For most people, acne is more than just a skin condition. Anyone who has had it, whether in adolescence or adulthood, has suffered from low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. After all, our skin is the first thing that other people see. If it is not healthy, we end up feeling physically and emotionally vulnerable, as well.
Treating acne may be complicated and time- and money-consuming, but one thing is certain: it is not impossible. There are still many ways you can bring your skin back to its healthy glow and regain your confidence.
5 Tips to Treat Acne
The major step to treating acne is adopting healthy habits and being aware of the products you consume. You can follow some of the tips listed below:
- Know your skin type
Knowing your skin type is the prerequisite to treating your acne and generally building your skincare routine. There are five major skin types: dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or normal. By knowing which type you fall under, you could gauge which skincare products would work best for you.You can determine your skin type in several ways. For one, you can do the barefaced method. Simply wash your face with a mild foaming cleanser, pat it dry with a clean towel, and observe it for 25-30 minutes to know how it looks and feels.You can also do the blotting sheet method, where you pat a clean blotting paper on different areas of your face and hold the sheet up to light afterward to see how much oil is absorbed.
- Use products with ingredients for acne treatment
Use a facial toner, cleanser, and other skincare products with ingredients that specifically help treat or minimize acne.One ingredient that you need to look out for is salicylic acid. It helps exfoliate dead skin cells, regulates sebum production, softens clogged pores, and rejuvenates the skin. When it comes to acne, salicylic acid helps prevent the formation of whiteheads and blackheads that often lead to acne.Aside from these key salicylic acid benefits, you can also look for products with other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide – both of which help reduce the redness and swelling of acne – and benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria.
- Build daily skincare habits
If you’re hesitant to try acne treatments, you can opt for daily skincare habits to keep your skin clean and healthy. For one, you should drink an average of eight glasses of water. Not only does hydration positively affect your skin but it also regulates your organs and keeps your body healthy in general.When going out, use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Dermatologists recommend using water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.More importantly, get enough hours of sleep. Many studies have shown that sleep enables the body to produce cytokines, which help the immune system fight infections that lead to cases like acne. When you deprive yourself of sleep, your body will not be able to do its basic functions, leaving your skin vulnerable to bacteria.
With these daily habits, you can achieve naturally healthy and glowing skin and keep your body in check. A healthy routine is especially important as you grow old and some of your bodily functions begin to slow.
- Avoid picking your skin
Your hands can be a hotbed of oil, dirt, and bacteria, especially if you do not wash or sanitize them after touching surfaces and items shared with other people. As such, you should not touch your face with dirty hands as cross-contamination can worsen your acne.Most importantly, avoid picking or squeezing your acne as doing so can expose your pores to more bacteria, take your breakouts longer to heal, and increase or worsen your acne scars. - Manage your stress
Because of stress, your body may release more oil-stimulating hormones that either form or exacerbate acne. It also receives nerve signals that cause itchiness, making you tempted to scratch or pick your skin.
Fortunately, stress is something you can control with several helpful activities. You can exercise, get a massage, talk to a therapist, and more.
Other Ways to Get Rid of Acne
With the tips mentioned above, you can reduce the swelling of your acne or eliminate it altogether. Just remember, changes don’t happen overnight. Be diligent with these habits and pay attention to what you apply to your face. You’ll see results in no time.
If your breakouts persist after using acne treatment products, visit a dermatologist to learn more about your skin and develop an effective skincare routine. Getting expert advice is a sure way to properly protect and tend to your skin.
By treating your acne with the right products and practices, you can get rid of your breakouts, achieve great skin to improve your makeup look, and generally feel good and confident about yourself.
Author Bio: Penelope Martinez is a content marketing professional for Garnier Philippines, a skincare brand that aims to help women uncover their beauty through all-natural skincare. She’s a beauty aficionado and an advocate of sustainability. In her spare time, Penelope enjoys travelling, listening to music, spending time with friends, and discovering new skills.
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