What to Change in Your Lifestyle When Acne Isn’t Clearing Up
You may not have control over your hormones and genetics, but you do have full control over what you do each day.
If your acne just won't go away, no matter what skincare products you use, it may be time to evaluate your lifestyle habits. Because more often than not, that's what's contributing to your acne breakouts.
Everything from a high-glycemic diet to touching your face too frequently can trigger blemishes.
Here, we show you the lifestyle changes you can make when those breakouts just won't budge.
Stop: Stressing
Start: Chilling
The simplest, quickest trick for boosting skin health: calm TF down.
"Stress releases hormones into the body, which in turn signal the skin to secrete more oil and can form into acne," says dermatologist Eric Schweiger, M.D.
Cortisol (aka the stress hormone) flows through your system, prompting your sebaceous cells to increase oil production. And it's this excess oil that clogs the pores and leads to acne vulgaris.
We know it's been a tough couple of years, but seriously, if you want to see the back of breakouts, it's time to seek therapy or make time for stress relieving activities like yoga, meditation, and listening to music. Whatever you enjoy doing -- do more of it.
How about unwinding with a bath? Truly's Moon Bath Essentials promote instant relaxation.
Stop: Sleeping on Dirt
Start: Switching Your Pillowcase
Dirty pillowcases are the worst thing for acne-prone skin.
That's because they hang on to surface germs, sweat, oil, and dirt from the skin and hair products which can all lead to acne. To prevent your pillowcase from congesting your skin, try to swap your pillowcases for a fresh set once a week. Change them out more frequently if you're using hair products, such as hairspray, mousse, gel, or oils, which can leave behind residue on the pillowcase, and cause pimples to pop up.
Stop: Filling Up on Carbohydrates
Start: Following a Nutritious Diet
Diet is everything. And it really can make a difference to your skin.
"There is some research showing that a high-glycemic diet can lead to acne breakouts, as can too much dairy," says Schweiger.
While derms and health professionals are divided when it comes to the connection between food and acne, many people suffering with adult acne have noted a significant difference when eliminating certain foods like dairy products, sugar, and gluten.
"When following an acne regimen, it’s best to eat a well-balanced, healthful diet and eat as many antioxidants and leafy green vegetables as possible, which have been shown to help fight inflammation in the body," suggests Schweiger.
If you suspect you have a food sensitivity, try the elimination diet.
Stop: Touching Your Skin
Start: Treating Your Blemishes
Turns out, constantly touching your skin can cause acne.
"Most of us do it without noticing, but touching your face is a common cause of breakouts around your chin and jawline because you are bringing bacteria to your skin, as well as applying pressure to it," says David Bank, M.D., founder and director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic, and Laser Surgery in New York.
So keep your paws off!
Do something good for your skin instead. Every time you feel the urge to touch, pick, or prod come on, reach for spot-on treatment or acne patch like Truly's Super Heart Patches. Formulated with benzoyl peroxide and hydrocolloid, these topical stickers will drain your lesions of gunk and inject them with acne-killing goodness. It's the quickest solution for keeping your hands off and preventing acne scars.
Stop: Taking Hot Showers
Start: Embracing the Cold
To maintain healthy skin, dermatologists recommend showering in cool water and avoiding steaming hot showers altogether.
Cold water tightens the pores which prevents the secretion of sebum and acne-causing bacteria. Hot water, on the other hand, opens up the pores and stimulates excess sebum production, leaving the skin vulnerable to irritation and acne.
For ultra clear skin, be sure to bring Truly's Bodne Bundle with you in the shower so you can lather up with its anti-acne body cleanser. The bundle also features a body mist, lotion, and body acne patches to moisturize, soothe, and treat in four simple steps. These are the topical products you need to banish blackheads, whiteheads, and dead skin cell buildup for a super smooth bod.
Stop: Suffocating Your Skin
Start: Wearing Breathable Fabrics
Wearing super tight clothes could be silently clogging your pores with sweat and triggering body breakouts.
To avoid the problem, start wearing breathable, looser-fitting fabrics. If you're prone to chafing, try sprinkling body powder on your skin before getting dressed to help reduce friction.
Another great way to get rid of acne on the body is by swiping a salicylic acid toner or other over-the-counter acne treatment onto your chest and back once a week.
Stop: Overcleansing
Start: Following a Gentle Skincare Routine
It's easy to think that there are no limits when it comes to keeping oily skin and acne-prone skin oil-free. There are!
Over-washing (especially with harsh cleansers) can actually worsen your skin condition, prompting it to produce more oil in a bid to prevent dry skin.
When you have acne, wash your face with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser twice a day (am and pm). And opt for gentle exfoliation once a week to keep your pores clear and skin prepped for improved product penetration.
Look for skincare products listed as non-comedogenic with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and fruit enzymes to naturally dissolve dead skin cells without scratching or potentially damaging your skin.
Follow up with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer or serum, and a zinc-formulated sunscreen (SPF 30).
Try Truly's Anti-Blemish Facial Kit to clarify, heal, and hydrate your acne-prone skin.
If you have cystic acne or your skin's not responding to conventional acne treatment, book an appointment with your dermatologist for professional advice. Cysts may require in-office treatment for removal.
Women on birth control pills experiencing adult acne should also speak to their healthcare provider. A switch in the brand may be all that's needed to clear you up.
