I’ve never had perfect skin but until a couple months ago the occasional spot was pretty common and would go away with ease. That is until probably July or August when I started getting acne all around my chin. I did everything I could possibly think of from daily masks to make a conscious effort to never touch my face throughout the day yet nothing seemed to be working until recently when I think I’ve figured out my routine and I’m starting to feel confident in my skin again.
Know Your Breakouts
The location of your breakouts can tell you a lot about what’s going on below the surface. For instance, my spots that are generally around my jawline are actually caused by an imbalance in hormones. Another cause for your breakouts could be an increase in stress.
Your Environment
I never really thought that moving to a city could have an impact on my skin but the more I think about it the pollution a city brings (even one as beautiful as Chicago) can definitely clog up your pores and cause breakouts. In my work bag I carry around a little makeup bag with a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, and makeup wipes to wipe down my face if my skin is feeling dirty.
Cleanse, Cleanse and Cleanse Again
Now if you have dry skin you need to be very careful about what products you’re using but to clear up my acne I’ve been really focused on keeping my skin clean. I try to cleanse my skin at least twice a day.
Consider Your Diet
I know I’ve said this time and time again but I honestly can say cutting meat from my diet was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I’m in the best shape of my life and my energy levels are so much higher. To try to figure out what might be causing your breakouts, keep a journal of what you’re eating. I personally use the MyFitnessPal app to track my calorie intake but it’s also a great log to know what could be causing breakouts. Lately, I’ve been trying to limit my dairy intake to see if that also helps.
Treatment:
There are a few key ingredients to look for when picking the perfect skincare products:
Salicylic acid: one of those key ingredients move acne treatments make sure to include. It’s a chemical that gently exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores.
Benzoyl Peroxide: this is an ingredient that will actually kill the acne-causing bacteria that’s on your skin. One product that I have to call out here is Glossier’s new Zit Stick it contains Benzoyl Peroxide and it is seriously the best spot treatment I have ever used. Think of it as a Tide To Go Pen for your skin.
Glycolic Acid: an alpha-hydroxy acid and an exfoliating ingredient and AHA’s are really popular right now in skin care products. Not only do they help to clear acne, but they also target wrinkles so it’s a win-win! AHA’s work by removing the surface layer of dead skin cells. Typically paired with Hyaluronic acid to stimulate the collagen in your skin these ingredients live you with baby soft skin.
Mask and Exfoliate Regularly
Along with the right cleaners, serums, and oils with all the aforementioned ingredients, I also try to exfoliate at least once a week and use a mask no less than 3 times a week. I love a good Charcoal mask to clear my pores and my current favorite mask is the Origins Out of Trouble Ten Minute Mask.