COMMON CAUSES OF ACNE
INFLAMMATORY
DIET
DIET
Research shows that inflammation is one of the contributing causes in acne outbreaks.
Refined sugars in particular stimulate inflammatory processes within the body, causing immune system flare ups that can send acne into overdrive.
CONTACT WITH
DIRTY SURFACES
DIRTY SURFACES
Of course, repeated contact with surfaces covered in bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes, is a major cause of pimples.
The increased bacterial presence puts a larger load on your skin barrier and immune system, overwhelming your body’s defenses and leading to infection (pimples). Some of the most common perpetrators are dirty pillowcases and bedsheets, dirty makeup brushes, and even touching your face with your hands.
IMPROPER
SKINCARE
SKINCARE
You probably already know that sleeping in makeup is a big skincare no-no.
If you know you’re not going to make it to the sink to cleanse your face every night, keep some makeup wipes nearby to at least remove some of the build-up and prevent clogged pores. Regular cleansing is one of the best ways to get rid of pimples.
STRESS
As if you didn’t have enough to deal with when you’re stressed, chronic anxiety can also cause acne breakouts.
Stress is another immunosuppressant that reduces your body’s ability to fight back against bad bacteria.
Research shows that acute stress produces an inflammatory response in the body that can temporarily raise your defenses, but consistent inflammation leads to a number of chronic diseases and persistent acne. Over time, chronic stress reduces the overall number of microbe-fighting lymphocytes in your bloodstream, making your body much more vulnerable to bacterial or viral infection.
EASY ACNE REMEDIES & TOP TIPS
ICE THE AFFECTED AREA
If you need quick-fix home remedies for acne, we’ve got you covered. First, ice the affected area. This will reduce inflammation. You can also crush an aspirin pill into water to form a paste and apply it as a pimple spot treatment. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which helps remove excess oil and dead skin, unclogging your pores. This is best to do the night before an important event to give the treatment time to do its magic.
FACE-FRIENDLY COSMETICS
Also, make sure you’re only using non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) cosmetics and alcohol-free skincare products.
Harsh toners with high essential oil contents may irritate sensitive skin.
Make sure to do an allergy/irritation test on your hand first and don’t introduce too many new products into your regime at once.
That way you’ll know exactly what is causing the problem and what to eliminate from your routine.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
There are also a few general changes you can introduce into your life to help give your skin the best fighting chance against nasty acne-causing bacteria.
REDUCE SUN EXPOSURE
Sunscreen is a must for all skin that is exposed to the harmful UV radiation in sunlight, but some sunscreens can also be an irritant for problem skin.
Make sure you patch test before applying over large areas of skin, and whenever possible, wear UV-shielding clothing to protect your skin from sun damage.
ALWAYS SHOWER AFTER EXERCISE
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Increased sweat production during exercise can clog pores and lead to pimples.
This is especially relevant if you like to go to public gyms, which can be breeding grounds for all sorts of bacteria.
So hop in the shower when you get home and try a gentle exfoliant.
INFLAMMATION-FIGHTING FOODS
Cutting out inflammatory foods, such as refined sugars, processed foods and soft drinks, is one way to fight acne breakouts. But another way is by increasing the amount of tasty inflammation-fighting foods in your diet. Healthy fats such as Omega-3s, olive oil, and avocados are an important part of an anti-inflammatory diet. Fruits and veggies high in Vitamin C, such as strawberries, blueberries, oranges, spinach, kale and collard greens, are also a great addition. Adjusting your diet can be a more effective acne solution than acne products or other skincare adjustments.
KEEP YOUR SHEETS CLEAN
Reducing contact with bacteria-ridden surfaces will naturally reduce your acne outbreaks.
Make sure to wash your makeup brushes regularly. Greasy hair is another common culprit.
Try pulling your hair out of your face with a headband or silk turban, which has the added benefit of polishing it as you sleep.
The worst offender, however, is your pillowcase.
Dermatologists also recommend that you change your pillowcase and sheets every 3 days.
Dermatologists also recommend that you change your pillowcase and sheets every 3 days.
COPPER PILLOWCASE
For added protection and defense against harmful bacteria, there’s the Sleep&Glow Copper Tencel pillowcase.
Copper woven into the material kills 99% of bacteria on contact.
This reduces the bacterial load on your body and helps keep your skin’s defenses strong.
And these antibacterial properties won’t come out in the wash.
Copper has also been proven to reduce the depth of facial wrinkles.
Combine this with the Omnia’s wrinkle-fighting design and you get a holistic anti-acne, anti-aging skincare solution.
The Omnia Skin Defense pillow will revolutionize your sleep and skincare.