7 Ways to Keep Acne at Bay

Breakouts can be stubborn and finding out exactly what’s causing them can take time. This tends to lead to more stress, and we all know what happens when we’re stressed out. More breakouts! From healthy lifestyle changes to using the right skincare products, here are seven ways to keep acne at bay that you can start doing now…

1. Get a good night’s sleep.

There are about a million distractions keeping us from going to sleep when we should. Whether it’s bad distractions (like work or cleaning up the house) or the “good” ones (like your favorite TV show or social media), you have to find a way to stop and unplug when it’s time to go to bed.

Aim for 8 hours a night to let your body recharge and relax. To prepare for sleep, put your phone down, shut off the TV and eliminate all distractions. Turn the thermostat down to 70 degrees or lower (cooler temperatures make it easier to fall asleep) and tuck yourself in.

2. Cut down your sugar intake.

I’m not the first one to tell you sugar is not good for you, and I won’t be the last. But really, it’s not good for you!

Especially if you’re breaking out because anything you eat that spikes insulin (like sweets, bread or pasta) is going to make you more prone to breakouts. When you have too much insulin in your bloodstream, your skin will pump out more oil and the result is usually clogged pores and breakouts.

When you’re craving something sweet, grab a piece of fruit. To cut down on simple carbohydrates, try swapping riced cauliflower for rice and using a spiralizer to make veggie noodles instead of eating pasta.

3. Sweat it out!

Exercising regularly not only reduces stress but it can also improve skin by increasing blood circulation. This brings oxygen to skin cells and eliminates waste. If going to the gym isn’t your thing, find a fun activity that gets your heart pumping. Maybe a dance class or long walks outdoors. Whatever you’re able to make a part of your weekly routine.

4. Keep skin clean (after working out and always!)

While exercising is great, it’s also important to make sure you are washing your face right after. Leaving sweat and dirt on your skin can lead to breakouts just the same. If you go to a gym, pack your products with you. Make it a habit to jump in the shower as soon as you finish a workout.

Your skincare lineup should include a gentle but clarifying cleanser to remove makeup, oil and grime; toner to purify and prep skin for products, and a calming treatment like Crème 15.

Crème 15 can be applied under moisturizer to any areas of the skin where you experience breakouts. The cream soothes irritation while also eliminating acne-causing bacteria with burdock root and sage extracts. Oil production and breakouts are reduced and skin is left purified, softened and balanced.

5. Indulge in a weekly mask or acne treatment

Doing a bi-weekly mask or acne treatment is a great way to keep skin balanced and oil under control. Masque 103 is a good mask for oily skin, and you can also use Crème 15 dually as an intensive acne treatment.

To use Crème 15 as an acne treatment, apply a thick layer of the product to clean skin and let it sit for 20 minutes. After the time has passed, simply massage any remaining product into the skin. You can do this treatment up to two times per week for an added purifying and soothing effect.

6. Drink more water!

There was never an easier way to keep acne at bay than by drinking more water. Not only does drinking water hydrate you from the inside out, it helps flush out toxins that could be leading to breakouts. To make it easier, squeeze in some lemon for added flavor or infuse your water overnight with sliced fruit.

7. Wear sunscreen every day.

Breakouts shouldn’t be an excuse to skip sunscreen. In fact, it should be more of a reason to wear it every day!

Sun exposure can dry out skin leading to more oil production, and the inflammation from a sunburn can actually make acne worse. Not to mention that scars and hyperpigmentation become darker when exposed to sunlight. Don’t make your acne worse. Make sunscreen a staple in your daytime skincare routine.