Hey bestie! So, you know how we've ALL dealt with acne at some point? Ugh, it's the WORST. Like, seriously, who needs that drama? Turns out, about 80% of people between 11 and 30 have experienced it, which is crazy!
Basically, acne happens when your skin's oil glands and pores become clogged with bacteria, dead skin cells, and too much oil. It's like a perfect storm for a breakout. Our face is the usual suspect, but it can pop up on your neck, back, chest, shoulders…basically anywhere, really.
And you know what else? Our lifestyles totally play a role. Stress can make things way worse, and even some birth control (the ones with high progestin) can be a culprit. Plus, there are some foods that can totally fuel the fire. I'm not saying you have to give them up forever, but just keep an eye on how much you're consuming? Think of it like this: moderation is key!
Foods you need to replace or enjoy minimally:
Whey protein
Peanuts & peanut butter
Eggs
Soy
Biotin, B12, and hair, skin, and nail supplements (yep, even the "good" stuff sometimes!)
High iodine intake (shellfish, for example)
Dairy
Okay, so now for the good stuff! I wouldn't leave you hanging, would I? Here's a cheat sheet of ingredients to look for in your skincare routine that can actually help:
Benzoyl Peroxide: This stuff is a bacteria killer! It zaps those little buggers that cause acne and helps keep pores clear. It's like the MVP of over-the-counter acne treatments.
Salicylic Acid: Think of this as your pore-clearing superhero. It exfoliates, gets rid of dead skin cells, and calms down redness. Plus, it helps fight bacteria too!
Retinoids (Retinol): These are Vitamin A superstars. They reduce inflammation, unclog pores, even out skin tone, and help with texture by boosting collagen. Pretty amazing, right?
Niacinamide: This is Vitamin B3, and it's all about hydration. It helps your skin hold onto moisture, which keeps it healthy and less prone to breakouts. It also helps control oil and speeds up skin repair. Basically, it's a multi-tasker!
Zinc PCA: This antioxidant is like a zen master for your skin. It calms things down, reduces inflammation, and keeps oil production in check.
Tea Tree Oil: Nature's little warrior! It's antiseptic, so it fights bacteria and reduces inflammation. Plus, it's nourishing!
AHAs (like Mandelic Acid): These are exfoliators that help get rid of dead skin cells and unclog pores. Mandelic acid is super gentle, even for sensitive skin!
Sulfur: This is a natural antibacterial agent that helps reduce redness and unclog pores. It's also great for oily skin because it soaks up excess oil.
Remember, I'm your esthetician bestie, and I'm here for you! Everyone's skin is different, so if you're feeling overwhelmed, let's chat! I offer FREE virtual skin consultations where we can dive deep into your skin's needs and create a custom routine just for you. Simply use the link below to book your free skin consultation, you got this!
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