How to Prevent Acne: Stop It At Its Source

 

We know that acne is a huge pain in the behind that no one really wants to deal with. But when it’s marching across your face, it demands your attention. You’d think that now that you’re an adult with adult responsibilities, your skin could cut you a break. Unfortunately, teenage hormones gone wild may not be the only thing that’s responsible for making you break out.

 

Luckily, we have some natural remedies to soothe your skin and detoxify those nasty impurities. We’re here to give you all the information you need about where that acne comes from, what it is, and how you can stop it at the source before your face suffers the consequences.

 

First, Is It Acne? 

 

You’re probably thinking: “I can definitely tell when it’s acne.” 

 

But identifying the source of the blemishes and whether it’s actually acne goes a long way towards fixing the problem and making sure it doesn’t happen again.

 

There are three main types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples:

 

• • A whitehead sticks out from the skin and is a hard, white bump. 

 

• • A blackhead is also a clogged pore, like a whitehead, but looks like a tiny black spot on your skin. 

 

• • A pimple is a red bump with a white top. 

 

An important distinction to make is between skin purging, legitimate breaking out, and an allergic reaction. 

 

If you just started using a new skincare product and noticed that you’re breaking out more than ever, you might be allergic. If you see acne in places that you don’t normally or the whole area you used the product on is red and swollen, stop using the product and wait a few days to see how your skin reacts. Rather than acne, it could be an allergic reaction and might clear up by discontinuing use.

 

If you’re sure it isn’t an allergy because you’re breaking out in all the same spots, but you did start using a new product, you may be experiencing skin purging. Skin purging is when a new product is pulling all of the gunk out through your skin’s pores faster than your skin can keep up with. Purging can be intense, but it’s also different from your normal acne.

 

With purging, pimples will come to a head, shrink, and heal faster than your average zit. That doesn’t mean that the purging process will be fast, though. A skin cycle lasts around 28 days, and the purging period might take the same amount of time. Unlike regular breakouts, though, when you’re done, you’re done.

Breaking the Cycle 

 

So, if you haven’t started using any new products lately and you’re tired of dealing with acne in your adult years, we can help you break the cycle. You know it isn’t allergies or skin purging; it’s just a normal breakout, which is never fun.

 

So, let’s look at some of the known sources of acne and how you can put an end to the cycle of breakouts before the next cycle rears its ugly head.

 

Stress Less 

 

This one is definitely easier said than done. Stress is an ironic reason to break out since that’s one more thing to stress about, but unfortunately, stress takes a toll on many parts of your body. 

 

Being stressed out leads to poor sleep quality, changes in what you eat, and less exercise. Plus, if you’re already stressed out and pressed for time, you might not spend as much time taking care of your skin as you used to. It really is a vicious cycle.

 

All of that can quickly add up to breakouts, so remember to take care of yourself. This year hasn’t made that easy, and we’re not saying you need to jet away for a vacation (not that you don’t deserve one!), but finding 20 minutes a day for yourself should be a priority.

 

Take time to meditate, practice yoga, do a little light reading, or any other activity that helps you breathe easier and calm down. Trust us—your skin will thank you for taking a little quality time.

 

Call It Quits 

 

We’ll give it to you straight – smoking just doesn’t have an upside. We all know the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco have on the body, and there are many resources out there to help you quit.

 

One of the many side-effects of smoking is an increase in acne. Quitting can have a dramatic effect on your acne, and it improves pretty much every aspect of your health. It takes a lot of willpower and effort to quit, but it’s worth it for all of the benefits you will enjoy afterward.

 

Reach for Good Food 

 

It never hurts to have a healthy diet. Foods that are high in complex carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A and E have all been linked to less severe acne.

 

Whole grains and unprocessed fruits and veggies are great sources of complex carbohydrates. To find the other vitamins and minerals that your skin craves, try foods like:

 

• • Turkey

 

• • Fatty fishes like salmon

 

• • Nuts

 

• • Legumes

 

• • Quinoa

 

• • Blueberries

 

• • Whole wheat bread

 

• • Brown rice

 

• • Tomatoes

 

• • Sweet potatoes

 

• • Spinach

 

• • Carrots

 

This list isn’t exhaustive, and it’s fun to experiment with new foods, especially when you know that the end result will be a clear face. So, if you have the time and energy, try looking up some new recipes to give a go in the kitchen. 

 

Keep Your Nose Clean 

 

Most people who suffer from oily skin or regular acne know to wash their face regularly, but a simple rinse can go a long way.

 

If you use soap both morning and night, outside of your normal routine, it can dry out your skin. However, splashing water on your face when you wake up, before you go to sleep, and after being outside or sweating can stop gunk from sitting on your face and infecting your sensitive pores.

 

When you’re in the shower, use an exfoliating product. By helping the natural process of sloughing off dead skin cells, you reduce the risk of them piling up and causing an infection. You can also facilitate the process by gently rubbing the cleanser with a washcloth. Just don’t be too rough.

 

It’s also good to give your face a break every now and then. Skip your foundation or concealer some days, so you don’t always have heavy products sitting on your skin. Use the time to let your skin breathe with your natural beauty on display

.

Similarly, remember to take your makeup off at night when you’re hitting the hay. Even if you’re really tired, don’t skip this. When you’re trying to prevent acne, falling asleep with makeup on is a bad idea, because not only will your skin suffer, but you’ll also wake up with raccoon eyes and makeup ground into your pillow. Not a good look for you or your bed!

 

Additionally, you should always wash your hands before you put on your makeup to stop hand oils from getting your face greasy, and you should wash your makeup brushes at least once a week.

 

Plus, you can alleviate some breakouts by looking for makeup or sunscreen labeled as non-comedogenic. This label means the producers went light on the oil concentration in the product so that it won’t clog your pores. 

 

Face Your Fears

 

When it comes to preventing acne, you have a lot of options. In addition to what we’ve listed, there are plenty of home remedies and face masks that can keep your skin clear and prevent acne. They’re a lot cheaper than chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments. 

 

Plus, you can do these at home when you have a few minutes to spare. Scheduling is hectic in 2020, so using at-home treatments is a nice change of pace.

 

Helpful Ingredients:

 

You may have heard that apple cider vinegar is acidic, which can help fight off bacteria and clear up infections. Honey and cinnamon are often combined in DIY face masks for their amazing super-powered combination, which also helps stave off bacteria and reduce redness. 

 

Aloe vera is another popular ingredient because of how soothing it is for your skin and how it helps you stay moisturized. Many methods of reducing acne end up drying out your skin, so good face masks incorporate things like aloe vera to counteract that drying action and keep you glowing.

 

If you’re looking for a spot treatment for existing zits, look no further than tea tree oil. This oil soothes reddened skin and calms the irritation you feel from larger pimples. The best part is that you don’t have the harsh chemical side effects that you get from peroxide. 

 

It’s important that you spot test this product, though, and that you dilute tea tree oil before putting it directly on your skin.

 

Face Masks:

 

If you’re not as much of a DIYer, no worries. You have your pick of face masks. Gleamin’s Vitamin C Face Mask is just one example. It incorporates aloe vera, all-natural clay, turmeric, Kakadu plum, and, of course, vitamin C. 

 

The clay helps to stimulate blood flow in your face, which strengthens your skin. The Kakadu plum delivers the vitamin C that bolsters that strength and works hand in hand with turmeric to even out your skin tone and fight back against breakouts. 

 

And of course, the aloe vera comes in to soothe any additional redness from the pores as they are detoxified, and then all the impurities and debris are sucked away and locked into the clay mask. Leave it on for around 10 minutes and then wash it off, along with whatever it soaked up. Now, you’ve got clean, healthy, acne-free skin!

  

In Summary 

 

There are lots of acne prevention options, so take advantage. Acne doesn’t have to be a vicious cycle and just one more thing that is stressing you out this year. With all these amazing remedies, you should be able to find a few keepers that work for your skin.

 

Sources

 

https://www.healthline.com/health/anti-acne-diet

 

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/how-to-get-clear-skin

 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-acne-remedies