Around 85% of teens and young adults suffer from acne, but this skin condition includes more than your average pimple or two. (1) Acne encompasses blackheads, whiteheads, zits, cysts, and more. As teens, most of us think that when we grow up, our acne will magically go away. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily the case.
There are various reasons why pesky pimples bother us throughout all stages of life. In this article we are going to provide our favorite tips and tricks for fighting pimples and zits. Let’s dive in!
What Causes Pimples?
There are various reasons you may be getting zits. (2) Pay attention to when and where these spots occur, and look for common patterns.
Do you get reoccurring clusters of zits in the same spot?
- Look into Chinese Face Mapping. This ancient technique goes off the principle that everything on the outside is a direct reflection of what is going on inside. Certain areas of the face correlate with specific organs. By “mapping” your face, you can see which organs are linked to the areas where you’re getting breakouts. There may be a root issue at a deeper level that needs to be addressed.
- This could also be something simple, like needing to change your pillowcase more frequently. If you get breakouts under your chin or along the jawline, take a look at how you sit. Do you absentmindedly rest your head on your hand? The transfer of dirt from your hand to your face is a sure way to clog your pores!
- Zits on your back and shoulders could be caused by the friction, or a buildup of dirt and grime, on your purse or backpack straps.
- If you suffer from rosacea, you can check out our article for more information on the topic.
Do you get breakouts around the same time each month? (or consistently have a lot of zits?)
- This oftentimes is hormonal. An increase in androgen hormones raises oil production, which is where we start to see a lot of teens and young adults with acne.
- A woman with acne due to hormonal issues will often notice something is off with her cycle, whether it be PMS or something more serious like polycystic ovarian syndrome.
- Stress, depression, and anxiety can all affect hormones and your skin. Many people notice a pattern of breakouts around stressful times, like midterms and finals week.
Touching your face throughout the day, a bad diet, and certain medications can also lead to zits and breakouts.
Quick Tips & Tricks for Getting Rid of Zits
Prevention
Dairy is notorious for causing pimples and skin problems, with milk being a top-offender. (3) The importance of diet can’t be overstated. Avoiding inflammatory foods is key. As much as possible, eliminate sugar, dairy, alcohol, gluten, processed and greasy foods from your diet.
After your face has built up a layer of bacteria and dirt, it’s important to wash your face at the end of each day. Especially for those who wear makeup! A common mistake is going for a face wash that is too harsh. Treat your skin to a gentle cleansing that removes build up, but keeps your skin’s natural oils in tact. The Pearl Cleanser is the perfect combination of clean + moisturizing.
It’s understandable to be worried about adding more oil to acne-prone skin, but you do still need to moisturize. If your skin dries out, it’s just going to produce more oil. Look for a moisturizer that uses high-quality ingredients to hydrate your skin.
Spot Treatment
- The Alitura Clay Mask: A power-packed combination of 9 pure ingredients, designed for optimal results. It contains ingredients such as bentonite clay, which is astringent, shrinks and tightens inflamed pores, and extracts acne-producing toxins and metals. (4, 5)
- Tea Tree Oil: Also known as melaleuca, tea tree oil is one of the most common at-home zit treatments. It fights off bacteria and fungi, which are common causes of acne. (6) We suggest mixing a few drops on tea tree oil into your clay mask.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV is antimicrobial, making it powerful in the fight against acne. (7) Use some apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball after washing your face to tone your skin and balance the pH. As a spot treatment, mix up a paste of even parts apple cider vinegar and the Alitura Clay Mask. Apply to your zit(s) and let dry completely before washing off.
Takeaway
Listen to your body. If you’re going through a stressful time or can admit to yourself that your diet hasn’t been great lately, you probably know what’s causing your breakout. But if you suffer from chronic or cyclical bouts of severe or even painful acne, seek the assistance of a professional dermatologist or functional medicine doctor who can help you determine the root cause.
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