Below are some lifestyle choices that can have an impact on your skin and your journey towards clear skin.
• Rest and Stress
Prioritize sufficient rest and actively work to minimize stress in your daily life. Stress triggers the adrenal glands, prompting increased oil production that can exacerbate clogged pores, particularly in individuals prone to acne.
• Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners, whether in liquid form or dryer sheets, deposit a waxy film on various fabrics like pillowcases, towels, sheets, and washcloths, which directly contact the skin. This residue has the potential to block the pores, particularly in individuals prone to acne. To mitigate this issue, consider using anti-static dryer balls to reduce static cling without leaving behind any pore-clogging residue.
• Detergent
Detergents containing fragrances have the potential to trigger skin irritation. Opting for fragrance-free detergents is advisable to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Always review the ingredient list of your chosen detergent and cross-reference it with our Pore-Clogging Ingredients handout to ensure compatibility with your skincare routine.
• Pillowcases
Regularly changing your pillowcases is a beneficial habit. Accumulated oil and residues from hair care products can lead to buildup, potentially contributing to pore blockages.
• Water Softeners
Some research suggests that water softeners, particularly those with elevated levels of potassium chloride, may be associated with acne development.
• Swimmers
Disinfectants used in swimming pools often contain iodides and chlorine, which can persist in the water and potentially lead to skin issues for regular swimmers. One approach to mitigate this is to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly over your sunscreen before entering the pool.
• Sun Exposure and Acne
While sun exposure can initially result in desirable scaling and drying, it also inflicts harm by damaging the hair follicles, worsening dark spots, and increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. It's crucial to prioritize sun protection by consistently wearing sunscreen, regardless of weather conditions, including overcast or rainy days.
• Beware of Hand Lotions
Using a pore-clogging (comedogenic) hand lotion can worsen acne if you frequently rest your face on your hands or sleep with your hands in contact with your face.
• Breakouts Around the Mouth Area
Numerous lip balms, toothpastes, and even facial tissues contain comedogenic ingredients. If you notice breakouts around your mouth area, one of these products could be the cause. We suggest using petroleum jelly as a lip balm and opting for toothpaste without SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). Many popular tissue brands incorporate ingredients like coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, and SLS, all of which have pore-clogging potential.
• Resist Picking or Squeezing
Gently apply ice to pustules and pimples for a few minutes, twice daily.
IMPORTANT: Avoid picking, squeezing, or breaking the skin. Doing so can result in scabs that leave behind persistent red or dark marks that may take months to fade.
• Birth Control and Hormone Replacement
Birth control methods with low doses of estrogen may contain higher levels of androgen hormones, potentially exacerbating acne-prone skin. However, some forms of birth control are FDA-approved for acne treatment. It's crucial to consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable birth control option for your needs. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the benefits and risks of any birth control method. For more detailed information, please refer to the Birth Control And Acne Simplified post.
Progesterone hormone replacements may exacerbate acne. If you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, it can cause hormonal changes and breakouts.
• Prescription Drugs
Prescription medications that may worsen acne include certain topical and oral steroids, anticonvulsants, thyroid medications, fertility drugs, Isoniazid, Imuran, Danazol, Gonadotrophin, Cyclosporin, Disulfiram, and medications used to treat ADD/ADHD.
Furthermore, other topical prescription drugs must be ceased at least 14 days before undergoing a treatment or commencing the Clear Skin Solution. These include Azelex, Finacea, Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin, Clindamycin (Cleocin-T), Erythromycin (Erygel), Dapsone (Aczone), as well as any topical treatment from Proactiv or Curology that does not solely contain benzoyl peroxide.
For individuals taking oral Isotretinoin, it is advisable to consult with your doctor regarding the duration of discontinuation required before initiating treatments and active products.
• Recreational drugs
Recreational drugs that may exacerbate acne include marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines (speed).
• Chemicals
Coal tars (roofers), grease (mechanics, cooks, waiters), chlorinated industrial chemicals, and dioxin can exacerbate acne.
This content is being provided for informational purposes only. This is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Madeleine Fetty Aesthetics, LCC is not offering, recommending, or endorsing any specific dietary guidelines, prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. Madeleine Fetty Aesthetics, LCC provides no warranty for any information. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment. Source: Face Reality
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