How Diet and Lifestyle Affect Acne
If you suffer from recurrent acne, it may help to examine your diet and lifestyle. Your skin’s health is closely linked with what you eat and drink. Another contributor is your daily routine, including how well you control stress and engage in proper self-care.
At Everglow Medical Spa, we don’t just alleviate the symptoms of acne and other skin-related problems. We work to understand the underlying issues and offer affordable local medical spa treatments to help you treat and prevent breakouts. Here, we discuss common acne triggers, which include food and lifestyle.
The Impacts of Sugar and Other Foods
One prevalent cause of increased or recurrent acne is sugar intake. Consuming high amounts of sugary beverages and foods can increase your insulin levels, contributing to skin inflammation and excess oil production that triggers acne. Watch out for sweetened cereals, candy, white bread, and processed carbohydrates, all of which have a high glycemic index that leads to rapid sugar spikes.
Acne can also emerge due to fatty foods and dairy products. Whether you keep these foods in your diet or quick cold turkey, you can counterbalance their effects by getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins. You can also increase your fiber intake and choose whole grains over white breads and refined carbohydrates.
Lifestyle Can Take Its Toll on the Skin
Examining your daily choices regarding work, sleep, and daily care can help you identify common causes of acne. For instance, high stress levels can ramp up hormone production, resulting in 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 ability to regulate bodily functions. The result is often more acne.
In many cases, oil and dirt buildup come from not cleaning your face properly or often enough. That buildup eventually leads to clogged pores and increased acne breakouts.
Being mindful of your lifestyle can decrease the likelihood of acne and improve your overall health. Here are some strategies to enhance your everyday living:
- Gently clean your face twice daily with water and soap or a gentle cleanser.
- Plan for restful and uninterrupted sleep. Most adults need 7-9 hours each night.
- If you regularly moisturize, use non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores.
- Stay hydrated to keep your skin balanced.
- Reduce the spread of acne-causing bacteria by keeping your hands away from your face.
- Eat more anti-inflammatory foods, such as fish containing lots of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Be mindful of 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 go away with a routine skin care regimen or 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, you can contact us for guidance on better cleansing practices or learn about our Circadia Skincare products. We also offer cutting-edge medical spa treatments, such as laser rejuvenation, microneedling, chemical peels, and relaxing facials to get to the root of your acne problem.
We recommend scheduling an initial appointment for a thorough exam and conversation about your skincare goals. Contact us today at 513.837.4569 or complete our online contact form.