Acne is something we have all dealt with at one time or another. Whether it was through our angsty teen years, college, or the stress of functioning as an adult, acne sucks.
Acne is not just a painful hassle, it can also immensely impede your self-esteem. Dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, cystic acne or any other type of breakout is not something we would wish on our worst enemy. So without trying every product from the drugstore, the beauty counter, and even your dermatologist, how can you clear your skin?
Well, thankfully, my 10+ year experience with acne has taught me a lot about what works and what doesn’t. All of these remedies are absolutely doable without a ton of cost on your end. What you will need a ton of is patience, determination, and a willingness to change some of your lifestyle choices. Trust me, it doesn’t take much time to get used to a few changes when those changes come with crystal-clear skin.
Drink water
We know you hear this all the time, but it really will make a big difference. If you think you’re drinking enough water, you’re probably not. Your recommended fluid intake depends on your size, activity level, and climate. As a general rule, try to drink between ½ an ounce and 1 ounce of water for every pound of bodyweight. If you weigh 140 pounds, that means you should drink between 70 and 140 ounces a day.
Water isn’t just good for your health, it is amazing for your skin. Water flushes your system of toxins that come with eating processed foods, salt, grease, and other things your skin may not agree with. Within 48 hours of drinking at least eight 8oz. glasses of water a day – you will see a difference in your skin.
Cut down on dairy
Whether you have a sensitivity to them or not, many dairy products can cause inflammation. Everything from butter to milk and, sadly, even ice cream can lead to breakouts.
Try cutting out or at least cutting down on your dairy intake for 4-6 weeks and see how your skin reacts. For the majority of people, this will make a big difference in hormonal breakouts as well. Thankfully, with the rise of the vegan lifestyle, there are tons of delicious dairy alternatives available. Thank you, oatmilk!
Wash your pillowcases
We’re sure you wash your sheets regularly, at least we hope so. Your face is touching that same fabric every single night. It will retain sweat, oil, build-up from hair products, and more. Have extra pillowcases so you can sleep on yours for two nights, switching sides, and then use a new pillowcase. We know it seems like overkill, but your face is on that contaminated fabric for about 8 hours a night. That is a lot of time to soak in bacteria and produce new breakouts.
Find a simple routine
Overdoing skincare products might seem like the right choice when you’re dealing with breakouts and acne, but too many products working on your skin at once can make it worse. Acne is irritated skin, and using too many harsh products on that skin will only anger it even more. A basic cleanser for your skin type, a serum or treatment to target breakouts and other issues, and a lightweight oil-free moisturizer is all you really need to please your skin. When it comes to clear skin, the simpler the better.