If you dealt with acne as a teenager, one of the biggest perks of moving into adulthood is looking in the mirror and seeing clear, blemish-free skin for the first time in more than a decade. But studies indicate that acne comes back for over 40 percent of adults and numbers are on the rise. If the thought of unpredictable breakouts takes you back to high school, have no fear. Treatments and acne-banishing lifestyle strategies have evolved, taming flare-ups and making stubborn adult acne a thing of the past.
Start with a few easy modifications to your daily routine to keep pimples at bay. When breakouts do happen, get them under control quickly with natural ingredients that cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect your skin. Here are ten tips for keeping acne under control as an adult.
1. Wash Gently
Build your skin care regime around a non-irritating cleanser that lifts and removes bacteria and impurities. Dr. Acne Wash Daily Cleanser, with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, shrinks pores and fades redness with a rich lather that continues to deliver time-release medication long after you’ve washed your face.
Washing technique is as important as the cleanser you use. Wash with your hands or a baby washcloth for a light touch, then pat skin dry. Cleanse your face morning, evening, and any time you sweat, taking care to avoid scrubbing your skin or touching your face between washings.
2. Hydrate
The benefits of staying hydrated for the overall health of your body are well-documented, so it stands to reason that your skin, the largest organ in your body, would benefit as well. A lack of moisture makes skin appear rough, red, and flakey, so top off your water bottle to keep your body firing on all cylinders. Consider using a product like Hyaluronic Peptide Serum or Hyaluronic Collagen Sheet Mask, which help hydrate the skin and promote a more youthful appearance. Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most powerful hydrating agents available, and Ebanel uses only biological and natural extracts of it.
3. Nourish and Repair
Put the nourishing and regenerative effects of argan oil to work on your skin by massaging a few drops of Organic Argan Oil Face Serum into your forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and squalene in kernels from Moroccan argan trees reduce inflammation and moisturize but never feel heavy or greasy.
4. Launder Bedding and Accent Pillows
It’s easy to forget that your bed pillows and decorative throw pillows on your sofa can harbor bacteria, dirt, and oils that accumulate from repeated use. Protect your skin from these unappealing irritants by washing pillows and bedding at least once a week.
5. Avoid Foods That Cause Flare-Ups
If you find that certain foods trigger a breakout, you’re not alone. Though the correlation between ingredients and acne varies widely from one person to the next, some foods are more likely to be the culprit behind your pimples. Hormones in milk, refined sugar and carbohydrates that you’ll find in sodas, white bread, cake, and other highly processed foods, and chocolate are known to aggravate acne in many people. Once you determine what your triggers are, clear the path for radiant skin by removing them from your diet.
6. Keep Headwear Clean
Winter accessories need regular washing because the same pore-clogging dirt, oil, and bacteria that builds up on pillows can accumulate on hats, scarves, and headbands. Athletic gear is a year-round irritant because sweat and oils get trapped in clothing fibers. Wash baseball caps, cycling helmets, football gear, athletic pads, and chin straps, hand washing delicate equipment with baby shampoo.
7. Reduce Stress Levels
Becoming an adult comes with a certain level of stress, but proactively managing situations that get you worked up can go a long way to ward off resulting breakouts. The reason? When you’re stressed, your body produces androgens, hormones that stimulate the oil glands and lead to acne. Take up yoga, meditation, or balance daily stressors with periods of relaxation to keep both mind and skin clear.
8. Choose Hair and Skin Products Wisely
Sometimes your favorite shampoo or moisturizer can be the very thing that’s causing your adult acne. Before getting too attached to that perfect fragrance, check ingredient labels for non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, and oil-free products that won’t clog your pores.
9. Ask About Medication Side Effects
Some medications are known to cause acne, so check with your doctor or pharmacist to understand potential side effects before starting any new prescriptions. They may be able to prescribe an alternative medication, or you can manage side effects with the help of a dermatologist.
10. Monitor Hormone Fluctuations
Women are more likely to have adult acne than men, and often fluctuating hormone levels are the cause. Pregnancy, menopause, and even regular, monthly cycles can lead to flare-ups. Know your body, keep up your daily skincare routine, and consult with your gynecologist to manage any hormonal changes.
Written by Ann Gibson for Matcha in partnership with Ebanel.