Dealing with acne can be extremely difficult, impacting not just our skin but our self-esteem as well. While I’m not a skincare expert, I’ve battled acne for over a decade and tried a lot of different treatments, from home remedies to prescription medications.
In this post, I’m sharing tips on how to stop breaking out and the strategies that have helped me achieve clearer skin and maintain a routine that prevents breakouts.
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Understanding What Causes Acne:
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what causes breakouts. Here are some factors that commonly contribute to acne:
- Excess Oil Production: Overactive oil glands can clog hair follicles, leading to acne.
- Bacteria: The presence of bacteria on the skin can trigger acne.Â
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, especially during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can lead to increased oil production and breakouts.
- Dietary Habits: Certain foods, especially those high in dairy and sugar, have been linked to acne breakouts in some people.
- Genetics: If your parents struggled with acne, you might be genetically predisposed to it.
Now, let’s dive into the tips for clearer skin.
Related: 10 of the Best Serums For Acne Prone Skin
Tips On How To Stop Breaking Out:
Choose the Right Products
Choose products that are tailored to your skin type. Foaming face wash and light moisturizers work well for oily skin while hydrating cleansers and heavier creams suit dry skin.
Select products with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and sulfur. Introduce one ingredient at a time to monitor your skin’s reaction.
The key to effective skincare is consistency. Stick to your routine both in the morning and at night. Make it a habit to never sleep with makeup on.
Protect Your Skin Barrier
Keep it simple. Stick to a basic 3-step routine: cleanser, treatment, and moisturizer (and SPF in the mornings).
Be gentle with your skin. Using too many active ingredients can harm your skin barrier. If your skin gets irritated, simplify your routine to cleanser, moisturizer, SPF until your skin heals.
Wash Your Pillowcase Regularly
Pillowcases can harbor bacteria, contributing to breakouts. Regularly washing your pillowcase can help prevent new acne.
Disinfect Your Phone Often
Your cell phone is dirtier than you think. Clean it regularly or use AirPods to avoid transferring bacteria to your face.
Stop Touching Your Face
Minimize touching your face throughout the day, reserving it for your skincare routine.
Change Your Diet
Diet plays a role in skin health. Experiment with cutting out dairy or sugar to see if it makes a difference.
Drink Spearmint Tea
If you have hormonal acne, drinking spearmint or peppermint tea may help balance hormones. This is particularly effective if your breakouts are around your chin and jawline.
Alternatively, what I like to do is infuse fresh mint in water and drink it throughout the day.
Seek Professional Help
If nothing seems to be working for you, consult a dermatologist. They may recommend specific treatments or procedures. Research prescription medications like Accutane thoroughly before deciding, as it can come with side effects.
Product Recommendations For Acne-Prone Skin:
- Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée Face Wash
- Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
- Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Facial Serum with Niacinamide
- CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask
I understand the frustration when nothing seems to work. Give these tips a try, be gentle with your skin, exercise patience, and stay persistent. I hope you find the solutions that work best for you. Feel free to drop any questions or comments below.
