Acne is a problem that many teenagers and younger people deal with on a regular basis. Even adults sometimes find that Acne has followed them well into maturity and adulthood. Despite various medications, acne can still persist as a chronic problem in many individuals. Although some medication exists that can treat acne and help improve it, there are other ways, such as lifestyle and diet changes, that can drastically help improve skin, acne, and blemish problems. Some of these involve avoiding certain foods, while others actually involve the types of habits you have from a day to day basis. Taking a few steps to help prevent and control acne and blemishing can often significantly improve symptoms you experience.
Diet continues to be a leading problem involved in acne and its treatment. Some foods give off substances that reciprocate to the skin, causing further problems or preventing current problems from getting better and healing. Contrary to popular beliefs, however, these foods do not involve chocolate and oily foods. Rather food allergies are much more likely to cause acne. This works a similar way to milk products and allergies. Allergies, although not always confirmed by study, can be influenced by milk products. Food allergies, in the same manner, can also affect acne flare-ups and treatment. If you have severe acne, it may be beneficial to see an allergist to determine if you have an allergy that needs to be treated. By doing so you can have better looking skin by simply avoiding certain foods.
Another way to control acne, as previously discussed, involves the use of drugs. Certain products, both prescription and over-the-counter, can often help with mild to moderate acne. Severe acne can be treated with special prescriptions from your physician. If you are just starting an acne medication that is over-the-counter, it is a good idea to check with your doctor to ensure that you should start the medication. It is also a good idea to start with an over-the-counter medication first after talking to a physician if you have only mild acne to help save money.
Lifestyle habits can also affect acne flare-ups and how they behave. Certain make-up and other cosmetic products can severely affect acne due to the nature of the substance. Hairsprays, for instance, can clog pores, causing acne outbreaks. Oil-based make-up can do the same thing. For this reason, it is best to avoid these kinds of substances. It is also a good idea to try to keep from getting too much sun, and avoid picking at pimples that do form. Finally, reduce stress in your life to combat acne and keep outbreaks from happening

Dr. Dawn Hunter
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Dr. Dawn Hunter is a licensed medical aesthetician and chiropractor with years of experience in Seattle's medspa industry. She has successfully founded three local practices in her career, helping clients look and feel their absolute best. Dr. Hunter is currently the director of aesthetics at Radiant Med Spa and Weight Loss