Lifestyle Choices That Can Affect Acne
Although Acne is an inherited disorder of the pores, there are some lifestyle choices that can have an impact on your skin and your journey towards clear skin. These lifestyle choices are not the primary cause of your breakouts but they can increase the severity and frequency of your breakouts.
Lifestyle Factors Affecting Acne:
Rest and Stress
I know this might sound a little cliché, but you need to get enough rest and try to reduce your stress. Stress stimulates the adrenal gland which promotes oil production that can lead to clogged pores for someone who has acne prone skin.
Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners either liquid, dryer sheets or scent beads can leave a waxy residue on your pillowcases, towels, wash cloths, sheets, and any fabric that comes into direct contact with the skin. This waxy residue can clog pores for acne-prone skin. Try adding in essential oils to anti-static dryer balls to give your clothes a great scent without using a fabric softener or dryer sheets.
Detergent
Detergents that contain fragrance may cause skin irritation. It is best to choose a fragrance-free detergent.
Pillowcases
Just like your bed sheets, you should be changing your pillowcases at least once a week. Oil, dirt, makeup, skincare, hair products, and sweat build up on your pillowcases and that bacteria is rubbing onto your skin. This will lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Water Softeners
There is evidence that has shown that water softeners can lead to acne, especially those containing high amounts on potassium chloride. I suggest adding a water filter to your shower head. My favorite is from
Jolie.
Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.
Swimmers
Swimming pool disinfectants contain iodides and chlorine which can remain in the water, causing skin irritation and issues for frequent swimmers. Here's an extra tip... Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly over top of your SPF before you get in the pool. This will create a barrier between the water and your beautiful skin.
Sun Exposure and Acne
Not only can excessive sun exposure cause drying and irritation to the skin but it also damages the follicle, worsens hyperpigmentation and dark spots, causes cancer and premature aging. Always wear sunscreen even if it is overcast or raining. You will thank me later.
Hand Lotions
If you are using a hand lotion that contains pore-clogging ingredients then leaning on your face, touching for skin, or sleeping on your hands, this could worsen your acne.
Breakouts Around Your Mouth?
Many lip balms, toothpaste, and facial tissues contain pore-clogging ingredients. For lip balm I recommend using petroleum jelly or a lip balm without pore-clogging ingredients. As for toothpaste, it would be best to switch to something without SLS( Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and I recommend all of my clients to wash their face after they brush their teeth. This way you are washing away all residue that you can't see with a naked eye and just washing your mouth with water is not cutting it. Also many well-known tissue brands use ingredients like coconut oil, isopropyl myriste, and SLS, all of which will clog the pores.
Resist Picking or Squeezing
I know how hard it is to see that big angry pimple on your face and not want to pop it. When you pick or squeeze these breakouts you are breaking the skin and spreading bacteria to other areas of the face. It will just scab, leave a scar or dark mark that will be there so much longer than if you just leave it alone. Try to ice the inflamed areas twice a day for best results. You can just use an ice cube on clean skin. This will reduce the redness and inflammation of the breakout.
