Having acne on your skin is never fun. Pimples and blackheads look unattractive and they can even be painful when they are swollen. They are difficult to cover up with makeup and they can cause you a lot of insecurity and embarrassment. Waking up on the morning of an important job interview or a hot date with a red, pus-filled spot on your face can really zap your confidence.
So how can you reduce the number of spots that you get and improve the clarity and health of your skin? There are acne medications that you can use, but these will also come with side effects that include discoloration, dry skin and sometimes sensitivity and irritation. Also, these medical treatments are very expensive.
There are many things that you can do to reduce acne naturally. Here are a few of the steps that you should take on your path to clearer skin.
Get More Sleep
When you sleep, your skin has a chance to clear toxins out of your skin and clarify your pores. If you donโt get enough sleep on a regular basis, these bad chemicals will increase in your skin and cause you to break out. You should aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night so that your body will have the opportunity to cleanse your skin.
Use the Right Products for Your Skin
When you are choosing natural skin care products, donโt just grab the first thing that you see off the shelf. There are many different types of skincare products and it is important to take your time and find the product that is right for your skin. For example, if you have oily skin but you use a cleanser that is too harsh and drying, your skin will overcompensate and produce more oil โ which will only make your acne worse! Instead, look for gentle products with natural ingredients that will take care of your skin rather than irritate it further.
Drink More Water
Drinking more water is an easy and free way to improve the health of your skin. The more water you drink, the more you will help to flush toxins out of your system and clear up your complexion. Of course, water is good for you in a huge range of other ways as well. Try to carry a water bottle with you and sip from it throughout the day to keep yourself well hydrated.
Eat Healthier
The foods that you eat really do make a big difference in your skin. If you are eating a lot of highly processed foods that contain a lot of oil and grease, they will increase your acne. Instead, focus on eating whole grains, vegetables, fruits and protein โ which will help your skin to look fresher and healthier.
Wash Your Pillowcases
Think about it โ you spend 8 hours per night with your face pressed up against your pillow case. If it hasnโt been washed in a while, there is a lot of bacteria on it which will block your pores and cause you to break out. Any fabric that comes into contact with your skin, such as clothing, towels, sheets and pillowcases, should be washed at least once per week.
Give Yourself a Break from Makeup
When you have a massive zit, you will want to cover it up with makeup so that you feel confident enough to go out in public without worrying that everyone is staring at it. However, whenever you cover up your acne with foundation and concealer, you are actually clogging your pores even more and making it worse. If at all possible, avoid wearing makeup when you are just relaxing around the house and give your skin a chance to breathe.
Get Some Exercise
Getting physical activity every day will improve your health in a lot of ways, including helping to clear up your skin. When you sweat, it will help to clear out your pores and push dead skin cells to the surface so that they will not clog your pores and cause acne. It doesnโt matter what you do to exercise, whether it is going for a run, hitting the gym, joining a dance class or hiking in the woods โ as long as you get your heart rate up and break a sweat.
Julie Labeau just graduated with a degree in dermatology and lives in NSW. She encourages women to be proud of their natural beauty and is currently writing a book on sensittive skin care.
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