Secrets To Acne-free Skin

You can achieve an A-lister’s skin with our simple how-to guide.

byBauer Syndication Feb 2017

Lindsay Lohan’s skin is healthier now than before (inset).

You can achieve an A-lister’s skin with our simple how-to guide.

There are some things we may miss about our teenage years – the ability to stay up till the wee hours and sleep till noon. One thing that’s not on the list is a sprinkling of pimples on our faces. Unfortunately, acne isn’t just a teenage thing. Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands sitting below the skin’s surface become inflamed and infected, causing those sore red mounds.

A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that acne affects nearly half of all women aged 21 to 30 and a quarter of women aged 31 to 40. Whether you suffer from a pimple or a more severe case, you can do a few things to help minimise the effects.

Why it happens?

Hormones

When your body experiences an oestrogen dip, testosterone steps in and encourages acne breakouts. This happens during ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Add in the oestrogen-depleting effects of some medications, your skin can be badly affected.

Breakouts on your chin and jawline clearly point to hormonal imbalance. Experts say that because acne can be linked to hormonal disorders, it’s vital that you seek professional help fast. When a potential hormonal imbalance is overlooked, it could impact your fertility and possibly cause long-term scarring.

Cleanliness is key

Things such as phones, gym gear and pillow cases are real breeding grounds for bacteria that can lead to breakouts. So it makes sense to keep them super-clean. Recruit antibacterial wipes to keep phones in check, wash gym gear between workouts and launder your pillow cases with antibacterial laundry wash at least once a week.

Diet

Sugar, milk and greasy foods can cause hormone fluctuations, increasing sebum production and the risk of acne, suggest some research. Fight the spots with a balanced diet of fresh vegetables, fruit, complex carbohydrates and protein, along with two litres of water a day.

The cosmetics bag

It’s imperative that you clean brushes with shampoo once a week, as grubby makeup brushes are also a magnet for bacteria. Using a proper makeup removal is important, too. We recommend cleansing your face twice to remove every speck, and washing hair at least three times a week or if you can every day, to stay face-friendly.

Stress

Whether you work full time or are a full-time mum, chances are your stress levels are high. When you are stressed out though, try to relax. Experts say stress can lead to acne by signalling the release of cortisol, a hormone that tells your body to produce more pore-clogging oil.

Pollution

Air pollution isn’t helping your case either. Wipe your face with a toner pad or face wipe and see what colour it is after you return from your walk or jog. You’re definitely not going to like what you see though.

How to deal with it

Avoid unhealthy foods. You need to avoid high-processed, high-GI foods like fizzy drinks, sugary foods and cakes, say doctors. And take care of yourself in general.

Banish bacteria

A dermatologist may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to help control acne bacteria and breakouts. These same antibiotics will also help reduce inflammation. Don’t squeeze! Squeezing blemishes will only damage your skin and promote scarring – plus it spreads bacteria, which can cause more breakouts. You need to balance your hormones. Depending on the type of acne you suffer from, you may need other treatments such as medications to regulate the hormones or vitamin A, say doctors.