Buzz
It might feel daunting to attain healthy, radiant skin, particularly if you have sensitive skin prone to irritation from commercial products, or if you prefer steering clear of chemicals in your skincare regimen. However, there are numerous strategies you can employ to enhance the health and appearance of your skin. You may even explore natural acne treatments after consulting with your physician!
Steps
Following a Daily Skincare Routine
Opt for noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic skincare products and makeup. When selecting face wash, moisturizer, makeup, beard oil, or any skincare product, ensure the label indicates 'noncomedogenic' or 'nonacnegenic.' These terms imply that the product is devoid of ingredients that may clog pores and trigger breakouts.
- To maintain clear and healthy skin, aim to minimize the number of products you use daily. For instance, reserve makeup for special occasions.
- You might also consider exploring various brands to discover products crafted with all-natural or organic ingredients.
- Avoid using products beyond their expiration date, or if their color or scent alters over time. Expired products can lead to breakouts or skin infections.
Maintain a Morning and Evening Face Washing Routine. Start your day by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to eliminate any accumulated oils while you slept. Repeat this process before bedtime to cleanse away makeup, dirt, and impurities accumulated during the day. Avoid harsh scrubbing; instead, gently massage the cleanser into your skin using your fingertips and rinse thoroughly with water. Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Employ Proper Shaving Techniques. Prioritize shaving cream or lotion to lubricate your skin and facilitate smooth razor gliding. Always use a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation and prevent razor bumps or cuts. Opt for a moisturizing or sensitive skin-friendly shaving cream for a gentle shave.
Hydrate Your Skin Post-Cleansing or Shaving. Moisturizing replenishes lost moisture and enhances skin elasticity. Select a moisturizer suitable for your skin type and apply it after washing your face, shaving, or whenever your skin feels dry. Avoid alcohol-based products and tailor your choice to your skin's needs.
Opt for Warm Water and Mild Cleansers in the Shower. Treat your body's skin with care by using warm water and gentle soaps to avoid stripping away essential oils. Refrain from harsh scrubbing and consider using a moisturizing body wash to cleanse your skin gently without drying it out.
Regularly Exfoliate Your Skin. Gently exfoliate your skin once a week to eliminate dead skin cells, dirt, and debris. You can use commercially available exfoliating products or create your own natural scrub at home. Chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid or lactic acid provide a gentler alternative to physical scrubs.
Managing Breakouts Naturally
Avoid Touching Your Face. Breaking this habit is challenging, but refraining from touching your face prevents the spread of dirt and bacteria, reducing inflammation and breakouts. Additionally, minimizing face-touching lowers the risk of transferring germs to sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid Popping Pimples. While tempting, refrain from popping pimples to prevent pushing the infection deeper into the skin, which can exacerbate the issue and lead to scarring.
Consult Your Doctor Before Trying Natural Remedies. Discuss with your doctor or dermatologist before opting for natural treatments. They can provide guidance on the most suitable options and advise on the potential benefits and drawbacks of each treatment.
Utilize Tea Tree Oil for Breakout Relief. Apply a natural product containing at least 5% tea tree oil to blemishes once daily. Although slower than commercial products, tea tree oil can help alleviate swelling and redness over a few days. Before use, perform a patch test to check for sensitivity. Avoid applying pure tea tree oil directly to the skin to prevent irritation. Other potentially beneficial ingredients for acne relief include bovine cartilage, zinc, green tea extract, and aloe vera, although further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Apply alpha hydroxy acid to fade blemishes. Alpha hydroxy acid, found in foods like citrus fruits, aids in exfoliating and unclogging pores while lightening dark spots. Note potential side effects such as redness and increased sun sensitivity.
Consult Your Doctor about Prescription-Strength Azelaic Acid. Azelaic acid, naturally occurring in whole grains and certain animal products, can effectively treat acne. Opt for a 20% solution for better results, available through a doctor's prescription.
Consider Brewer's Yeast Supplement for Acne Improvement. Incorporate 2 g of Hansen CBS brewer's yeast strain into your diet three times daily for acne relief. Prioritize consulting your doctor due to possible side effects like digestive issues and increased blood pressure.
Making Lifestyle Choices Beneficial for Skin
Stay Hydrated for Healthy Skin. Ensure hydration by drinking plenty of water daily, promoting radiant and moisturized skin. Carry a refillable water bottle for convenient access to hydration throughout the day. Aim for about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) daily for women and 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for men.
Maintain a Balanced Diet for Healthy Skin. Consume foods rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals essential for beautiful skin. Incorporate chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy, beans, citrus fruits, greens, broccoli, bell peppers, tomatoes, meat, shellfish, nuts, whole grains, beans, fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts into your diet for optimal skin health.
Shield Your Skin from Sun Damage. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 whenever outdoors. Cover exposed skin with loose clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. Avoid sun exposure between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm to prevent premature aging and skin damage.
Prioritize Adequate Sleep for a Refreshed Look. Maintain consistent sleep schedules in a cool, dark environment with comfortable bedding. Adults require 7-8 hours, while teens need 9 hours of sleep nightly. Sufficient sleep promotes vibrant skin and reduces stress-induced breakouts.
Manage Stress Levels for Radiant Skin. Incorporate stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine to prevent skin sensitivity and breakouts. Prioritize activities that bring joy to minimize stressors.
Quit Smoking for Skin Health. Smoking contributes to premature aging, wrinkles, dullness, and increases the risk of skin cancer. Seek support from your doctor or join a support group while utilizing cessation aids like gum or patches to quit smoking effectively.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can impact your skin's health. While an occasional drink may be fine, frequent or excessive drinking can dehydrate your body and skin, leading to dullness and dryness. Limit alcohol intake to one serving per day for women and two for men.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Consult your doctor if you suspect a skin condition. Symptoms like rash, redness, swelling, itching, or scaling could indicate an underlying skin issue. Rather than self-treating, seek professional diagnosis and collaborate with your doctor to develop an appropriate treatment plan, considering natural remedies.
Visit your doctor if your skin condition persists after 4-8 weeks. If natural remedies fail to improve your skin within this timeframe, consult your doctor for alternative treatments. Discuss your preference for natural remedies with your doctor and provide details of the treatments you've already attempted.
Seek medical advice for widespread acne. While natural remedies may be effective for some, widespread acne may require additional interventions. Consult your doctor to explore more potent treatments such as antibiotics or hormonal birth control, especially if hormonal imbalances are contributing to your acne.
Consult a dermatologist if you experience cystic or nodule acne. These types of acne can lead to scarring and may not respond to typical topical treatments due to their deep-seated nature. Seek professional evaluation from a doctor or dermatologist to explore treatment options, which may include oral medications like antibiotics or hormonal birth control.
Seek immediate medical attention for an allergic reaction to topical treatments. Although rare, allergic reactions to skincare products can occur. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the eyes, lips, or face, throat tightness, or faintness, visit your doctor, urgent care center, or emergency room for prompt evaluation and treatment.
Reader Videos
Tips
The suggestions provided here are drawn from the firsthand experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a useful tip you'd like to contribute to Mytour, please share it in the designated field below.
- Apply sunscreen with at least SPF30 when exposed to sunlight. Avoid over-washing your face to prevent skin dryness and excessive oil production. Also, ensure to regularly clean your pillowcase to prevent oil buildup that can worsen acne.
- If you have oily hair, keep it away from your face using headbands or clips. Style your hair to prevent contact with your skin, as hair oil can exacerbate breakouts.
- If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, minimize heavy makeup usage. Always remove makeup before bedtime to prevent pore clogging and irritation.
- Avoid excessive exfoliation, which can damage the skin and worsen breakouts. When washing your face, use lukewarm or cool water to avoid drying out the skin.
Warnings
- If you experience a reaction to a new product, discontinue use immediately. If natural methods fail to address your skin issues, consult a doctor or dermatologist for further evaluation.
