Don’t pick at your skin
It’s really, really hard not to pick at a zit. But, for the health of your skin, it’s important to resist.
Picking or popping a zit exposes the pore to even more bacteria, including those from your hands. It also increases the risk of infection or scarring.
If you have a pimple that really hurts, see a dermatologist. They can perform specialized treatments to safely get rid of the pimple while also minimizing the risk of infection.
Relax
Several studies, including one from, have shown a connection between stress and acne. If you’re dealing with a stressful event or situation, look for healthy ways to de-stress. Some options include:
exercising at a high to moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes
doing breathing exercises
doing yoga
meditating for a few minutes
writing it out
practicing sound therapy, like playing a musical instrument or listening to your favorite music
Go easy on the sugar
Although there’s limited research on the connection between your diet and your skin, several studies have shown that foods with a high glycemic index may be linked with acne.
In a large study from 2009, more than 2,000 participants were placed on a low-glycemic diet. Not only did they lose weight, but 87 percent of the study’s participants also found they had less acne. Additionally, 91 percent said they needed less acne medication.
To cut back on foods with a high glycemic index try to:
Limit processed carbs, like white bread and baked goods.
Cut back on sugary sodas and sweets.
Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy sources of protein.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Don’t smoke
There’s a good deal of scientific evidence that links smoking with a higher risk of acne.
One study included women from 25 to 50 years of age who had acne. The authors of this study found that almost 73 percent of the participants who smoked had acne, while only 29.4 percent of the women who didn’t smoke had pimples or some other form of acne.
If you need help with quitting tobacco, talk to your doctor about quit aids that may help.
