Some people do have a genetic advantage when it comes to having clear skin. Others try every product on the market in search of the magic acne treatment that will give them healthy glowing skin. For those who suffer from acne these 10 lifestyle changes will really help get that natural, healthy, glowing skin we all want.
Acne Free Diet – What You Eat Does Affect Your Skin
Yes,what you eat does have an impact on the health and clarity of your skin, a fun simple way to think about your food is to remember to eat a rainbow a day.
- Red Foods –Fruits and vegetables that have a bright red color are full of the powerful antioxidant Lycopene. Lycopene protects your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Some very tasty red foods are red peppers, tomatoes, watermelon, raspberries, and ruby red grapefruit.
- Orange & Yellow Foods- Fruits and veggies that have a bright orange or yellow color are high in vitamin C and Beta carotene. For some delicious orange and yellow foods enjoy oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, and mangos.
- Green Foods-Fruits and vegetables that are green in color are full of photochemicals like lutien and foliate. Green foods help the body eliminate toxins and supports overall body health green foods can also help boost your energy level. Add some tasty kiwi, spinach, kale, or avocado to your next meal.
- Blue & Purple Foods-Beautiful blue and purple foods get their rich color from anthocyanines. Anthocyanines are potent antioxidants and help neutralize enzymes that break down connective tissue. Blackberries, blueberries, figs, purple cabbage, and eggplant are yummy ways to incorporate purple foods into your diet
Drink Enough Water
Water helps the body to cleanse and realize toxins and hydrates the skin. To make sure you’re getting enough water for your body divide your weight in half and drink that many ounces of water a day. A person who weighs 130 pounds would need to drink 65 ounces of water each day. Sodas, coffee, and alcohol do not help to hydrate the body and often actually decrease the body’s hydration level.
Daily Skin Cleansing and Moisturizing Treatments
- Cleanse the skin regularly. Skipping cleaning because it’s not convenient or your too tired is counterproductive to healthy skincare. Use a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type or better yet make your own cleanser.
- Always follow cleansing with moisturizing, even if you have oily skin. Cleansing removes natural moisture that skin needs, if the moisture is not replaced some skin types become very dry and can develop dry patches or even crack, oily skin types begin to produce excess oil in an attempt to keep the skin moisturized. Coconut oil or grapeseed oil mixed with essential oils is a great natural moisturizer.
- Exfoliate one to three times a week depending on your skin type. Raw oatmeal mixed with water makes a gentle exfoliant. Wash in an upward and outward motion and rinse with cool clean water. Moisturize after you exfoliate.
Natural Remedies for Acne
- Spend some time in the sun. Sunlight helps to kill the bacterium that causes acne. The sun is also the best source for vitamin D which is needed for good overall health. Start with small amounts of sun exposure and allow your body to naturally adjust to the increase exposure. Be safe and wear a hat and protective clothing if you will be out for long periods. Getting burned is not the goal and is not recommended.
- Don’t pick at skin. Popping zits or pressing on pustules can actually spread the infection and may cause even more skin damage. Wash hands regularly and keep hands away fro face. Resting your chin in your hand and touching your face can help to spread the acne bacteria and increase breakouts.
- Keep hair pulled away from the face, the oil from hair can increase acne. Avoid wearing hats that sit on the forehead like baseball caps they can develop a buildup of bacteria and acne on the face.
- Wash pillowcase on a regular basis. Bacteria, oil, and other impurities can build up on a pillow case and trigger breakouts.
- Wipe phones with an antibacterial cloth to keep the phone clean and prevent the spread of acne bacteria.
Acne Solutions
Taking the time to develop these simple habits will help clear up acne and help to return your skin to beautiful glowing health. Consistency is key. A week of eating high processed foods, skipping cleansing or moisturizing and picking at zits provides acne bacteria a perfect environment to thrive.
Jamie Hobbs - Jamie Hobbs has been working as a freelance writer since 2008. Graduating with a BA of Education in 1998, Jamie went on to become a ...
