Acne breakouts may be normal for teenagers, but they're never just a breakout. It isn't some trivial cosmetic problem that's easy to ignore, much less fix. Acne is a serious issue that affects both skin health and mental health.
After all, no one wants to get dressed for a date only to see pimples peppering their face when they look in the mirror. But the good news is that acne breakouts can be treated with the right skincare practices and lifestyle habits. Say good-bye to acne breakouts by following these 4 foolproof ways to avoid breaking out:
Choose the Right Anti-Acne Products
If you want to prevent acne breakouts, you need to incorporate the right products into your routine. Our previously published article on common skincare myths highlighted different products that are falsely promoted as acne remedies—and there are many of them. To repeat: it’s best to use your toothpaste for your teeth and apply coconut oil to your hair.
Instead of applying these harmful products to your skin, you should follow a proper skincare routine for acne. More importantly, use skincare products that contain acne-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. This ensures that you’re using scientifically proven remedies instead of hacks that may just harm your skin.
Maintain Proper Hygiene When Using Makeup
Speaking of beauty myths, it’s time to set the record straight: your makeup products are not causing your acne breakouts. So yes, it’s totally okay to hide your blemishes with heavy-coverage foundation or concealer on those days when you’re experiencing breakouts. However, it’s not okay to wear your makeup overnight because these products can clog your pores when worn for too long.
If this happens, you might develop skin irritation and acne breakouts. So while makeup products aren’t the primary cause of acne breakouts, lack of proper beauty hygiene can lead to it. So, remember to cleanse your face and remove your makeup before going to sleep.
Stop Using Tight Clothes or Items
If you’ve noticed acne breakouts all over your body, it’s time to examine the stuff that you use. Dermatologist Dr. Ata Moshiri states that tight clothing and gear can cause breakouts due to the friction that it creates with your skin. This friction irritates the surface of your skin and traps in oil as well as bacteria. This process may also occur if you’re using tight athletic equipment, backpack straps, headbands, hats, and even undergarments. So, let your skin breathe by using items that have a better fit. This will not only stop the skin irritations and breakouts, but it can also prevent you from feeling any discomfort.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
High school and college can be really stressful, especially during exam season. However, you need to make time for self-care and relaxation during these challenging times because your stress levels can affect your breakouts. Though stress doesn’t directly cause acne, your acne breakouts can further be aggravated due to a stress hormone called cortisol.
Once your cortisol level rises, this hormone triggers your oil glands to produce more sebum. The rise in oil production can then lead to acne flare-ups. So, if you want to avoid acne breakouts, it’s important to practice self-care whenever you have tight deadlines or exams.
Acne breakouts can be caused and triggered by many factors, so it's important to take a holistic approach to skincare! The right skincare products can address your acne, but you can further prevent the development of breakouts by putting a stop to the practices that trigger them.
