Dealing with acne is not easy, at any age. It can cause, besides the physical scaring and redness, many mental discomforts such as depression, social isolation and low self-esteem.
I have been struggling myself with skin problems in the last 3-4 years and I can say that after reading many specialty articles, books and even social blogs, it's still hard to know what causes your face to develop those clogged pores. Theoretically, of course, we know the process. We've learned it in our anatomy classes. But WHY exactly that happenes, it depends on each person aside.
I don't want to make this post as an imperative "do this" or "don't do that" set of advice, I just want to share with you some of the things I have learned during these past few years of deep study on the matter.
First of all, I want to point out that I am not completely acne cured, I still get pimples or even scaring on some places, but the most important thing is to keep you complexion healthy and balanced.
1. Find out if you are lactose intolerant. It's really important to know this, as I have seen the changes in my face after I've stopped eating dairy, especially yoghurt. My face improved with 70%! The best thing you can do is select a week and stop eating any type of dairy in that period. If your acne improves, it's a sign you are lactose intolerant. In many cases, the improvement can be due to some other factors, so if you are not sure, extend the diet period. Of course, even if you really are intolerant, your skin will not get 100% clear. I know it from my own complexion. Important: start taking Calcium if you stop eating dairy, as it's vital for your health!
2. Start eating healthy and balanced. Now this rule is essential and I am sure you are tired of hearing it all over the place. But as bothering as it is to keep hearing it, as essential it is to respect it. You can see in the pyramid posted above how your daily diet should be (of course, excluding the dairy if you are intolerant). Keep it as diverse as possible and as organic as possible!
3. Drink plenty of water every day. And that's at least eight glasses per day. Be sure it's pure, bottled water, or, if you can't afford to buy water every day, then boil your tap water. Liquids will help improve not only your complexion, but it will also prevent cellulite and ease your digestion.
4. Wash your face twice a day with gentle cleansers. Don't overwash it, as it can produce even more sebum (oil) to your face, thus making you break out more. Now there are many products to choose from on the market, so you will have to try the one that works best for your skin. I tend to choose toners and face washers which do not contain alcohol, as that can overdry your skin and again, make it produce more oil.
5. Use SPF (sun protective factor) lotions. The sun can be damaging to your face, even though it is good for health. Don't avoid the sun completely, it is very good for regenerating our cells, but try to avoid sun burn. Use the type of SPF that best suits your skin color and drink plenty of water wile you're sunbathing. The powerful rays may fool you into thinking that they will dry your acne. It is partially true, though.The sun will dry your existing acne, but it will make your skin dry, producing more and more sebum as protection, producing more acne.
6. Sleep as much as you can and TRY to avoid stress. Now this part was the hardest rule to keep for me. I was constantly stuck in exams, had lots of studying to do and had very little sleep during the night. If this is valid for you too, try to make a skedule that you will have to follow. Study during the day, and sleep as much during night time. From time to time, take a break and go see a movie. DO NOT procrastinate! Study when you have to and enjoy your free time when you should. Its hard, but it's worth it. Your skin will thank you later :).
~ Other stuff to keep in mind:
- change your pillow case every 1-2 nights (to avoid bacteria spreading on your face)
- wash your makeup brushes as often as possible (especially your face brushes)
- wash your hands more often than your face and try to touch your skin as less as possible
- take probiotics and avoid antibiotics
- DO NOT use Accutaine (severe side effects)
- give your face a break from makeup every now and then.
Good luck!
XoxO,
Alexandra.
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