Acne is something we are all familiar with. Regardless of the reason behind it, or its cause, its safe to say that we have all experienced it at least once in our lifetime. From whiteheads, blackheads, blemishes, to even full-blown pimples, we’ve gone through it all. For some, it may last a few days and disappear soon after. But for others, it may become a recurring part of their lives. Although, most of it can be attributed to uncontrollable reasons, recurring or unhinged acne could also be due to external factors that you can alter. In this article, we explore some common reasons as to why your acne situation is not improving.

Acne can be caused by a variety of reasons, including:

Usage of wrong products or following wrong skin routines

Using over-the-counter medications/creams, or the ones recommended by friends and family, can cause your acne to worsen. Since acne has various causes, it would be silly to use your friends’ or family’s products as your skin needs would be different from theirs. Unless your products have been prescribed by a doctor, it is advisable to refrain from using recommended products as they may hinder your skin’s healing capabilities while also worsening your acne situation.

Following a proper skin routine is also a vital step in helping your acne. While some may benefit from a simple face wash, you may need more extensive skin care depending on your acne needs. It is often advisable to refrain from blindly following others’ routines as they may prove useless to your skin and could also end up making your acne harsher down the line. Always make it a point to consult a doctor to understand the root cause of your acne, so that respective products and routines can be followed to ensure maximum results.

Improper or lack of good hygiene

Apart from take care of your skin through the right products and routines, you should also make it a point to maintain cleanliness in your surroundings. Some steps you could follow would include frequently washing your pillowcases, keeping your makeup brushes clean and dry, avoiding mixing of makeup products and brushes amongst friends and family, etc. By inculcating such steps into your lifestyle, you can tackle those external factors that could affect your skin’s condition and help your acne positively.

Unbalanced and unhealthy diets

Having the right products and following the right skincare regiment may not always yield desired results. In such a case, it would be advisable to take a look at your dietary habits, as the wrong move could affect your skin’s health. For instance, having too much sugary foods can affect your insulin levels, which can in turn cause hormonal imbalance that leads to acne formation. Dairy products, as well as oily foods, are also known to aggravate acne in many. Hence it is always recommended to follow a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight and a balanced diet.

Underlying health conditions or hormonal acne

In many cases, your acne might be the cause of underlying health conditions that can affect your skin’s health, making it prone to acne. For instance, endocrine related conditions and disorders could drastically affect your acne as it directly tampers with your hormone levels. A common endocrine disorder, often observed in women, is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which has been noticed to worsen the skin’s acne situation. In order to identify and treat your conditions, it is advisable to consult a doctor, who can give you an accurate rundown of your acne’s root cause and the appropriate treatments/remedies to tackle it.

Getting a proper skin diagnosis, as well as a prescribed skincare regiment, can definitely help you tackle your skin troubles and acne situation. Apart from that, here are a few preventive measures you can inculcate into your lifestyle to aid your acne recovery journey:

• Limit sun exposure
• Wash your face with mild cleansers, but don’t over wash
• Reduce stress levels
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise
• Stay hydrated
• Limit the use of cosmetics
• Do not pop any pimples
• Consider acne treatments including facials, laser therapies etc.

At Joyce Lim Skin and Laser Clinic, we offer a variety of acne treatments that you can opt for, in addition to your existing skincare, to further aid your acne recovery journey. From prescription creams, chemical peels, laser treatments, gold photothermal therapy, etc., we have the all the right treatments to help you with your acne situation. Acne can surely be daunting to experience but, with the right care and precautions, can be tackled easily. So, start your journey towards a more rejuvenated and healthier skin today, and let us be your guide on this cleansing journey!