Another Skin Breakout? Try These 11 Acne Busting Tips

30 May 2017

Acne is a skincare condition normally associated with teenagers but for some it persists into adulthood. The bad news is, that women are more prone to adult acne than men, with around 5% of women suffering from unwelcome outbreaks, compared to 1% of men.

Acne is basically blocked pores that become infected with bacteria which are often the result of your skin reacting to hormonal changes, or where dirt/grime has touched unprotected pores.  Skin pores (sebaceous glands) need a element of natural oil in them to prevent bacteria from growing – causing a spot to form as it becomes inflamed.

Try minimising skin breakouts with the following acne-busting tips:-

Use a gentle cleanser : There are more oil-producing glands in your face than anywhere else in your body. Use a gentle cleanser morning and night to remove the daily build-up of grime, toxins and make-up from your skin. Don’t scrub or exfoliate – it may lead to over-inflamed skin. Harsh cleaners will also strip your skin of its natural oils which are needed even in acne-prone skin.  Follow-up with the application of a gentle water-based natural sunflower oil moisturiser as the anti-bacterial properties can help prevent bacteria growing.

Debunking diet myths : There’s no evidence to suggest that skin breakouts are a direct result of what you eat. Having said that, it’s sensible to maintain a balanced diet for your overall health. Avoid a high sugar intake as an excess can trigger a hormonal response that may result in overactive oil glands and increase the chances of clogged pores. Try including more whole grains, fruit and vegetables in your regular diet.

Choose a gentle moisturiser : Adult acne is not the same as teen acne. Your skin is much thinner by the time you reach your 30s than it is in your teens so it can’t withstand harsh skincare products. Choose a moisturiser that’s kind to skin such as My Trusty sunflower cream. With 5% sunflower oil and rich in essential fatty acids, it’s clinically proven for use on sensitive skin.

Hands off your face! The art of NOT touching your face is more difficult than you may think. Try counting how many times you rest your head on your hands or touch your face during a typical day. Excessive touching transfers bacteria and can trigger a breakout as well as irritate your skin.

Change your pillow case : Think about it; sleeping with your face buried in your pillow may be your natural preference but that means the sweat and dirt from your face is transferred into your pillow overnight. By regularly changing your pillow case you’ll be boosting your chances of avoiding breakouts.

Check your make-up : Clogged pores lead to acne and skin breakouts. Opt for ‘non-comedogenic’ make-up specifically designed to avoid blocked pores. Likewise, applying too much make-up prevents your skin from breathing so go easy on the foundation and ensure you remove every last trace of it before going to bed. Use a moisturising night cream that is non-greasy and easily absorbed which will nourish your skin and allow it to breathe while you do!

Clean up your mobile phone : Let’s face it, most of us can’t get through the day without our mobile or tablet device. Regular calls and constant texting expose your skin to more bacteria spread through touching your mobile, moving your hands to your face and back again. Wipe the surface of your mobile clean every day to avoid spreading germs that will affect acne-prone skin.

Don’t squeeze your spots : It leads to inflammation and at its worst leaves scars. Your spots will eventually disappear on their own, although they may leave some short short-term redness or inflammation for a while. Choose a moisturiser suitable for use sensitive skin which will help to alleviate the worst of the redness.

Minimise stress : There’s some suggestion that stress causes skin break-outs. While it’s impossible to avoid stress altogether there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make which may help to lower feelings of anxiety. Read our article on 9 simple ways to reduce stress and feel better to find out more.

Drink water : At the risk of repeating ourselves, drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your skin – plus it’s free! Stay hydrated from the inside by getting into the habit of drinking water throughout the day. Water helps to flush out toxins naturally from your body, some of which may lead to skin breakouts.

Visit your pharmacist : Don’t suffer in silence. While acne normally disappears naturally, it may take several years for those worst affected. Over-the-counter treatments from your local pharmacy may help with mild acne but the results can take time. Your pharmacist will be able to provide advice on the most appropriate treatment for your skin type and your age.

For more information on acne, its causes and how to treat it please visit the NHS website.

My Trusty skincare products are suitable for use on sensitive skin and may help with inflammatory skin conditions.

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