In our previous post, we discussed six common mistakes that can worsen your acne. But we left some out!
Unfortunately, you may think you are doing everything right when it comes to caring for your acne-prone skin. But there may be some skincare mistakes you are still making that are keeping your skin from clearing up.
Understanding Acne
As we’ve said before, the first step to looking at what you may be doing wrong when it comes to acne is to understand what causes acne in the first place. Most acne, especially if it is hard to manage, is the result of a combination of factors. Hormones and excess sebum production can cause acne, as can bacteria, inflammation, and clogged pores.
Habits That Can Make Acne Worse
The best way to deal with acne is to get to the root cause. However, that is not always possible when the cause is hormonal or medication related. What we can do is make sure that we make positive changes that help treat acne and avoid mistakes that can worsen it.
Using a Dirty Bath Towel (or Washcloth)
We know bacteria, excess sebum, and dead skin cells can affect acne. While bed linens contribute to this problem, your bath towel can too. Even though you typically use it when you are clean, it is moist and hangs out in a humid environment, making it an ideal home for bacteria. The same goes for your washcloth or shower pouf!
Using Your Computer, Tablet, or TV
Don’t worry, we aren’t telling you not to use these things (that would be crazy). But like your phone, your remote control, mouse, and keyboard can be some of the dirtiest things you have, and after touching them with your hands, you then may also touch your face throughout the day. Try to clean and disinfect these items often.
Not Washing Your Face in the Morning AND at Night
While you don’t want to overwash your face, it is important to keep your skin clean. Most of us start our day by washing our face, and that is great as bacteria and oil build up on our skin overnight. It is also incredibly important to wash your face before bed. You want to remove makeup, bacteria, and anything else that has gotten onto your skin throughout the day.
An Unhealthy Diet
Your diet can have a significant impact on your skin’s health, and consuming foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed ingredients can exacerbate acne. On the other hand, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help support clear, healthy skin. Certain vitamins and nutrients can help reduce inflammation, promote skin healing, and support overall skin health. To improve your skin’s health, consider incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and E into your diet.
Forgetting About Omega-3
Getting all of these through diet alone can be tricky. We’ve already mentioned that you should take a multivitamin daily. In addition, consider adding an Omega 3 supplement as well. Omega-3 has been proven time and time again to reduce inflammation. Because this can be a significant contributor to acne, reducing inflammation in the body has the potential to improve your acne.
Know Your Options
There are more treatments for acne than a good skincare routine. Many patients are either embarrassed to ask or simply don’t know about other options.
Remember that acne is nothing to be embarrassed about (almost 50 million Americans suffer from acne, so you are not alone). And your health and well-being are worth seeking treatment for. You should treat acne just as you would any other medical concern that affects your health and happiness.
We offer several treatments for acne and acne scarring. Schedule a consultation so together we can create a comprehensive plan to tackle your acne for good!