Whether you’ve been experiencing an occasional acne flare-up or you break out regularly, you may be able to control your symptoms by following a few simple measures. Assess your lifestyle and habits to determine what you may be doing wrong so you can correct the situation. The following are a few do’s and don’ts you should consider to keep your skin clear.
1. DO Ask Your Dermatologist for Advice
Begin by seeing your dermatologist. The skin care specialist will assess your situation and determine if you need treatment. In addition, a skin specialist can recommend products that are gentle for your skin and advise you on which products to avoid.
For instance, before you try over-the-counter acne products, consult your dermatologist, as some medications sold at pharmacies may contain harsh chemicals that can aggravate your condition and cause your skin to break out.
2. DON’T Reach for Hair Spray and Chemical Styling Products
When you use hair spray or other styling products for your hair, you stand the risk of the spray or cream adhering to your skin. As these chemicals cling to your skin, pores may become clogged. In addition, bacteria may become trapped under the skin.
Clogged pores and bacteria on the skin can often lead to acne break outs. Acne formation is especially common at the hairline when hair products are to blame. If you seem to be breaking out along your forehead or hairline, you might want to stop using hair styling products.
Check your product’s label for an ingredients list, as oils are generally a main culprit for acne break outs. If you must use hair styling products, look for those made with natural ingredients. Remember to wash your face before bedtime to remove traces of styling products on your skin.
3. DO Avoid the Effects of Chlorinated Water
The refreshing dip in the swimming pool you have been enjoying just may be contributing to your acne flare ups. While an occasional swim shouldn’t be anything to stress over, if you spend hour upon hour in the pool, the chlorine may be drying out your skin or causing your acne condition to worsen.
If you cannot avoid swimming altogether, you might want to try a little trick recommended by some experts. Applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to your acne-prone area of skin may help counteract the effects of chlorinated water. Remember to rinse off after your swim.
4. DON’T Wear Hats and Headbands Regularly
Wearing hats or headbands may seem like a fashionable thing to do, but it could be the cause of your forehead acne. When you wear a tight-fitting hat that sits on your forehead, you clog your pores by trapping dirt and oils. If forehead acne is your concern, do yourself a favor and ditch the head wear. At the very least, keep your hats and other headgear washed and clean.
5. DO Avoid Being Stressed Out All the Time
If you are prone to acne breakouts, you should try to keep your stress levels in check. Individuals who have acne experience flare-ups more frequently when they are under stress. Try to find ways to unwind and relax and you may find it helps control your acne.
6. DON’T Hold Your Cell Phone to Your Face
Cell phones tend to harbor germs and bacteria. When held to the face, bacteria from your phone transmits to your skin. To avoid the risk, use an earpiece with your cell phone’s Bluetooth setting enabled. Also, sanitize your phone by wiping it down with disinfectant wipes on a regular basis.
If following the above-mentioned advice doesn’t help, schedule an appointment with Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists.
