Picture this- you have an important day coming up. You've been eagerly waiting for it for a long time. Finally, the D-day arrives and oh! an angry red zit, staring right back at you in the mirror. Sounds like your perpetual state? You're not alone. Acne is among one of the most commonly occurring skin conditions around the globe, affecting around 85% of young adults worldwide. From eighth graders to working professionals, it is unforgiving for everyone. However, despite being a common skin problem, it gives birth to issues with self-confidence, gravely affecting people's social life. 

Moreover, once you get them, there seems to be no turning back. If after trying several expensive and fancy products, all you are left with is disappointment and more breakouts, maybe it is time to change your approach towards acne. 

In this blog, we have discussed some of the most effective ways to get rid of acne the right way. Stick around till the end to know all about it. 

Why does acne appear?

Some people believe that having flawless, spotless skin is a matter of genes and winning the genetic lottery. While a part of it is true, it also depends upon several other factors. Acne, an inflammatory skin problem, mainly occurs due to:

  • Plugging of hair follicles
  • Changes in hormones
  • Bacterial infection

Mainly, the severity of acne ranges between blackheads and whiteheads, and in severe cases- cysts. Mostly, acne occurs due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

How to combat acne harmlessly?

Generally, every treatment for acne tries to prevent inflammation and breakouts before they can even happen. As they say, prevention is better than cure!

Here are some tips which will help you win your battle against those nasty zits:

Keep your face clean and fresh

Dirty, oily skin is the perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. If you have extremely oily skin, you should wash your face with a gentle but effective cleanser at least twice a day. Remove all makeup and dirt, so they don't build up and clog your pores. This reduces inflammation and kills bacteria that cause acne. You can also look for a cleanser having benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient. 

 

Do not use exfoliating brushes

Exfoliating brushes have been doing rounds on social media, and commercials cannot seem to stop selling their benefits. However, for people suffering from acne, it can do more harm than good. Studies have revealed that exfoliating brushes can irritate the skin, leading to even more aggravating acne. 

 

Changes in lifestyle

How you live, what you eat, and how many hours you sleep, all make a huge impact on your skin. Regularly eating greasy, sugary food and consuming alcohol, and smoking cigarettes all affect your skin adversely. Eating healthy, drinking a lot of water along with a healthy amount of physical exercise works in the favour of your skin. Change your pillowcase every week. In a nutshell, eating healthy and living hygienically can turn your life around. 

 

Don't let the sweat settle in

After a heavy session of workout, remember always to take a shower and wash your face thoroughly to not let the sweat stick to you. Sweat may contain acne-causing bacteria, and washing up after your workout might help alleviate that situation. 

 

And lastly, keep your hands away from the zits!

Some of us have this strong urge to pop the pimple as soon as we see it and just be done with it. But little do they know that doing so can worsen the situation instead of healing it. It also leaves scars on the spot and increases the chances of inflammation. 

 

The Takeaway

Nobody likes to live with acne and pimples on their face. It affects their social life as well as emotional well-being as appearance is attached to how one is perceived by others. The best way to deal with zits is to keep them under control and stop the breakouts from happening by tweaking your lifestyle a little, inculcating good habits and staying away from products harmful to your condition. Follow these tips and bid that zit goodbye!