Top 10 Tips for Acne Free Skin In Singapore

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Some people are blessed with fuss-free skin however the vast majority need to follow certain routines to maintain the well-being of the skin. In the past, the best acne treatment in Singapore was limited with advice being limited to washing the face regularly! However we now know that acne is a complicated issue with no one direct cause. Here’s a list of the top 10 things you can do to prevent or manage your breakouts.

1). Be well rested and reduce your stress levels

When you are stressed, your brain stimulates the production of cortisol which is responsible for making skin oily. And when oil clogs the skin on the pores along with dirt and dead skin, acne is caused. While there are many more reasons for acne, stress can trigger and exacerbate skin problems.

2). Minimize consumption of foods, vitamin supplements and sports drinks/bars that contain iodides.

While there is no direct link between iodine and acne, many studies have concluded that abnormally high intake can trigger acne breakouts in some individuals. An abnormal intake happens when you eat a lot of iodine-rich foods (such as kelp or iodized salt), take large dosage of iodine supplements or are under some medications. Eating a healthy balanced diet with minimal salt can prevent this problem and also minimize bloating.

3). Stay away from “high androgen” foods.

The male hormone, androgens play a role in priming or initiating acne. A high amount of androgens can increase the growth of sebaceous glands causing oily skin.

Typically, animal meat and saturated fats are high-androgen foods. They are also found in peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter, corn oil, wheat germ and shellfish.

4). Some swimming pool disinfectants contain Iodides and Chlorine, which can remain in the water, causing skin problems for frequent swimmers.

Many of us enjoy lazing around in the pool or even swimming for exercise, however spending a lot of time in water can take a toll on your skin health. Exposure to chlorinated water can strip the skin on natural oils which will lead to your glands overproducing oil. This can lead of acne breakouts, rashes and trigger eczema.

5). Don’t pick.

We know that it’s a satisfying habit but picking on acne can leave lasting scars. So instead of picking, rub ice on pustules and pimples for about five minutes, twice a day to minimize the swelling. Also, treat the first appearance of acne before they get too red and inflamed. The typical treatment for acne is Benzoyl Peroxide creams.

6). Use fragrance-free detergents

Who knew your favourite sweater could be causing your acne! Most detergents contain fragrances and ingredients that can clog your pores. Choose natural and chemical free products such as Cheer Free, All Free & Clear, Tide Free or Arm & Hammer Free to keep your skin clearer for longer.

7). Do not use fabric softeners and/or fabric softener sheets in the dryer

Most fabric softeners, dryer sheets, dryer bars and liquid softeners leave a waxy residue on your clothes to keeps them smelling fresh and clean. However this is not so great for your skin as this residue can clog and cause body acne. Thus choose organic or chemical free alternatives as this is good for your skin and the environment.

8). Avoid low-oestrogen birth control pills, Norplant, Provera, and Depo-Provera.

Under normal condition, birth control pills can combat acne but those ones that contain progestin can promote acne and worsen breakouts, especially if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome.

9). Do not use cosmetics OR hair products that contain pore-clogging ingredients. 

We know now that clogged pores can directly cause acne but most of us ignore labels when we buy cosmetic products. There are many ingredients that are amazing for the skin, but some can be the worst offenders For example, coconut oil can be bad for people with oily skin while algae extracts, Lanolin alcohol and isopropyl myristate present in Retin A creams can majorly clog the skin.

10). Don’t lay out in the sun to help get rid of your acne.

The sun’s rays are pretty harmful in terms of causing a bad tan, sunburn and even cancer sometimes. If you are acne-prone, try to avoid direct sunlight as much as you can.

Note that these tips aren’t a treatment or cure for acne and only an acne specialist can suggest the right measures to rid of your acne for good. Do follow these tips for preventing and managing acne issues.