For many, ‘tis the season to be jolly. But for some, ‘tis also the season to be wary.
The dry winter air often causes the skin to overproduce sebum, which is your body’s natural oil that keeps the skin hydrated. The right amount of sebum gives your skin a healthy, dewy glow, but too much, and it clogs your pores. This results in the formation of acne.
Apart from the weather, though, certain lifestyle choices have a direct effect on your skin. And with the New Year approaching, too, what better time to reevaluate your lifestyle?
Below, we list down changes you can make to keep your skin acne-free and healthy.
1. Wear sunscreen every day
Whether the sun’s out or hiding behind thick clouds, wear sunscreen. Yes, even if you’re staying inside the house all day, wear sunscreen. This is crucial because the sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate through the clouds and trigger acne formation.
What’s more, overexposure to the sun causes hyperpigmentation, especially when you have acne scars. And though it’s easy to get acne scar laser treatment, it’s still a great idea to prevent acne scars from forming in the first place.
Wearing sunscreen with the right SPF blocks the negative effects of sun exposure, keeping your skin healthy and free of acne.
2. Drink more water
It seems like such a small, mundane task, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t drink enough water every day. When your body is dehydrated, so is your skin. And when your skin starts to dry, it will signal your glands to produce more sebum, resulting in clogged pores and acne.
Drinking water helps flush out toxins from your body and keeps your skin nourished and hydrated.
3. Recalibrate your diet
The saying, “You are what you eat” may seem overused and cliché, but it’s true. What you eat affects your skin’s health.
Processed, oily foods, foods with high sugar content, and carbohydrates can cause inflammation and encourage sebum production. Together, these things lead to acne formation.
On the other hand, fresh food like fruits and leafy greens can also keep your skin fresh and healthy. They are rich with vitamins and nutrients minus the junk you’ll find in processed foods. So, not only will they keep your skin healthy, but they will also boost your immune system.
4. Wash your face
It’s tempting to fall face-first onto your bed after a long and tiring day.
But the grime, oil, and makeup that accumulate on your face every day clog your pores and make it hard for your skin to breathe. This then results not just in acne but also in blackheads and other unhealthy skin conditions.
True self-care is mustering the strength to go to your bathroom sink and wash your face free of dirt and makeup before you go to bed.
5. Get enough rest
Stress is one of the main triggers of acne. This is especially true if you’re under chronic stress and already have existing breakouts.
Countless studies have shown that stress hormones make the sebaceous glands, in charge of producing sebum, go into overdrive. Stress can also make you forgo important skincare habits, making your skin more vulnerable to acne.
This is why it’s important to find the time to rest and relax, letting your body and your skin heal.
For this season to truly be jolly, you have to start taking care of your skin. You’ll thank yourself by this time next year when your skin looks soft, glowing, and acne-free.
