Is Your Lifestyle Causing Acne? What You Need to Know

If you suffer from recurrent acne, it may help to review your diet. Your skin’s health is closely linked to what you eat and drink. Another factor is your daily routine or lifestyle, including how well you manage stress and practice self-care.

At Everglow Medical Spa, we don’t just alleviate the symptoms of acne and other skin conditions. We work to understand the underlying causes and offer affordable local medical spa treatments to help you address and prevent breakouts. Here, we discuss common acne triggers, including dietary and lifestyle factors.

The Impacts of Sugar and Other Foods

One common cause of increased or recurrent acne is sugar intake. Consuming high amounts of sugary beverages and foods can raise your insulin levels, contributing to skin inflammation and excess oil production that trigger acne. Watch out for sweetened cereals, candy, white bread, and other processed carbohydrates, all of which have a high glycemic index and can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.

Acne can also be triggered by fatty foods and dairy products. Whether you keep these foods in your diet or quit cold turkey, you can counteract their effects by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins. You can also increase your fiber intake and choose whole grains instead of white bread and refined carbohydrates.

Lifestyle Can Take Its Toll on the Skin

Examining your daily choices about work, sleep, and self-care can help you identify common causes of acne. For example, excess stress can increase hormone levels, leading to more oil in the pores.

Another common contributor is poor or disrupted sleep. Lack of nighttime rest interferes with your physical and mental healing and with your ability to regulate bodily functions. The result is often more acne.

In many cases, the accumulation of oil and dirt comes from not cleaning your face properly or not cleansing it often enough. That buildup eventually leads to clogged pores and more acne breakouts.

Being mindful of your lifestyle can reduce the likelihood of acne and improve your overall health. Here are some strategies to enhance your daily life:

• Gently wash your face twice daily with water and a gentle cleanser.
• Plan for restful and uninterrupted sleep. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
• If you regularly moisturize, use non-comedogenic products.
• Stay hydrated to keep your skin in balance.
• Reduce the spread of acne-causing bacteria by keeping your hands away from your face.
• Eat more anti-inflammatory foods, such as fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Practice stress-management strategies, such as deep breathing, journaling, personal affirmations, or positive visualization.

When It’s Time for Acne Intervention

Some cases of acne won’t improve with a routine skincare regimen or a healthy diet. If your acne is out of control or you have unsightly acne scars, our team at Everglow Medical Spa can help. For some of the best acne treatment in Cincinnati, contact us for guidance on better cleansing practices or to learn about our Circadia Skincare products. We also offer cutting-edge medical spa treatments, such as laser rejuvenation, microneedling, and relaxing facials, to get to the root of your acne problem.

We recommend scheduling an initial appointment for a thorough exam and to discuss your skincare goals. Contact us today at 513.837.4569 or complete our online contact form. Turn to us to achieve healthier, more glowing skin.