It’s finally the weekend and you are ready to let your hair down, hang out with the girls, and enjoy a much-needed girls night out. You already know what you’re wearing, hair is laid (baby hair and all) you go to the mirror to put on make up and there it is. An uninvited guest that has also set its mind on coming along with the girls.. A PIMPLE trying to ruin your pre-planned selfies. Where did it come from? How did it get there? How fast can it go back to wherever it came from? Don’t let pimples ruin not only your night but your life. Here are 5 tips to acne prevention you want to know about so you’re always prepared to combat the unwanted guest on your face. But, before we get to the tips let’s talk about what Acne is. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes white heads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Although no one loves to deal with acne it is a very common condition a lot of people deal with on a daily basis, 3 million people a year to be exact. Now that we know what acne is lets talk about how it can be treated and prevented.
STRESS LESS! Sometimes easier said than done right? Stress has been linked with several studies involving a massive break out of pimples or acne. Take time out to really think about what could be stress triggers in your life and if you can get rid of them, do so immediately! Stressing less will improve the health of not only your skin but your mind and emotional state. In the words of Lil Duval, Smile chick and live your best life! Anything hindering good vibes only needs to be reevaluated.
MOVE YOUR BODY! It’s time to use that gym membership that you always to seem to forget you have or that Zumba class you told your friend you were going to join her in. Exercise helps keep stress levels down which has been known to cause acne breakouts. Any type of physical activity will help increase blood circulation which results in sending more oxygen to the skin cells. It is important to know that it is a very tricky balance of getting a great work out in and sweating too much. Excessive sweat can clog pores which could result in breakouts as well, to keep a good balance after exercise, immediately wash your body rid of sweat. If you do not take showers at the gym (I completely understand), before leaving always make the decision to wash your face.
KEEP YOUR HANDS AWAY FROM YOUR FACE! There is no telling just how much bacteria our hands come in contact with on a daily basis. Because of this is, it is very easy to spread bacteria to your face and already existing flare up could worsen. Eye rubbing, chin and hand propping, face wiping, and the ultimate no.. pimple picking and popping are all ways to have skin irritated and inflamed. Avoid these things at all cost!
KEEP A BEAT FACE TO A MINIMUM! I get it ,the acne is not going to stop the show right? You’re still planning on going out so just throw makeup over the acne and keep it moving right? Wrong! Wearing foundation, primer, blush, or powder during a break out does more harm to your skin than helping. Some products will actually further clog the pores making acne worse! If you just can’t go everyday without make up make sure you are using products that work with you not against you. It has been proven that some make up causes acne, it is called acne cosmetica, be sure to read your labels! Using labeled products as “noncomedogenic” are ideal because it should not cause acne. No matter what kind of product you use, always remember to NEVER sleep in your make up. Before you lay down and call it a night, wash your face clean!
USE THE TWO TIME RULE! We’ve all heard to brush your teeth every morning and every night, but this two-time rule of teeth brushing is also recommended for face washing! Washing your face two times a day removes dead skin cells, impurities, and extra oil your skin produces. Washing your face with your hands is recommended rather than using a washcloth or loofah, these examples could cause harsh scrubbing on the skin. Use lukewarm water and a mild facial cleanser, avoid fragrant soaps to wash your face because this could irritate skin even further.
