7 lifestyle changes that can help reduce acne
Acne or acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that can affect any individual, especially post-puberty. Developing on the skin surface of the chest, shoulder, back and most typically the face, these breakouts can scar the skin and even cause emotional distress. Acne can be triggered by a plethora of reasons including hormonal imbalance, an unhealthy skincare routine, stress, large, open skin pores and more. Its appearance is the result of pores getting blocked with bacteria, dead skin cells, and excessive sebum as well as genetics. A very large population of people around the world deal with acne, at least at one point in life; mostly during their teenage years.
The inflammatory condition can be chronic and depending on the degree, it may be extremely difficult to treat the same. However, the issue can be improved by making a few alterations in one’s daily routine. Without further ado, here are some lifestyle changes that one can adopt when dealing with acne.
- Increase your water intake: Water works wonders by eliminating the toxins in the body and hydrating the skin from within. While there is no study that directly correlates the presence of toxins with the development of acne, it goes without saying that staying well hydrated can significantly improve the flow of blood throughout the skin. Thus, people with acne must indubitably get lots of water into their system.
- Get enough sleep: One is at a higher risk of psychological stress when they do not get enough sleep. Stress is one of the major factors that can contribute to acne as it increases the production of glucocorticoid production. This leads to abnormalities in the structure and function of the skin too. It is essential to get sleep for at least 7-8 hours every night.
- Embrace an active lifestyle: Regular exercise not only keeps you fit, but it also contributes to your mental health by cutting down the stress levels. Moreover, it aids in promoting better blood circulation which keeps the skin well oxidized. It helps you sweat more which is important to let out as it purges the body of toxins. However, one must ensure that the sweat is washed off the body immediately as it can lead to skin irritation and cause further breakouts.
- Cleansing routine – The facial glands produce more oil than another part of the body. To top it up, the facial skin suffers the wrath of makeup, smog, sweat, dirt and other bacteria in the environment. If the face is not cleared of this pore-clogging concoction well, it can result in acne and blackheads. It is imperative to wash the face every day, at least twice, especially before going off to sleep.
- Intake of Omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3s are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that can effectively control the production of leukotriene B4. This is the molecule that increases the amount of sebum which is a major contributor to inflammatory acne. The fatty acids can be sourced through natural foods that include salmon, walnuts, avocados, flaxseeds and more. One can also get the benefits of Omega-3s through the consumption of over-the-counter supplements.
