The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) reports that acne is the most common skincare problem among Americans, with 50 million citizens affected every year. They also say that 85 percent of people from ages 12 and 24 will experience minor acne issues.
Considering how widespread of a problem acne is, it’s troubling that people who have it still have to suffer from low confidence due to the discrimination and judgment of others. The truth is, acne is a natural thing, something that the majority of us will go through at one point in our lives—and struggling with it does not have to dissuade us from truly living our lives and being our best selves. If you’re battling acne and also suffering from low self-esteem because of it, here are some tips and pointers for getting your self-confidence back.
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Combat Acne from The Inside Out.
There has been plenty of debate over the years over whether our diet or lifestyle truly influences the condition of our skin, and a recent study found that there is an association between unhealthy foods and the development of adult acne. While an established association does not automatically mean causation, it can’t hurt to practice healthy lifestyle habits now since it will also benefit the rest of your physical life and not just your skin.
Here are some baby steps you can take to start living more healthily:
- Sleep at least 7 hours per night, and don’t compromise on this. Good sleep quality will help lessen your stress and exhaustion, and it will also help you establish a skincare routine if you know when you will wake up and sleep. Your sleep hygiene contributes greatly to your overall health and well-being.
- Lessen your oil and sugar intake. The 2017 study found that those who have a higher intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods had more incidence of adult acne. Snack food and fast food were also linked to high instances of adult acne. While chocolate—both milk and dark—was found to have no links with acne, it will still be good for your overall health to keep your favorite foods in moderation, no matter how much you’re craving and how yummy they are. You can also test to see which foods and products trigger your breakouts so that you know exactly which ones you need to stop consuming and using.
While dermatologist-recommended skincare products are good for combating your acne, they will also help supplement your products with a healthy lifestyle and a nutritious diet. All of your healthy practices, when compounded, can only be good for the health of your skin. And when you feel good about yourself, your confidence will skyrocket, too, even if your skin is still on the road to healing.
Choose Your Skincare Products Wisely.
Not all skincare products are created equal, as your dermatologist will probably tell you. Skincare is definitely “your mileage may vary,” and what works for celebrities and influencers may not necessarily work for you since no two people are the same.
Consult with your dermatologist about the best acne-safe skincare products in the market since acne-prone skin needs the most gentle and specific types of products. You can consult with your dermatologist about what ingredients you need to avoid. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and what we choose to put on it can greatly impact our skin, for better or for worse.
Explore Cosmetics.
If you find that your breakouts and scars trigger your low self-confidence, consider investing in acne-safe full-coverage foundations and concealers. Since cosmetics are now a multi-billion dollar industry, there is no shortage of products that can cover your acne without causing more breakouts. Choose products that claim to be “non-comedogenic” because that means they won’t clog your pores.
Watch makeup tutorials on how to cover acne-prone skin. The technology in today’s foundations and concealers are so incredible that you don’t even need to color correct anymore; with the right color match, you’ll be able to cover imperfections and spots without having to use green concealer to neutralize the reds or peach to neutralize the purples.
Consult with Your Dermatologist Regularly.
And lastly, don’t forget to consult with your dentist about the best course of action as your skin progresses. It may be frustrating when you feel like you’ve done all you can, but healing acne won’t happen overnight.
At the same time, don’t let your breakouts cause you more stress. The more stress you have, the less joy you feel, and will be a cycle of self-pity and stress which can cause more breakouts. It might be easier said than done, but knowing that you’re doing your best and that you are valuable no matter the state of your skin is key to gaining your confidence back. Good luck!