Acne-prone skin requires special care and attention, not just in terms of skincare but also in what you wear and how you live your daily life. Here are 15 things you should avoid to keep your skin clear and healthy or prevent acne from worsening.
1. Don’t Wear Red
Specific colors can make our skin look pale, bland, and even red. A big offender is the color red itself. Red clothing can make the redness of your acne stand out even more. If you suffer from chronic acne, opt for cooler tones like blues and greens to help neutralize any redness on your face. And be careful with red in your beauty routine too, a bold red lip probably isn’t the best choice if you’re skin is red and irritated.
2. Don’t Apply Heavy Foundations
One thing to never put on your face if you have acne-prone skin is heavy foundation. Heavy, full-coverage foundations can clog your pores and lead to more breakouts. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic foundation like a tinted moisturizer for a friendlier choice. Not only will this be less likely to clog your pores, it’ll also allow your skin to breathe
3. Skip Dairy-Rich Foods
If you’re prone to breakouts, you step away from dairy-rich products. Dairy-heavy products can trigger acne in some people due to the hormones they contain. If you’re prone to breakouts, try cutting back on milk, cheese, and yogurt. Instead, opt for dairy-free and plant-based products instead for a clearer complexion.
4. Avoid Fragranced Skincare
One of acne-prone skin’s biggest enemies is fragrance. Fragrances in skincare, makeup, and even haircare products can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. If you want to have an acne-free complexion, always opt for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products to keep your skin calm and clear.
5. Don’t Wear Tight Hats
Tight hats like beanies can be disastrous for acne-prone skin. This is because tight hats trap sweat and oil on your forehead, leading to breakouts along your hairline. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear hats; try to shop for hats that have a looser fit and do not sit directly against the skin.
6. Avoid Coconut Oil
Though coconut oil has many health and beauty benefits, coconut oil is also highly comedogenic and can clog pores. If you have acne-prone skin, avoid using products that contain coconut oil. Instead of coconut oil, try shopping for jojoba oil or squalane oil, which is more acne-friendly.
7. Skip Scrubs with Large Particles
Exfoliating is important, but scrubs with large, harsh particles, such as almond scrubs, can irritate your skin and worsen acne. This is because they can clog the skin and cause microdermabrasion, hugely irritating the skin. Instead of using heavy scrubs, use gentle chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid instead.
8. Don’t Wear Heavy Perfume
Just like fragrances in products, heavy perfumes can irritate your skin and trigger breakouts, especially if applied near your face. Stick to lighter scents or apply perfume to your clothes instead of your skin to avoid painful, irritable breakouts on your face.
9. Avoid Wearing Tight Clothing
Though you might not think so, tight clothing can cause acne on your face and the rest of your body. Tight clothing can trap sweat and bacteria against your skin, leading to breakouts across your body. For clearer skin, choose loose, breathable fabrics and avoid tight-fitting headwear to keep your face clearer.
10. Avoid Sugary Snacks
We get it; sugary snacks are a little luxury few of us can refuse. But, just like dairy, sugar is a huge contributor to acne. High sugar levels can spike insulin and trigger inflammation, leading to more breakouts. Limit sugary foods and beverages to keep your skin clear.
11. Don’t Touch Your Face
This can be hard but don’t touch your face. Acne can be itchy and irritable, which may make you want to scratch and pick at your face. However, touching your face transfers bacteria and oils from your hands to your skin, leading to breakouts. Keep your hands off your face to maintain clear skin.
12. Avoid Hair Products with Silicones
Silicones in hair products have a ton of negative effects, from a damaged scalp to thinning hair. You might not know that silicones in shampoos and conditioners can transfer to your skin, clog pores and cause acne, especially along your hairline. Look for silicone-free shampoos and conditioners. Your hair and skin will thank you for it.
13. Skip Greasy Foods
Greasy foods are delicious and affordable, but they have a litany of health issues, from chronic diseases to being a major cause of acne. This is because greasy foods can increase oil production in your skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Opt for a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables if you want to keep a clearer complexion.
14. Don’t Use Dirty Makeup Brushes
Cleaning your makeup brushes sometimes feels like the last chore on earth that you want to do, but neglecting to wash your brushes has dire effects on your skin. Dirty makeup brushes harbor bacteria that can cause breakouts. Clean your brushes regularly to avoid transferring bacteria to your skin.
15. Avoid Expired Products
Makeup and skincare products can cost a fortune, so we often want to use every last drop before throwing them away. However, in case you didn’t know, beauty products can expire. Expired skincare and makeup products can harbor bacteria and lose their effectiveness, leading to breakouts. Always check expiration dates and replace old products regularly.