Acne sufferers know that it can be an embarrassing and frustrating thing to deal with. It affects your self-esteem and can make it hard to connect with other people. You find yourself trying to cake on makeup just to hide the blemishes only to discover that your routine is contributing to the problem. There is good news however, when you know what not to do for your acne, you can develop a plan for what to do instead. Here are the worst habits for acne sufferers:
Failing to Take Care of Yourself
You matter, and it’s important to take care of your overall health. When you fail to do this, it impacts everything including your skin. Taking care of yourself will help you look and feel your best. It starts with avoiding junk food and eating fresh fruits and veggies. You can also exercise which helps to improve blood flow to the skin on the face.
Skipping Out of Sleep
Skipping out on sleep is a bad idea for your skin and body. A lack of sleep can make acne worse, as it decreases the production of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone and too much of it increases inflammation, which can lead to breakouts. Plus, your immune system benefits when you get enough rest. The optimal amount of sleep is 7-8 hours per night.
Not Choosing the Right Skin Care Products
What you put on your face matters even more when you deal with acne regularly. Good acne treatment requires quality skincare products and a good routine. If you get the wrong things, you could clog pores which can lead to more outbreaks or it could lead to dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Plus, your skincare needs to change seasonally. Try and pick products with as few ingredients as possible that have been formulated for skin prone to acne.
Not Eating a The Right Foods
Acne sufferers need to be more selective about what they eat. Did you know that foods that cause more inflammation can lead to acne breakouts? This means that you are best to eat a diet filled with fruits and veggies, quality meats, and even raw dairy if you can tolerate it. Grains should be eaten sparingly along with processed sugar and other refined foods.
Using Dirty Makeup Brushes
When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? If you can’t answer that question, then it’s been too long. Dirty makeup brushes are a source of problems for people with acne. They can harbor bacteria and dried makeup debris that can cause infection and inflammation on your face. You can keep them clean by washing them regularly with mild soap or shampoo and warm water. Let them dry out completely before using them again.
Using The Wrong Deodorant
Deodorant is a great way to keep your body fresh and smelling good, but it can also be harmful if you have acne. If you are prone to breakouts, watch for ingredients that may cause irritation. Some fragrances and chemicals are especially harmful for people with acne.
Applying Too Much Makeup
Yes, acne can feel embarrassing when it’s all over your face. But applying too much makeup can be counterproductive for your goals. Applying too much foundation, concealer, or blush can worsen your acne. They clog your pores and make it harder for your skin to breathe. Make sure you take breaks from wearing makeup and use quality products that don’t clog your pores.
Washing Your Face Too Often
There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Over-washing can cause dryness and irritation that makes your acne worse. A good rule of thumb is to wash your face only once a day and to use products that won’t strip the natural oils from your face.
Forgetting to Use SPF on Your Face
Let’s be honest, we all forget to apply sunscreen to our faces. And while it may seem like a small thing, you’re actually doing your skin a huge disservice by not using SPF on your face every day. The sun’s rays can cause acne and scarring by damaging the outer layer of the skin. And for acne-prone people, this can increase inflammation and cause more breakouts.
Touching Your Face With Dirty Hands
Your hands touch a lot of things all day long. And every time you touch your face with those hands you transfer what’s on them to your face. It’s best to avoid touching your face unless your hands are clean if you want to minimize acne and reduce the number of breakouts.
