Skin Problems? Ask Yourself These 6 Questions
When we were teenagers, we pretty much expected to grow out of spots and acne as we got into adulthood. Little did we know that there are so many more causes of bad skin than just puberty. If you’ve been suffering from spotty or blotchy skin and you can’t see any reason why then try troubleshooting by asking yourself these six questions.
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How is my diet?
A bad diet can play havoc with your skin. Lots of fatty and greasy foods can cause your skin to get greasy, so your pores are more likely to block and give you spots. Some foods also change the pH balance of your skin, causing irritation. Try keeping food fresh and veggie, while also cutting out peppers and tomatoes for a little while and see if there’s any improvement.
[Photo courtesy of mahmoud99725/flickr.com]
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Do I get enough exercise?
Working out is a great way to clear your skin up. The improved blood circulation means that your skin will heal quicker and sweating a lot also helps to clean out your pores, so your skin will look clearer. In addition, exercise releases endorphins, which counteracts stress which is a major trigger for acne.
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Does it follow a cycle?
During our monthly cycle, we expect to see fluctuations in our skin due to the changes in hormone level. For some women, this is more of a problem than others, but can be balanced out by the use of hormonal birth control. Ask your doctor if the Microgynon contraceptive pill, or something similar, could help with your skin problems.
[Photo courtesy of Aqua Mechanical/flickr.com]
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Do I drink enough water?
We need around eight cups of water a day to be healthy and happy. If you’re dehydrated, you can find your skin gets dull and blotchy. As soon as you start drinking enough water, you will start to see a big difference. It plumps up your skin, increases the circulation, and decreases any signs of wrinkles, as well as flushing out toxins that build up and cause acne.
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Could it be my routine?
Sometimes we get stuck in a rut, and our skin cleansing routine can actually be the cause of the problem. Some products will irritate our skin and make any complaints worse, or we may be using them incorrectly. Other products such as hairspray or perfume could also be irritating your skin. Read the labels to ensure you’re using the right products for your skin type. Otherwise, try to change your routine a little bit, and substitute products for new products or nothing at all to see what could be its cause.
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Do I touch my face too much?
Touching your face with your hands transfers bacteria onto your skin, which can cause breakouts. Avoid touching your face as much as possible, and if you have to, make sure you wash your hands before.
If none of these causes seem relevant to your lifestyle and skin-care routine, it could be worth speaking to your doctor about other possible causes. They will be able to advise on the next course of action for you.
