4 Things You Should Stop Doing If You Have Acne

Acne can take a really big toll on your confidence and sense of self, leaving you searching for answers.

Perhaps you’ve noticed that the severity of your acne flares up at different times? But maybe you’re struggling to make sense of what’s worsening your breakouts and what you should be looking out for?

It’s definitely true that certain foods in your diet and your lifestyle habits can worsen your acne.

So, let’s dive into the the top 5 things you should stop doing if you’re struggling with stubborn acne:

 

1. Eating dairy

Consuming dairy products has been linked to acne flare-ups. Studies suggest that milk, in particular, can increase your levels of insulin and growth hormones, both of which can promote oil production and inflammation in the skin, leading to breakouts.

Cutting back on dairy or choosing dairy alternatives may help to reduce your acne, but it may take a few weeks to see results after you make this change.

 

2. Getting too much omega-6

While omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for health, an excessive intake, especially in relation to omega-3, can exacerbate inflammation in the body, which is known to worsen acne.

Foods high in omega-6 include processed oils like soybean, sunflower, and corn oils. Balancing your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio by eating more omega-3-rich foods, such as fatty fish or chia seeds, can help reduce inflammation and support clearer skin!

 

3. Not prioritising your sleep

Your skin goes into repair mode while you sleep, so not getting enough rest can disrupt this natural healing process.

Chronic sleep deprivation can also lead to increased stress levels, which triggers inflammation and excess oil production - a recipe for acne!

Try to prioritise getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to give your skin the time it needs to repair and recover. 

 

4. Touching your face

Touching your face throughout the day is a habit that’s hard to break, but it’s one that can significantly contribute to acne.

Your hands carry bacteria, dirt, and oils, all of which can transfer to your skin and clog pores. Even if your hands look clean, they can still carry microorganisms, so it’s best to avoid touching your face unnecessarily.

Try to keep your hands away from your face and be mindful of this habit to reduce the likelihood of breakouts.

 

5. Eating refined carbs regularly

Refined carbs, such as white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks, can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels. This increase in blood sugar triggers the release of insulin, which may lead to a higher production of sebum (oil) and inflammation in your skin. Both of these factors can contribute to acne. 

By limiting your intake of refined carbs and choosing whole grains and fiber-rich foods instead, while also including an abundance of protein, you can help keep your blood sugar stable and reduce the risk of breakouts. 

 

Final Thoughts

While everyone’s skin is different, making these small changes to your lifestyle and habits can have a significant impact on your acne.

By avoiding these five common triggers such as dairy, excessive omega-6, poor sleep, face-touching, and refined carbs, you may notice clearer, healthier skin over time.