Avoiding adult acne: Beauty Shoutout Wednesdays

Acne, pimples, zit - those things that should not be mentioned! Time and again, this topic is repeated over and over again, and it's really getting boring. But, I know, for some of us out there, we still get acne even well past our adolescences.

It's actually a big issue and I know that first hand. I had my bout of adult acne exactly 1 year ago and it's really a N-I-G-H-T-M-A-R-E. You can not imagine the amount of stress, tears and pain I've gone through. Thinking about it makes my skin creep and I do admit, I'm really quite paranoid about getting acne. Sometimes, any unsightly bumps under the skin makes my heart sink just alittle.

Anyway, acne is really cruel but fear not, if you're more attentative to your diet, habits and skincare routine, it can be contained. Over time, acne would be nothing but history. I've compiled some tips to incorporate in your daily skincare routine and habits. Here are some tips for you to follow to beat adult acne at its own heartless game:

Tip #1: Always use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup

Learn to read your labels and check out the ingredients of your products. If one of its top 5 ingredients are pore-clogging, discontinue use immediately; no matter how much you like that product - that is if you're really prone to blemishes. The top 5 ingredients are usually present with the most amount in the product. However, any pore-clogging ingredients around the end of the list of ingredients are present in minute amounts, mostly negligible.

For example, Cetaphil is a good brand that is non comedogenic which many dematologists recommend.

Also remember, even your hair products could actually cause acne. Also, do check out the ingredients in your sunscreen and just about anything that you use on your face. When you're having a breakout, try to reduce as many products you use on your face as possible to avoid any reactions between products. Keep to a minimal and simple skincare routine.

Your acne could probably be the cause of a skin reaction/allergy to certain ingredients in your product. It may be an allergy to Vitamin E (as a few of my readers have an allergy to) or just about anything. If it's caused by an allergy, try to keep to this allergy prone sensitive skincare tips

Do you wear makeup when you hit the gym? Well, if you do, you're upping your chances for clogged pores, especially when you're doing heavy exercises and sweating alot. Therefore, when hitting the gym try to use as little makeup or none at all

Tip #2: Hands-off Policy

When I have acne, I know I have a really bad habit of always touching my acne to 'check out' how it's doing. Hands can carry alot of bacteria as we always are in contact with something. Remember, limit any touching as much as possible to stop transferring bacteria to your face. These bacteria will make the inflammed areas worse.

Try not to rest your face on your hands, you may be transferring bacteria unknowingly. Also, wipe the surface of your mobile after use. Sometimes, you will find that your acne is flourishing in areas that are in contact most with your hands or your mobile, or even your hair. Just gotta take note of how your acne patterns are like and you can learn from them.

Another popular tip which is just as popular to break - do not squeeze or pick at your acne. You're most definitely transferring more bacteria deeper down your skin. That's very bad news as there will be more inflammation and possibly even scarring. I'm really obsessive about picking and squeezing and I've learnt my lesson well. Those acne that I squeeze almost always take much longer time to heal than those left alone

Tip #3: Don't let sweat stick around for long

Rinse off as soon as possible after a heavy work out. Physical activity heats up the body, causing perspiration to mix with surface skin oils. Together, they trap substances in your pores. If you cannot afford a quick rinse, then towel off the sweat and change into fresh clothes as quickly as possible. Sweaty, tight-fitting clothes are even worse. They usually result in bacne or other acne on your body parts.

If possible, you should avoid wearing tight headbands or hats that rub against your skin. If you wear a helmet or any other safety gear with straps, be sure to wash the straps frequently to reduce bacteria.

Tip #4: Don't overwash your face or use harsh scrubs

A common myth that acne is caused by bad hygiene should be booted out immediately. Acne is not caused by a dirty face. Therefore, vigorous face washing doesn't help and instead will cause more trouble. When you overwash your face, you're stripping off natural oils from the skin and this forces your skin to produce excessive oil and sebum which will increase your chances of clogged pores.

Instead, stick to a simple skincare routine of washing with lukewarm water with a mild cleanser that targets blemished skin, and then a light toner for blemished skin and follow up with a mild non-oil based moisturizer. You can try this simple 3-step routine with Clinique's 3 Step Anti-Blemish Solution. Also, pat dry face instead of rubbing your face dry. You wouldn't want to provoke those inflammations further. Gentle is the key

Skip the exfoliants and other face scrubs. Your skin is volatile and inflammed, you do not need to provoke it further. It may prolong and increase your inflammations. Just stick to a normal skincare routine and it's suffix

Tip #5: Don't stress out

I find this a major blasphemy. How could you not freak out and be stressed over your blemishes? It's really difficult but it's true. I always find that when I'm stressed out about something, I always end up with 1 or 2 new blemishes. When I had my bout of adult acne, I was constantly near tears and it really didn't help.
Whenever some acne has cleared, new ones seem to come out from nowhere. Finally, I got really fed up and just threw in the towel and didn't bother about them, they actually did lessen and improved. However, I was still faithful to my skincare routine. So, it's proven, stress does make things worse

For me, I try to exercise the stress away or I listen to music as often as I can. A good bitching session with close friends really helps to melt the stress away. If not, get a good massage, indulge in a bubble bath and then have a good night's sleep. Sleeping well really, really helps to rejuvenate the skin and aids in skin cells turnover. Here are some good tips to beat the blues which really works for me

These tips sound simple but they actually do make a difference to your acne's condition. Try to incorporate these healthy habits little by little and you will see the difference. You can also try to introduce some of these foods to prevent acne. Try to adopt these acne tips and wait for about a month or two (yes, it takes time) to see results. If your acne gets worse or doesn't show any signs of improvement, seek professional help.

Acne is no laughing matter and it's not a matter of whether you are vain or not. It really does affect your very well-being and can really lead to depression if left untreated. So, don't take it lightly or try to brush off the matter. Also, learn to love whatever skin condition you're in. When you give some TLC to your skin, it works better than hating and loathing your skin. Good luck people and banish those blemishes away!