The Dos of monthly breakouts

Is it is that time of the month where you find your self stressed, cramped, bloated, moody and the breakouts are surfacing? Last week we talked about the Don'ts for Monthly breakouts, now here are some things to do to help you reduce breakouts.

 

Exfoliate Daily

Dead skin cells can clog pores, causing oil and bacteria to become trapped, which leads to acne breakouts. The key is to slough off dead layers of skin to keep pores clear. Stay away from harsh exfoliation formulas as they can dry your skin and increase inflammation. Opt for a gentle product that will hydrate and soothe as it exfoliates.

Be Aware of What Touches Your Face

Cell phones, pillowcases, makeup brushes and especially  your own hands can spread oil and bacteria to your face, which can lead to breakouts. Try to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible and clean anything that touches your skin on a regular basis. And avoid mindlessly touching or picking at your acne!

Remove Your Makeup Before Bed

Makeup can clog your pores, trapping oil and bacteria inside, so cleansing away makeup before you go to sleep is very important. Also be sure to throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it. It might be contaminated with bacteria that contribute to skin irritation and acne.

Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA can help prevent excess oil on skin’s surface. Most grocery and drug stores sell Omega-3 supplements. Eating 1 to 2 servings per week of fish such as salmon is another great way to increase your intake of these essential fatty acids. If you are allergic or don’t like fish, flax seed oil is also a good choice.