Many people struggle with acne. The common myth is that it’s only for those awkward teen years, but no, a lot of people are forced to deal with this into adulthood. While various methods work differently on diverse skin types, there is still some knowledge that everyone should take into account. There are lots of different myths of where acne comes from and techniques on how to get rid of it. Here is some information that may help you combat any acne issues:
Causes
Mostly, the cause of acne is sebaceous oil from hormonal changes. This oil generally helps the skin retain its moisture. That said, it can, at times, become stuck in your pores. Meaning it can manifest into the form of blackheads or whiteheads.
Blackheads, in particular, come from the oxidation of this oil. Here are some likely causes of acne:
- Your cheek is pressing on a dirty pillowcase at night.
- Genetics. Unfortunately, if your parents have acne struggles, you may as well. But not to worry- there are still ways that you can resolve this.
- Makeup. The ingredients in your cosmetics could be suffocating your skin and clogging your pores.
- Pressure on the face. Touching your face or having any other chaffing pressure on it can produce acne on your skin.
Myths
There are some common myths about the causes of acne. You may have heard all of these before, but we’re here to explain why they’re not necessarily true, and what you should worry about instead.
Greasy Foods
A lot of people think that greasy foods cause acne. Science has not yet proven direct causation between diet and acne. Only correlation. So you can probably continue eating what you want.
Sure, eating oily foods may in fact lead to acne, but only if said oil gets trapped in your pores. The answer to that problem is to improve your skincare routine, rather than your diet. The correlative factors here can also depend on your reactions to certain foods. That’s worth looking into. But what causes acne in one person may not do so in another.
Dirt
A lot of people think that acne and blackheads come from dirt and sweat. This isn’t the case, as dirt doesn’t really get trapped under your skin, and sweat is a natural effect your skin creates. Instead, blemishes come from oils, either from the outside world, or as produced by your hair and skin.
Stress
Many people see stress as a huge cause of acne. Stress itself is not directly the case. If that was the case, every famous person would have much more acne. It is more how you treat yourself when you’re stressed.
If you’re stressed, you may pick at your face or neglect self-care. These behaviors are what would cause acne. More information is below on why you should avoid these.
Cures
Now that you know the fiction, it’s time to know the fact. These are the certified ways to fight acne. All it takes is the information, and the drive to follow it through.
Water
Drinking more water every day is essential to keeping your skin clear. It will help your skin retain elasticity and heal better.
We could all stand to drink more water anyway. As much as we drink coffees, sodas and alcoholic beverages, water too often gets the boot. Which is why much of us are malnourished and dehydrated, and that takes a toll on our bodies and emotions.
With a healthy amount of water in your body, your skin becomes much healthier, more flexible, and much more likely to excrete toxins and wastes. Which means that those wastes are far less likely to manifest into a blemish. So for this reason and more, you should drink your two liters of water a day.
Eating Pro-Skin Foods
It hasn’t been proven that certain foods are detrimental to the skin. But foods packed with nutrients can definitely help your skin. Be sure to eat plenty items rich in vitamins and collagen, as those are vital towards skin health.
For some great options, check out our article 8 of the Best Nutritional Foods for Your Skin.
Full Night of Sleep
It’s not easy for everyone to get a full 7-8 hours of sleep. But this can do wonders for your skin. Also, remember to change your pillowcase at least every three days. If you’re getting acne on the sides of your face, it is definitely a clue that you need to change your pillowcase more often.
If you don’t want to switch out your pillowcase every three days, you can do the following before washing it:
Turn the pillow over after three days and sleep on the other side. Turn the pillowcase inside out after another three days. Then, after the same amount of time, turn the pillow over again. And after you’ve slept on all sides of the pillow, it’s time to wash it.
Don’t Touch Your Face
You always have oils on your fingertips. Even if you wash your hands constantly, it’s inevitable. So it’s better to avoid directly touching your face for as long as possible. This also applies to treating pimples. You should not pop, touch, squeeze, or pick acne. This can irritate blemishes, make them stay longer, and even lead to scarring.
Follow a Skincare Routine
Find a skincare routine that works well for your skin type. There is no one specific routine that works on everyone. Discover your skin type and try out some gentle items. Basics include a gentle facial wash, exfoliating wash, toner, and moisturizer. You can also get a spot treatment to apply to blemishes. This will help shrink them. Alternatively, press an ice cube on your blemishes to stop their swelling.
It’s important to not skimp out over skincare, or only do it once a week. No, this should be done as often as showering and brushing your teeth at night. Sure, it’s a pain, but the work you put in will be worth it.
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