Blemish, zit, pimple — whatever you call it, acne seems to get the same reaction whenever it rears its ugly head on your complexion. Keep your breakouts under control by following these tips for a blemish-free, beautiful you.
1. De-Stress. It’s no coincidence that stress shows on our face in the form of pesky pimples. Emotional stress triggering breakouts due to clogged pores, your body’s natural inflammatory response to a stressor. Clear your mind and your complexion by practicing relaxation therapies such as meditation, which positively influence the activity of hormones and the immune system as well as contributes to reduced inflammation.
2. Eat Smart. Diet and nutrition are an integral part of clear skin. According to the International Journal of Dermatology, a diet rich in low-glycemic foods (tip: think fruits, veggies and whole grains) can greatly reduce acne risk. Omega-3 oils found in flaxseeds and walnuts should also be incorporated into one’s diet to ensure healthy skin. And chocoholics rejoice! There are no clear links between chocolate and acne, but too much refined sugar can trigger breakouts.
3. Go Natural. Try switching from wearing thick, oil-based makeup or creams that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Cover-up naturally instead by using mineral makeup, which contains ingredients such as zinc oxide — a natural anti-inflammatory — and titanium dioxide — a natural sunscreen — mixed with pure pigments and minerals that help calm and soothe the skin.
4. Got Milk? Milk does a body good, but it may not be the best thing for your skin. A study published by the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology notes high-glycemic foods, such as dairy products, contain hormones and bioactive molecules that can trigger acne flare-ups. If you think dairy may be your complexion culprit, dermatologists recommend one simple trick: monitor your intake — along with other
high-glycemic foods — for a month to see if it’s contributing to your acne first before banishing it altogether.
5. Tea Up. Tea-tree oil contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial substances that help eliminate the bacterial strain associated with acne. Best of all, it causes fewer skin irritations such as dryness, stinging, burning and redness compared to other medicated topical treatments such as benzol peroxide.
6. Herbal Magic. Give your immune system an extra boost and help calm acne symptoms by adding an herbal remedy to your acne treatment such as Chaste Tree Berry, which is commonly used to relief acne associated with menstrual cycles. Talk to your naturopath for more information and to see which herbs are best for you.
7. Keep It Simple. Over-washing your face strips skin of essential oils, drying it out and sending it into oil-production overdrive. Keep your skincare regime simple: an oil-free cleanser and moisturizer is all you really need. Opt for products that are certified by Eco-Cert or other governing bodies to ensure only the most natural of ingredients come in contact with your face.
8. Don’t Touch! Popping pimples and squeezing blackheads can lead to scarring and the further spread of bacteria. Leave the popping to the professionals by scheduling regular facials and let a finely-milled scrub and moist washcloth do the rest of the dirty work for you at home.
9. Get Pricked. For those that aren’t afraid of a few needles, acupuncture has been shown to clear-up acne, according to the Journal of Traditional Medicine. By puncturing various parts of the body, this traditional Chinese therapy produces a nonspecific stimulation that enhances immunity and promotes blood circulation. Treatments can be pricey though, and regular visits are required to ensure best results.
10. Treat Yourself. Pamper yourself with an anti-acne facial once every four-to-six months to help clean, exfoliate and purify pores. Depending on the salon or spa, anti-acne facials generally consist of an extraction process to help eliminate blackheads and whiteheads; a peel-off mask infused with tea-tree oil and zinc to regulate the skin’s oil production; and a mild alpha-hydroxy-acid peel to help break down impurities, tighten pores and leave skin feeling soft.
Male Minute
Ladies, does your man sport a beard to cover up his acne? Or do you even know what he’s got under there? Experts agree a beard can be bad news, especially if he’s prone to extensive flare-ups or already has a bad case. Unfortunately, sweat and oil can get trapped in the hair and lead to blocked pores while ingrowns can also clog pores, causing zits to rise and shine and acne to come out in full salute. For all men, bearded or otherwise, keep facial hair trimmed and cleanse thoroughly as required once a day.
