Experts Share Their Tips for Dealing with Acne
Acne. It's a word that strikes fear into the hearts of teenagers and adults alike. As someone who's dealt with her fair share of breakouts over the years, I know firsthand how frustrating and confidence-sapping acne can be.
That's why, when we founded Eavara, we aimed to create products to help people naturally achieve clear, healthy skin.
Today, I want to share some valuable insights from skincare experts on how to effectively deal with acne. These tips come from years of research, clinical experience, and a solid understanding of skin health. Let's explore what the experts have to say about managing acne and getting rid of blemishes once and for all!
Understanding Acne
Before we dive into the tips, it's important to understand what acne is and why it occurs.
Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles. This leads to whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. Factors that can contribute to acne include:
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Excess oil production
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Bacteria
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Hormonal changes
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Diet
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Stress
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Certain medications
Now, for the good stuff: Expert recommendations for dealing with acne.
Consistent Cleansing is Key
Consistent cleansing is essential for preventing acne. However, experts caution against over-cleansing, which can strip the skin of natural oils and make breakouts worse.
The general recommendation is to cleanse twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that won't clog your pores. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants, which can irritate acne-prone skin.
Don't Pop or Pick
It's tempting to pop a pimple, but the pros unanimously advise against this. Popping pimples causes further inflammation and potential scarring. Plus, it can spread bacteria, leading to more breakouts.
Instead, use spot treatments containing ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target pimples.
Moisturize — Even if You Have Oily Skin
Many people with acne-prone skin avoid moisturizers, fearing they'll make their skin more oily. However, experts stress the importance of moisturizing, even for oily skin types.
When skin becomes too dry, it can actually increase oil production, potentially leading to more breakouts.
The secret is choosing a light, oil-free moisturizer that won't clog pores. Our Ultra Face Moisturizer is a great option!
Watch What You Eat
While experts are still studying the link between diet and acne, it's clear that what we eat could impact our skin health. Some experts recommend reducing your intake of high-glycemic foods (like white bread and sugary snacks) and dairy products, which are linked to increased acne in some studies.
Instead, focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Some experts also recommend foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like chia seeds and salmon, which could help reduce inflammation.
Manage Stress
Stress may not directly cause acne, but it can make it worse. When we're stressed, our bodies produce excess cortisol, which increases oil production in the skin.
Practice stress management techniques to minimize cortisol production. Regular exercise, meditation, yoga, and other activities that help you relax and unwind are all great options.
Be Patient with Treatments
One of the most important pieces of advice from skincare experts is to be patient. Acne treatments, whether over-the-counter or prescription, often take time to work. It's common for results to take 4-8 weeks to become apparent after starting a new treatment.
Don't Forget Sunscreen
Folks of all skin types, including acne-prone skin, should wear sunscreen — especially since some acne treatments can enhance sun sensitivity, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Look for a non-comedogenic, oil-free sunscreen to protect your skin without clogging pores.
Consider Your Hair Products
It may come as a surprise, but your hair products could contribute to acne, especially around the hairline, forehead, and back. The experts recommend using non-comedogenic hair products and being careful to keep them away from your face.
Change Your Pillowcase Regularly
Your pillowcase harbors bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells, all of which contribute to acne.
Change your pillowcase at least weekly — or more often if you have oily skin or hair.
Don't Overdo It with Makeup
While it's tempting to cover up acne with makeup, experts caution against using too much. According to Dr. Joshua Zeuchner, MD, the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital:
"Overuse of makeup, especially foundations, can lead to skin irritation or acne breakouts. Taking a break from makeup can help the skin repair itself."
If you do use makeup, choose non-comedogenic products and be sure to remove it thoroughly before bed.
Look for Key Ingredients
When choosing skincare products, experts recommend looking for certain key ingredients known to be effective against acne:
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Salicylic Acid: This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) can penetrate and help unclog pores.
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Benzoyl Peroxide: This ingredient kills acne-causing bacteria and helps eliminate excess oil and dead skin cells.
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Retinoids: Derivatives of vitamin A, retinoids can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
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Niacinamide: This form of vitamin B3 helps reduce inflammation and regulates oil production.
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Tea Tree Oil: This natural ingredient has antibacterial properties that can help fight acne-causing bacteria.
Don't Neglect the Rest of Your Body
While facial acne gets the most attention, body acne should not be neglected. To help prevent body acne, use body washes containing acne-fighting ingredients and wear loose, breathable clothing.
Drink Up
Staying hydrated is essential to overall health, including skin health. Drink water throughout the day to help remove toxins from your body and keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Consider Hormonal Factors
For many people, especially women, acne is closely tied to hormonal fluctuations. Some experts recommend tracking your breakouts to see if they correlate with your menstrual cycle.
Getting your blood tested is another way to determine if you have hormonal imbalances. Women have so many hormone fluctuations throughout the month (and as we age!), so it helps to have all the facts when it comes to your breakouts. In severe cases, hormonal treatments prescribed by a doctor may be helpful.
Real Results: A Customer's Story
While these expert tips provide a great foundation for managing acne, sometimes finding the right products can make all the difference.
I'd like to share a testimonial from Leslie, one of our valued customers here at Eavara.
Stories like Leslie's and her daughter's remind me why we do what we do at Eavara. We believe in harnessing the power of nature to create effective, gentle skincare solutions that work in harmony with your skin.
Wrapping Up
Dealing with acne can be challenging, but clear skin is achievable with these expert tips and the right products. Be patient, be consistent, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if you need it.
Here at Eavara, we're committed to helping you achieve your best skin naturally. Our products contain powerful, skin-loving, natural ingredients that balance your skin, fight acne-causing bacteria, and promote overall skin health.
Your skin is resilient. With the right care and a little patience, you can overcome acne and achieve the clear, glowing skin you deserve. Here's to your journey toward healthier skin, naturally!
*This blog offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is designated for education purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read in this blog. The use of this information is solely at your own risk.
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