Let's face it, our face is our resume, and glowing skin is something we're all after. Breakouts, congestion and a dull complexion can be common, and at times frustrating, especially when we're doing 'all the right things'. While there is no cookie-cutter solution to healthy skin, there are certainly a few simple lifestyle changes and adjustments to your daily routine you can make to reduce the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of acne. Follow these tips to help jumpstart your journey to clear skin.
Cleanse Once A Day Cleansing is an essential part of any skincare routine. It helps remove dirt, oil, makeup, dead skin cells, and other impurities that clog your pores and hair follicles. However, overwashing can also compromise your skin's microbiome & barrier, resulting in dehydration and an overcompensation of oil production that causes acne. Start your day with lukewarm water to rinse (but not ‘wash’ your face), and finish the day with a gentle cleanser. For acne-prone skin, use non-foaming options, and choose products that are in line with your skin's natural pH of ~ 6. Make sure you don't scrub too hard or over-wash, as this can make acne worse and leave your skin more prone to irritation. Moisturize Your Skin One of the most important steps to glowing skin is moisturizing. Dry skin often leads to increased oil production and acne breakouts, so it's crucial to keep your skin hydrated. When choosing a moisturizer, my general motto is ‘less is more’. Choose limited-ingredient products that contain high-hydration ingredients, like hyaluronic acid. If your skin is acne prone, avoid pore-clogging ingredients like oils and parabens. If you have oily skin, this doesn't mean you should skip moisturizing. Choose an oil-free formula to control excess sebum production while providing much-needed hydration. Drink Water! It sounds so straightforward, but most people's dry skin, wrinkles and under-eye bags are being emphasized by dehydration. No amount of $$ fancy creams can replace internal hydration, so drink up. You should aim for approximately your kg. body weight in oz. of water per day (ie 60 kg = 60 oz water minimum). Choose Non-Comedogenic Products Comedogenicity means how likely a product is to clog your pores. Non-comedogenic skincare products are designed to keep pores clear. This is especially important for people with acne-prone skin, as blocked pores can lead to irritation. Look for products with the "non-comedogenic" label when shopping for skincare and makeup items, such as aloe vera, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. This will ensure that you don't use anything that could potentially cause or worsen your breakouts. If your skin is particularly dry, higher glycerin content help hold hydration to the top layer of your skin, known as your epidermis, and reduces flaking without breaking you out. Limit Sun Exposure Sun exposure can cause skin inflammation and worsen existing acne breakouts. To prevent this, make sure to wear sunscreen when outdoors, even on cloudy days. Choose an SPF 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Also, avoid spending too much time in the sun during peak hours (between 10 am and 4 pm). Try Topical Active Ingredients Do you have severe acne? If so, consider trying topical products with salicylic acids or retinol. These ingredients can help:
Reduce inflammation
Unclog pores
Fight bacteria
Look for creams or gels that contain these active ingredients and apply them directly to the affected areas of your skin. Make sure to start with a lower concentration and work your way up, as these ingredients can be drying. Always talk to a professional to see if retinol is safe for regular use (avoid direct sun and do not use it when pregnant). Talk to a Professional and Learn How to Deal with Acne Today If you have constant breakouts and want to learn how to reduce acne, it may be time to consult a professional. A naturopathic doctor can help diagnose the root cause of your clogged pores and acne-prone skin and create a customized treatment plan. At Platinum Health & Wellness, Dr. Courtney Holmberg, ND, specializes in creating personalized solutions using evidence-based treatments to help people learn how to prevent acne and pimples and take control of their skin health. Call 647-351-7282 to book your appointment and start on the path to clear skin!