How to stop acne breakouts? This is one of the most common questions people ask and search for.
Acne breakouts can be prevented by keeping the skin clean. Maintain a healthy diet and avoid using harsh soaps and face wash, which can irritate your already sensitive skin. To achieve flawless skin, use the right skin care products as per your skin type. In this article, you will be able to explore such highly effective, clinically approved ways to avoid acne breakouts and maintain healthier skin.
Tips to avoid acne breakouts
Acne is one of the most common skin issues that can affect people of all ages, genders, and skin types worldwide. Acne is believed to be triggered by a combination of factors, including clogged skin pores, excessive oil production, hormonal imbalance, bacterial growth, stress and lifestyle habits. Fortunately, the frequency or severity of these stubborn zits can be significantly reduced with proper preventive measures.
Acne breakouts occur due to changes in the daily routine. Moreover, changing shampoo, face creams, and soaps can cause acne breakouts. How do you prevent acne breakouts? Well, below are seven simple ways by which you can avoid acne breakouts:
- Choose acne-friendly makeup
Blocked skin pores are a major reason for acne breakouts. The makeup products we use affect our skin’s health. So, if the skin is prone to acne breakouts, look for non-comedogenic products, which are specifically designed not to clog pores. Moreover, a simple and consistent skincare regimen plays a crucial role in preventing pimples. Many people use multiple products at once or choose harsh chemical cleansers or exfoliators that strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation and a common reason for acne breakouts. How to stop acne breakouts or irritation that skincare products cause? Well, to avoid acne breakouts in such cases, follow these tips-
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- Prefer cleansing twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser. Select ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide that work well for acne-prone skin.
- Moisturizing is crucial; moisturize even if your skin is oily. Oily-skinned people should choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to help maintain skin pH balance.
- Do not over-exfoliate your skin; over-scrubbing can irritate your skin and worsen inflammation.
- Apply sunscreen daily, as sun exposure can worsen acne. Too much sun exposure can cause skin damage and trigger a sudden acne breakout. Apply an adequate amount of sunscreen or sunblock to keep the skin hydrated enough and protected from the sun.
- Change pillowcases weekly
It is necessary to change the pillowcase frequently, as sweat, dirt, and makeup from your face seep into your pillow every night. If the pillowcases aren’t washed regularly, it’s like sleeping on a pillow of sweat and dirt for many hours.
- Review your shampoo
Shampoos and conditioners contain fragrances and chemicals that can irritate your forehead, jaw, neck, and back, leading to breakouts. Use non-fragrance or all-natural products and ensure you thoroughly wash the shampoo out of your hair.
- Stop touching your face
Keeping unhygienic hands and fingers off your face will help keep it clean and healthy, and also prevent sudden acne breakouts. This is because your hands may carry dirt, oil, bacteria, and other environmental impurities, which can be transferred to your skin when you frequently touch your face, clogging pores and triggering acne. Therefore, avoid touching your face throughout the day. Avoid squeezing your pimple, as it may lead to scarring, pigmentation, and infection in severe cases. Wash your hands frequently and do not rest your face on your palms. These simple lifestyle habits can help prevent unnecessary bacterial transfer that gives rise to breakouts.
- Check your diet and make healthy choices
While food does not directly contribute to the development of whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, research shows that certain dietary habits can worsen breakouts.
Here are the foods that can worsen acne:
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- High glycaemic food, including white bread, sugar, and aerated drinks.
- Dairy products are beneficial for some people, especially skim milk.
- Oily or deep-fried foods.
Foods that support skin health:
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- Fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants.
- Yoghurt or fermented foods.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, present in fish, chia seeds and walnuts
- Plenty of water to maintain proper hydration.
Remember, moderation is key; instead of cutting out food completely, aim for a balanced diet that supports overall health, including skin health.
- Manage stress and get adequate sleep
Stress doesn’t just affect your mood but may also interfere with your skin health. During stressful situations, your body releases cortisol, which can increase oil production and inflammation. This ultimately results in frequent breakouts. Practice stress management to help clear acne. You can reduce stress through deep breathing, meditation or yoga. Thirty minutes of regular physical activity can help lower stress. Whenever in a stressful situation, consider pursuing relaxing hobbies like art, music, and reading. Moreover, ensuring quality sleep of 7 to 8 hours every night will help reduce stress levels.
A calm and relaxed mind does reflect on your skin. While you sleep, your body begins to repair tissues, balance hormones, and regulate inflammation, which are extremely important for acne prevention.
- Exercise
Exercise can reduce the frequency of sudden acne breakouts by enhancing the blood circulation throughout the body and supporting skin health.
When to seek help!
If you experience persistent breakouts, painful cystic acne, acne scarring, or a breakout that affects your confidence, it is the right time to consult a dermatologist. He can prescribe prescription-strength formulations such as retinoids, oral medications like antibiotics, hormonal therapies, or chemical peels, individualized to your skin type.
Final thought!
Ignore unnecessary reasons for acne breakouts that are spreading all over the internet. What prevents acne breakouts is actually a combination of smart skincare, healthy lifestyle choices, and some good habits. Following these seven steps to avoid sudden acne breakouts, maintaining a gentle skincare routine, making healthier food choices, managing stress, and choosing skin-friendly products can significantly reduce your chance of sudden acne breakouts.
