Acne can be a frustrating problem, particularly when it persists after the teenage years and doesn’t respond to over the counter treatments. Many people find professional treatments such as chemical peels, available at our Brighton clinic, can make a significant difference, with a noticeably clearer and smoother complexion.
However, to ensure long lasting results, it’s also beneficial to understand how you can take proactive steps to manage your skin condition. Here’s a look at some of the lifestyle factors that may make acne worse, and what you can about it.
Diet and acne
High glycemic index foods
High glycemic index (GI) foods are food and drinks that cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash, which triggers the production of insulin. This in turn stimulates increased sebum production and heightens inflammation, which are known to cause acne symptoms.
Examples of high GI foods include white bread, French fries, pastries, biscuits, and sugary drinks. There is some evidence to suggest that eliminating such foods from your diet can help to control acne symptoms. If you eat a lot of highly processed carbs and sweet snacks, try replacing them with fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrain oats, and legumes.
Dairy
Dairy products on their own are not classed as high GI foods, but some separate studies have shown that drinking cow’s milk can make acne breakouts worse. This may be because milk contains hormones that can increase sebum production, which causes clogged pores that mix with the bacteria on the skin’s surface to form spots and blackheads.
If you consume a lot of milk and other dairy products such as yoghurt, try swapping them for plant-based alternatives such as oat or almond milk for a couple of months to see if you notice any improvement.
Low omega-3 fatty acids
A diet that is low in omega-3 fatty acids, a substance found in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, and also eggs, flaxseeds and walnuts, could mean that you are missing out on natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to keep your skin looking clear. Try incorporating more of these foods into your diet to what effect it has.
Lifestyle factors
Stress
When we are under stress, it triggers the release of cortisol which can lead to increased sebum production and inflammation levels. You may have noticed that after a busy week when you were under a lot of pressure, your acne worsens just when you don’t want it to. Sleep is disrupted, which slows down the healing process so your skin is even worse.
If you find that your stress levels regularly soar along with your acne symptoms, try introducing some stress management techniques into your daily routine. This could include yoga, meditation or keeping a journal to provide a safety valve for pent up thoughts and emotions.
Skincare habits
External factors such as skincare routines won’t directly cause acne, but they can make it worse. Avoid letting your skin dry out too much, and always fully remove makeup before going to bed.