Even though adult acne is so prevalent, it's not as normal as we think. Acne happens for a reason, therefore the best way to treat it is to find the root cause. Hormonal acne usually appears around the mouth, jawline, and chin. The culprit is usually an excess of estrogen or androgens.
Here are three tips that have been the most helpful to me:
1. Healthy diet and lifestyle
Diet: The food we eat affects our hormones which in turn affects acne. Consuming a lot of food promotes androgen release in the body. Androgens increase the productivity of sebaceous glands thereby contributing to acne. You can manage acne production by not overeating.
Eat healthier by following the 80/20 rule. At least 80 per cent of your food should be healthy and nutritious. You may have alcohol or junk food a maximum of three times a week. If you must have dairy products or processed foods, limit these to the three “cheat” meals.
Quality sleep: Sleep deprivation may increase body inflammation and insulin resistance, which all contribute to acne. Therefore, to improve your acne, try to get the right amount of sleep.
2. Manage stress
When we're stressed, our bodies secrete cortisol, which influences the production of acne. Chronic stress will almost always present itself in the form of acne.
-Let go of negative emotions.
- Stop being worried or anxious about things that are beyond your control.
- Don't over-exercise.
By managing your response to stress, you manage your skin’s appearance.
3. External factors
Stop touching your skin: Acne can appear anywhere you apply extended pressure on to your skin. That includes resting your hand on your chin, or resting your mobile phone on your cheek.
Natural skincare: Normalising the skin's oil production using gentle, natural ingredients, is safer and more effective in the long-term, than using products with toxic ingredients. You can experiment with different oils to find out what works for you.
Manage your fringe: Hair products can block your pores and contribute to breakouts.
Sunscreen: Use an oil-free sunscreen or one labelled noncomedogenic (not tending to block pores) to minimise breakouts.
Even though adult acne can be frustrating, don’t give up. If your mindful about what you eat, how much you sleep, how you respond to stress, and use natural skincare, then you will see results in just two weeks after beginning.