May 11, 2018

Acne Does Not Differentiate! What To Do To Prevent A Breakout

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and it’s not just a skin disorder that plagues teenagers. Breakouts can occur at any age. In a study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, researchers found that, while reports of acne were significantly higher in women and men in their 20s (about 51% of women and 42% of men), during their 50s, 15% of women and 7% of men still reported experiencing acne.

What is Acne?

Acne is a common skin disorder that includes several types of blemishes, like pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. It is caused by numerous factors, but some major contributors include –

Oily skin can be the result of active sebaceous glands.
Bacteria on the skin is due to pores getting clogged, which creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to grow. This can be seen in red, painful pimples.
Horomonally-linked acne – which tends to show up around the mouth, chin and jawline – occurs when estrogen levels are low, causing the skin to expel more oil.

You should always speak to your dermatologist about the type of skin you have and how you can treat it, but there are other options you can try before resorting to visiting a medical professional.

Limit Stress

Stress increases the production of cortisol, which causes hormones to produce more oil on the skin. Stress also causes inflammation which can make breakouts worse. Limit your stress by changing up your routine! Have dinner with friends or watch a movie or take a bath to relax.

Say Goodbye to Sugar and Carbs

According to Tatiana Aynbinder, a Cosmetic Dermatologist, interviewed by Forbes Magazine, “Your body breaks down “simple carbohydrates” like refined sugars and white flour, rapidly converting them into glucose, which then floods the blood stream. When this occurs, your body reacts by producing insulin to counter the glucose insulin levels spike, leading to inflammation-producing enzymes which attach to your body’s collagen through an oxidative process known as glycation. This process breaks down collagen and elastin, contributing to aged, sagging or wrinkled looking skin. The more sugar in a person’s diet, the more likely it is that the body will eventually develop insulin resistance.”

Wash Your Face!

When you don’t clean your face at least twice a day, you are allowing a build up of dead skin cells, oily skin and bacteria that can block your pores, causing breakouts. Powerful yet gentle cleansers are specifically designed to lift away impurities and maintain your skins delicate moisture balance. Use a cleanser that will provide your skin with antioxidants but will not over-dry. Look for ingredients like Green tea, Grape Seed extract, Witch Hazel and Algae for a superior product. Stay away from Parabens, Petroleum, Colorants, Fragrance, Sulfates, or Benzoic Acid.

Moisturize Your Skin

A good moisturizer will be the difference between dry, rough skin and hydrated, healthy skin. You’ll want to look for a moisturizer that provides powerful external antioxidant protection and hydrates your skin. It should be capable of effectively softening the skin, reducing collagen breakdown, and visibly minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. A blend of ingredients like Grape Seed oil, Vitamin C, and Alpha-Lipoid Acid offers enriching protection for healthy, smooth, and even-toned skin. Again, stay away from Parabens, Petroleum, Colorants, Fragrance, Sulfates, or Benzoic Acid.