I, along with nearly every teenager out there, have dealt with my fair share of struggles when it comes to keeping my skin amazingly soft and clear. Fortunately for me, my acne never came to the point where I had to take medication, but there still have been many times when I have wanted to cry because of how bad my skin was getting.
We've all been there. However, as I've grown up, and after having tried many different techniques, I have finally found answers on how to keep my skin consistently clear and healthier than ever. Everyone's skin is different, but these tips are sure to help your acne-prone skin become a little brighter.
1. Sweating is key
This is one tip that has taken me a while to learn, but it has, without a doubt, been the most helpful. Working out several times a week can be a challenge for some people, as it used to be for me, but seeing the results it had on my skin alone was enough motivation to get me in the gym. Sweating out all the dirt and rinsing your face with cold water once you're done is admittedly so refreshing, and it will keep your face looking very healthy.
2. Wash your sheets
You're probably wondering how washing your sheets affects your skin, but it does have a major impact. All of the oils from your face rub onto your pillow while you sleep, which means, over time, those oils can transfer back onto your face, causing you to break out. Throwing your sheets in the wash every weekend, or even every two weeks, will give you a nice, clean surface for your skin while you sleep.
3. Exfoliate two to three times a week
Coming from a girl that once thought it was smart to exfoliate her skin everyday, take this one from me. I used to wash my face way too much, which oddly enough caused me to break out even more. Your skin really needs to keep its natural oils, but it also needs to stay fresh and exfoliated. That's why exfoliating two to three times a week is a great balance because it keeps your skin soft and smooth without over-doing it.
4. Water is your best friend
As crazy as this may sound, my skin looked like perfection when I came back from Lollapalooza, because I was drinking nearly four liters of water each day. Now, that doesn't mean you need to go and drink water every second, but staying hydrated and drinking a little more than you usually would will help your acne tremendously, especially if you follow my first tip.
5. Clean your hands
Once I started washing my hands before washing my face, I wondered why I hadn't been doing that all my life. If you are like me and use your hands to clean your face, then it makes complete sense why you'd want to wash them beforehand. All the dirt on your hands can transfer to your face, so you technically aren't even cleaning your skin if you do this backward. No matter what you use to wash your face, make sure it's clean before you use it!
6. Don't stress
Believe it or not, your mental health actually plays a huge part in how clear your skin really is. It's normal for your face to have a few more blemishes on it when finals come around, but there are ways you can keep the number of pimples to a minimum. Checking in with yourself during stressful times is crucial, along with allowing yourself times to relax. Managing your stress will not only save your mind, but it'll help your skin out, as well.
All of us deserve to have smooth and beautiful skin, and, trust me, your skin will be thanking you after you follow these healthy tips!
