Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Acne

We all know and have seen that making small lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on various significant health issues, may it be heart health, fitness or mental health. Same applies to skin health as well. Do you know that your lifestyle can have a significant impact on your skin ? Especially acne! 

Acne is a skin condition characterised by pimples, spots and scars on the face. It is a multifactorial disease with many causes - common are your genetic makeup, hormonal fluctuation, sebum production etc. 

Lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, stress have nowadays been indicated in having an immediate impact on acne, seen as increase in number and severity of breakouts in susceptible people. 

Dermatologists now recommend lifestyle modifications as part of routine acne treatment for better and faster results. Read on to know more! 

Lifestyle modifications that can directly impact on Acne 

Acne Diet Plan

Science has shown a relationship between diet and acne. Such that people suffering from acne usually observe more severe breakouts after consuming high glycemic index food (sugary processed food) and certain dairy products. These food items are known to increase insulin like growth factor (IGF1) in the body triggering hormonal changes and acne.  

A balanced acne diet plan consisting of more fresh fruits, nuts and veggies on the other hand has shown to improve skin health and reduce acne breakouts. These items consist of more fibre and antioxidants which help in maintaining hormonal balance and overall health. 

Stress and Acne

High levels of stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances and trigger acne breakouts. Stress increases the cortisol levels in the body which is known to cause increase in the oil production. Explore stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in therapy for acne treatment.  A happy you means happy skin! 

Exercise and Acne

Exercise has both positive and negative impacts depending on the approach. Positive impact occurs as physical activities are the best way to maintain the blood sugar level, preventing the upsurge of androgens responsible for the production of excessive oil from sebaceous/ oil glands. Also, exercise helps to keep our stress levels under check. 

Negative impact occurs as exercise leads to sweating, which causes clogging of our oil glands and makes us more prone to breakouts. However, this negative impact can be prevented by taking proper care, like always wearing clean loose workout clothes, showering immediately after, using a clean towel to damp up the sweat etc. 

it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and acne treatment in Pune.

Other Lifestyle Modifications That Can Help Cure Acne

If you have acne and are thinking of preventing future breakouts, you may want to include these habits into your day to day life too - 

Sleep Quality

Sleep is an ignored factor in today’s hustle culture. A good night's sleep enables our body to repair itself from the day's exertion. The circadian rhythm is an internal clock which maintains hormonal secretion leading to the optimum functioning of our body, and it entirely depends on our sleep. 

For the skin, a  study conducted states that poor sleep quality leads to intrinsic skin ageing, poor skin barrier repair, and a dull damaged appearance. Poor sleep can increase cortisol levels triggering acne breakouts. 

Aim to have a good 7- 8 hours of sleep daily, avoid screens before bedtime, maintain a fixed bedtime and sleep in a dark room for the better quality of sleep for acne treatment. 

Drink Water

Drinking water hydrates your skin. Even with acne prone skin, keeping yourself hydrated is important because dry skin may trigger excess oil production leading to acne.  

Studies have shown that if you increase the intake of water, it will help you keep your skin soft and smooth. 

Maintaining a proper skincare routine

Maintaining a proper skin care routine helps to fight acne. It prevents external factors like pollution, dust, weather change etc from triggering breakouts. It also helps the acne treatment act better and faster. 

Devise a skin care routine according to your skin. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, moisturise your skin am and pm and always wear sunscreen. With acne prone skin, you may occasionally exfoliate and tone your skin as well. Consult a dermatologist for product recommendations according to your skin type. 

Avoid long-stay makeup

There is much evidence suggesting that taking breaks from wearing makeup daily can help your skin and improve breakouts. Makeup products especially the ones that are greasy and long stay increase the chances of clogging of your skin pores, predisposing to acne breakouts. 

Opt for non-comedogenic, water based or gel based products. Avoid changing multiple brands and trying new things. 

In conclusion, making lifestyle modifications is vital for improving skin health and preventing acne. By implementing simple changes in our daily lives, such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting quality sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and managing stress levels, we can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing acne breakouts. These lifestyle changes are recommended by dermatologists and have proven benefits for skin health. Remember, it is always advisable to consult with a dermatologist for personalized guidance on lifestyle changes and to explore appropriate acne treatment options. Take charge of your skin health by embracing a healthier lifestyle today.