Adults get acne too, and no they’re not still going through puberty! Although acne is normally associated with puberty and teens, it follows many of us well into adulthood. Getting acne, no matter your age, can just feel really zitty sometimes, but you can take back control by learning the ins and outs of proper skincare! Remember: there’s no one formula. Everyone’s skin is different and that’s the beauty of it! Have fun with your routine. To start, let’s look at some potential causes of acne and how to prevent them.
Cause: Too Much Sugar
It can be hard sometimes to resist all those sweets and sugary goodies! We totally get it. Unfortunately, sugar can cause acne breakouts on your skin. High sugar intake can increase your insulin levels, which then triggers the production of testosterone. These hormones may cause excessive oil production.
Solution: Enjoy, just mindfully!
Try to be more conscious about the amount of sugar you consume on a daily basis. You don’t have to cut it out of your life completely, but enjoy in moderation and find some alternatives such as sugar-free pastries and sodas. There are so many options that exist out there, and yes, it will still taste good!
Cause: Hormone Fluctuations
It’s that time of the month: your chocolate cravings are in full swing, you need to shop organic tampons to restock your cupboards, and you feel your face starting to break out again. Sound familiar? It’s just a human thing that hormone fluctuations can cause acne! We’re in this together.
Solution: Talk to Your Doctor
If you can balance your hormonal cycle, you can put up a good fight against those breakouts. For this reason, birth control pills may be an effective acne treatment for womxn and those who get their periods.
Cause: Harsh Cleansing
Wait, but isn’t cleansing supposed to prevent breakouts?! Hear us out. Cleansing your face is a popular and healthy practice to prevent breakouts and for overall hygiene. However, if you’re cleansing too often or using products that are too harsh for your face, you may be doing more harm than good. When you wash too intensely, you strip your skin of its natural hydrating oils, prompting it to overcompensate and become greasy. This excessive oil can then lead to acne.
Solution: Cleanse As Needed
You shouldn’t be washing your face more than twice a day, and there’s no need to exfoliate more than twice a week! Try avoiding products that contain alcohol or other drying ingredients, then splash some nice cold water on your face after cleansing to close up the pores! Last but not least, make sure you always moisturize after washing to keep your skin hydrated.
Cause: Oily Skincare Products
Just like how you should pay attention to what it’s made out of when you buy organic pads, you should also get into the habit of reading the list of ingredients on your skincare products! Some moisturizers and makeup removers contain oil that may prime and prep your skin for a breakout instead of the other way around.
Solution: Choose Non-Comedogenic Products
“Non-comedogenic” just means the product won’t clog your pores, and will keep your pores free of dirt and oil. These products are one of the best ways to prevent acne! Most non-comedogenic products will make it clear on the packaging.
Cause: High Stress Levels
If a pimple seems to pop up at the worst time, it may not be a coincidence. Stress can actually trigger your body’s immune response, which may cause inflammation! That inflammation can lead to a breakout, so it’s not bad luck, it’s just our body science reacting.
Solution: Take Time for Yourself
Stress acne may be a sign that you need to slow down. Take a moment to give yourself some love and care because if we don’t take good care of ourselves, it’s hard to give this love to those around us. Don’t forget, it starts within us! We know this is easier said than done, so here are a few easy steps you can take to introduce self-care into your routine (if you haven’t already):
- Spend ten minutes meditating
- Exercise
- Go outdoors - if there’s sun, what a bonus!
- Spend time doing something you love
- Relax in a bath or put on a face mask (or both, we’re not here to judge)
Regardless...
Don’t let acne or the bumps and blemishes on your skin impact your self-esteem. You are more than your physical appearance. Acne can be treated and we want you to feel confident in your own skin, with or without breakouts. With a few tweaks to your self-care routine, you can improve your skincare. Join our self care party! Everyone’s invited.
