, a heavy moisturizer at night helps keep the skin soft. On the other hand, those with oily skin might want to use a brand with a thinner, water-based formula.
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Avoid sugar
A few studies have suggested that food and drink with high sugar content are linked to the formation of acne. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology tested the relationship of a low-glycemic diet to acne. The majority of research participants, as expected, lost weight. They also developed less acne.
To reduce your likelihood of breakouts, you might want to avoid eating food that is rich in carbohydrates such as white bread and breakfast cereals. Sugary drinks should also be avoided.
The key to healthier skin is to improve your hygiene and use the right products for your particular skin type. Changes in your lifestyle also go a long way in keeping your skin clear and free of pimples.
