6 Lifestyle Changes That Can Prevent Acne and Breakouts

6 Lifestyle Changes That Can Prevent Acne and Breakouts

Your skin is your largest organ. It covers all the good stuff on the inside, but sometimes it needs a little extra attention to look and feel its best. Your face is often the first point of contact and many assumptions will be made about you just from the way you look. If you are someone who suffers from acne or regular breakouts, you’ve probably tried quite a few things to just make it go away. Products, prescription and over the counter, can be very helpful in treating acne, but making lifestyle changes can help you deal with the root of the acne as well as the acne itself.

 

Whether you are looking to do something about jawline breakouts or back and shoulder acne, there are ways to combat your problem that will make you feel a lot better from the inside out. There are some simple changes that can help, like changing your pillowcases daily, washing your face twice a day and using sunscreen, and then there are some changes that require a little more effort. Here are 6 lifestyle changes that can reduce and even prevent acne and breakouts, for more even skin and a lot more confidence. 

1. Drink More Water 

Our bodies are made up of about 60 percent water. We are suspended in water while we are in our mother’s womb. Without freshwater to drink, we will only last about 3 days. Water is a vital part of our existence. The more of this life-supporting substance you take in, the better your body will feel. Adequate water intake allows your organs to function closer to optimum levels. IF you’re not sure how much water you need, check out this water calculator.

 

What water does to reduce and prevent breakouts is to support the elasticity and moisturizing of your skin. It allows your body to more regularly flush waste and toxins out of your body–everything from spent hormones to digestive waste to excess sugars. The ability to dilute substances and flush them out of the body quickly means that the body doesn’t reabsorb these harmful compounds. It means that they will be less likely to exit through your skin.

2. Watch What You Eat

The things you eat and drink can put a strain on your liver, your digestion, your skin and a whole lot more. A healthy and balanced diet that is filled with minerals and vitamins will better help to support healthy skin that is blemish-free. You can also supplement your healthier diet with a daily vitamin or herbal supplement to give you an extra boost.

 

Sugary foods and drinks and overconsumption of carbohydrates can wreak havoc on your skin. Starting a food journal is a great idea to help you figure out the things that go along with severe breakouts so that you can eliminate them from your diet. Some people have made connections between dairy, chocolate and wheat and breakouts. Each individual is different, so embrace your individuality and honor what your body tells you. Foods that cause inflammation will certainly make the fight against breakouts more difficult while improving your gut health tends to make the fight easier. That’s why it’s best to know what makes your skin happy and do your best to stick with it.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night, while children and infants require 10 to 12 hours. Sleep is the time when our body carries out some of its most important regulatory processes. While we are sleeping our brain is making connections and solidifying memories, muscles and tissues are repairing themselves and a whole lot more. If you are not giving your body enough rest, then it is not able to restore itself optimally. Inadequate sleep puts a lot of stress on the body, and stress is something we want to avoid. Excess stress can also manifest as acne and breakouts. 

4. Regular Exercise

Exercise is important for long and healthy life. Exercise is also great for your skin health. Exercise promotes a healthier cardiovascular system which can better your circulation and the oxygenation of your skin. It also helps to reduce stress. And stress can play a significant role in blemishes. Be warned that because sweat can trap dirt and clog your pores, you have to be religious about gently washing your face after working out. If it’s not possible to shower directly after exercising, try some gentle cleansing cloths instead.

5. Choose Hair Products Wisely

One of the closest things to your face is your hair. In fact, for some people, hair touches their face more often than hands or a cell phone. It is important to keep hair clean and free from debris. It is also advised that you choose your hair products carefully. The ingredients in some hair products may be causing some of your skin problems. Since the wrong combination of chemicals can fuel acne and breakouts, try going for lighter products that are water-based and more natural. And when you do have to use more sticky and trouble causing products, be sure to wash them out of your hair as soon as possible and to wash your face as well.

6. Choose Facial Products Wisely

Not every facial product on the market is going to work for you. In fact, something that works great for your mom or your best friend may give you more problems than it’s worth. It helps to know your skin type when you are shopping for skincare products. When it comes to makeup, you have to be very careful. Water-based products are generally better for acne-prone skin. Further irritating irritated skin is not what you’re going for, so choosing products that have higher mineral content, salicylic acid and sulfur will help minimize irritation. And remember to use a gentle cleanser to wash the makeup off your face.

 

No one has perfect skin all the time, but you can experience clearer skin more often when you combine the right products with a few lifestyle changes. When your skin is clear you will feel more confident and beautiful.

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