I started getting acne when I turned 20. I thought to myself, What is wrong? Growing up, I always believed acne was just something teenagers went through—and my skin had been flawless as a teen. Suddenly, I had cystic acne, with painful, deep pimples, plus smaller ones popping up across my forehead. It was incredibly frustrating, especially as I was starting university, where I wanted to meet people, feel confident, and maybe even get a boyfriend.
So I did the first reasonable thing: I bought some over-the-counter products from typical drugstore brands, with no real clue what I was doing. As soon as I saw the words acne product on the label, I’d grab it without a second thought.
Of course, it didn’t help. I started feeling ashamed of my face. The acne was mostly on my cheeks, and I remember catching my reflection in the mirror — when the light hit just right, all those “ugly” bumps stood out even more. Horrible, I thought. I dreamed of a day when I wouldn’t have to hide behind full-coverage makeup.
The next logical step, of course, was to see a dermatologist. She prescribed a drying treatment, which only ended up making my skin feel tight and uncomfortable — and didn’t help with the acne either.
At this point, I learned a valuable life lesson: if you want to achieve success in something, you need to take responsibility and take action yourself.
So that’s exactly what I did. I began researching and learning everything I could about skincare and acne. I read articles, studied ingredients, and explored lifestyle changes that could improve my skin. What started as a necessity grew into a passion, and over time, I saw real progress. Through trial, error, and making lifestyle adjustments, I transformed my skin.
I went from this (sadly, I don’t have many pictures from when my skin was at its worst because I avoided the camera back then!)…
To this:
Unfortunately, I don’t have higher quality “before” pictures, partly because my camera back then wasn’t as good and partly because I avoided taking photos when my skin was at its worst. But I think you can get the idea.
Now, my skin is mostly acne-free, and I feel genuinely confident about it. Just to share an authentic glimpse, I took a quick selfie while writing this post. I’m not wearing any makeup, and I didn’t prep my skin at all. Plus, there’s no filter here—I believe we already have enough filtered images on the internet, and I want to share a real, unedited version of my skin journey with you.
After I managed to heal my skin, I felt empowered and deeply grateful—to my body, to myself for not giving up, and to the many people who generously shared their knowledge online. This journey inspired me to share what I’ve learned here, with the hope that maybe, just maybe, it might reach and help even one person. And for that opportunity, I am truly grateful.
Here’s my step-by-step guide, carefully laid out in order of execution, just for you:
1. Stop Touching Yourself
Okay, it may sound a little weird, so let me rephrase that: Keep your hands off your face, period! How many times have I caught myself freely touching my skin with my unwashed hands after a long day of studying for an exam? Or maybe I was absent-mindedly picking at my skin while working on the computer.
Here’s a revised version of your text that maintains your original style while improving clarity and flow:
This makes your acne worse because you are:
- Introducing bacteria to the surface of your skin.
- Accidentally popping a small pimple, which spreads bacteria from the inside, creating more breakouts.
- Squeezing a pimple that’s not yet ready, pushing liquid deeper into your skin and inviting new neighbors to join the party.
- Picking at or scratching your pimples, leaving behind those beautiful scars we all love!
It’s incredibly challenging to become aware of this habit and to stop it. But oh my gosh, my skin calmed down so much once I finally stopped bothering it and left it in peace!
But is it just my hands that I should keep away from my face?
Nope! It’s not just about your hands. You should keep all kinds of objects away from your face, especially:
- Your Hair: Try to keep your hair out and away from your face. If you want to wear it down—like I love to do—just make sure it doesn’t touch your skin. A ponytail or bun can be a great option!
- Your Phone: When you’re talking on the phone, avoid putting it against your cheek. Try to keep it from touching your skin to minimize bacteria transfer.
- Your Clothes: If you’re wearing a hoodie, keep it away from your face. And if you’re wearing a beanie, place it on top of your hair instead of letting it rest on your forehead.
So does this mean I can never touch my face again?
Of course you can! 🙂 But there are rules! I try to only touch my face after I’ve just washed my hands. For example, if I need to reapply foundation or sunscreen, I make it a point to go to the bathroom, wash my hands, and only then reapply my sunscreen.
Can I even pop my pimple at all, then?
Yes, you can! But there are rules. You need to wait until the pimple is more mature. You know it’s ready when it doesn’t hurt much, if at all, and there’s a lot of liquid inside. It also won’t be too aggravated or red. I’m not a dermatologist, but this is what works for me:
- Wash Your Face: Remove any makeup or dirt from your face.
- Wash Your Hands: Always start with clean hands.
- Use a Sterile Needle: You can use a special medical needle to gently puncture the very small surface of the pimple to let the liquid out.
- Avoid Squeezing: Do not squeeze the pimple itself; instead, gently press next to the aggravated area to coax the liquid out.
- Clean Up: Use a clean tissue or paper towel to wipe away the liquid and any blood, then wash the area with your regular skin cleanser.
- Moisturize: After waiting for the area to close up a bit, apply your regular moisturizing products.
For point 4: Hopefully, you see what I mean—you should not squeeze your pimple (red arrows), as this will push the liquid deeper inside and potentially create new pimples (red arrow down). Instead, press next to the pimple straight down (green arrows), which will gently and naturally push the liquid out (green arrow up).
This method works for me. It’s gentle and doesn’t cause more pimples. The key things here are waiting for the pimple to mature—I know it’s sometimes hard!—practicing good hygiene, and being gentle.
2. Stop Drinking Milk
Actually, there is research that suggests the hormones found in cow’s milk are linked to inflammation in the skin and can contribute to acne.
Here is one study, that found that people who consume milk are more likely to have acne compared to non-milk consumers. Specifically, milk drinkers had a 16% higher chance of developing acne. The risk was slightly stronger for those who drank skim milk, showing a 24% increase in acne risk, compared to low-fat and full-fat milk consumers, who had a 14% and 13% higher risk, respectively.
The study also found that drinking more milk led to a higher likelihood of acne, with a greater risk for high milk intake compared to moderate amounts. In cases of moderate-to-severe acne, the link to milk consumption was even stronger, but there was no significant connection between milk intake and mild acne.
Another study on teenage boys, found a positive association between drinking skim milk and acne. After adjusting for factors like age, height, and energy intake, people who consumed more than two servings of skim milk per day had a 19% higher risk of developing acne compared to those who drank less than one serving per week. The study suggests that skim milk may contain hormones or factors that affect the body’s hormones, contributing to acne. Interestingly, the link between acne and whole or 2% milk, as well as low-fat milk, was not as strong or consistent.
And another study on teenage girls, conducted on U.S. girls aged 9 to 15, found a strong association between milk consumption, particularly skim milk, and a higher prevalence of acne. Interestingly, the fat content of the milk did not seem to play a significant role in acne development, suggesting that other factors, like hormones in the milk, could be influencing acne severity. Specifically, milk may raise levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone linked to acne, particularly in skim and low-fat milk. Some bioactive molecules in milk, such as androgens, could also contribute to acne by affecting the skin’s oil glands. The study concluded that milk’s hormonal effects might influence not only acne but other hormone-sensitive conditions, suggesting moderation in milk consumption could help in managing teenage acne. The researchers also noted the potential link between milk products and certain cancers, like breast and prostate cancer, which warrants further investigation.
What is my experience? Did milk and dairy products also worsen my acne?
Definitely yes! Ladies, I read this article and decided, at that moment, to exclude dairy from my diet. After just a few days, the deep cysts that hurt like hell and created huge bumps—visible even under strong light—literally disappeared. I mean, they completely vanished! I had been struggling with them for so long.
They were also so painful; whenever I tried to get rid of them, it was really difficult because I had to wait until they matured (like two weeks, perhaps?!) and then hope I could remove them without spreading the issue just a centimeter away to another part of my cheek. It was so painful that sometimes I couldn’t even lie on that side of my face on my pillow.
And so, when I removed dairy from my diet, this huge problem disappeared. And I haven’t had those cysts return for 12 years!
So does that mean milk or dairy is bad?
No, I believe there is no food that is inherently bad. All products have their merits, and I don’t believe in shaming any specific group of foods or products. However, it might be worth trying an experiment by removing dairy from your diet to see how your skin reacts.
How should I do that safely? What about calcium?
Here’s my advice for how to do this safely. I’ll provide a quick step-by-step guide below, but first:
! Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a nutritionist. You should not rely on my advice as a medical recommendation. Please consult a professional if you have any health issues. I’m just sharing my experience and what worked for me.
! Eat a Variety of Other Foods: Make sure to include a variety of alternatives so that your calcium and protein intake, as well as any probiotics found in yogurt, remain adequate.
Here is my guide:
1. Remove Any Kind of Dairy: Eliminate all dairy from your diet—milk, yogurts, and cheese—and replace it with other products to ensure your precious body gets enough vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to remain healthy. I personally enjoy drinking plant-based milk (soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, etc.), consuming probiotics from kimchi or other fermented foods, and eating other products rich in calcium (plant-based yogurts, tofu, leafy veggies like kale, almonds, and chia seeds).
2. Wait About 2 Weeks to 2 Months: This is enough time for your body to get rid of any influence from dairy, which will reflect on your skin. So, the pimples or cysts you have on the day you decide to stop consuming milk can still develop; this doesn’t mean your little test failed. What you should look for is whether any new pimples are appearing and if this rate is similar to what you experienced before. For me, the moment I stopped drinking milk, no new cysts or deeper pimples formed, and my skin cleared completely from those deep blemishes! Please also make sure to follow the other steps from this article that I mentioned earlier, especially the one about not touching your skin with your hands absent-mindedly.
3. If Your Results Show That Removing Dairy Made No Difference: Just reintroduce the dairy products.
4. If the Results Showed That Your Skin Improved: Keep doing what you’re doing—no dairy! Continue without dairy for about 6 months to a year, if you can. Don’t be too strict with yourself; if one day you have pizza with cheese, your skin won’t notice. 😉
5. After a Year or So Without Dairy: You can try reintroducing some dairy products to see if they have any impact on your skin. I still mostly avoid dairy, but from time to time—maybe once every two months or so, which is quite rare—I’ll have a cup of coffee, a yogurt, or some cheese. The key is to continue following the other steps I mentioned in this article—like keeping your hands away from your face. It doesn’t matter if this little bit of dairy contributes to one pimple; just don’t start drinking milk daily! 🙂 Here’s my personal ranking of how different dairy products influence my skin, from the worst acne contributors to the least:
- Cow’s milk
- I haven’t tested other milks, like goat milk
- Yogurts
- Buttermilk or kefir
- Sour cream or crème fraîche
- Fresh cheese, like cottage cheese (love it!), mascarpone, and ricotta
- Other types of cheese, like camembert, brie, mozzarella, gruyère, and cheddar
- Butter and cream—I haven’t tested these, as I don’t consume too many of those products.
How to Reintroduce a Dairy Product: You need to make sure all other variables in your lifestyle remain relatively unchanged. For example, you shouldn’t test a new skincare product while reintroducing a dairy product because it might be the skincare product making your acne worse, leading you to think it was the dairy.
Start eating your dairy product at the regular intervals you previously used to and wait for a month or longer—again, your body needs enough time for that dairy product to kick in, and for you to see if your skin worsens. If it does, unfortunately, you’ll need to limit this product to occasional consumption for the rest of your life. Or perhaps once you’re older, it won’t influence you anymore—I can’t say for sure. However, if your skin remains unchanged, then you can reintroduce the dairy product. Congrats! 🙂
So, as you can see, cheese like cheddar doesn’t influence my skin that badly. I personally continue to avoid dairy, but I have a bit of cheese, cottage cheese, a soup with sour cream, or a tiramisu every now and then—about once every 2 to 3 months. Find what works for you! 🙂
3. Find Your Perfect Skincare Routine
Having an optimized skincare routine was key for me. It healed my skin. I used to think you needed acne products specifically for acne, but in my experience, my skin benefited immensely once I understood this and started using products that actually worked for me.
Start with the Basics: What Is Your Skin Type?
You need to know your skin type if you want to optimize your skincare routine. There are four main skin types: normal, oily, dry, and combination. I have a combination skin type, with oilier skin in the T-zone and drier or normal skin on my cheeks. I won’t go into too much detail on how to determine your skin type because that would be an idea for another post!
What is your skin condition?
Similar to skin types, there are several skin conditions to consider. This means that when buying your products, you’ll need to keep your current skin condition in mind. For example, you can have oily skin but also experience dryness or sensitivity.
Here are some common skin conditions to be aware of:
- Acne-Prone: Skin that is susceptible to breakouts, including whiteheads, blackheads, and cystic acne.
- Sensitive: Skin that reacts easily to products or environmental factors, often resulting in redness, irritation, or stinging.
- Dehydrated: Skin that lacks moisture, which can occur even in oily skin types. Dehydrated skin may appear dull or feel tight.
- Rosacea: A chronic condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps, typically on the cheeks and nose.
- Eczema: A condition characterized by inflamed, itchy patches of skin, often triggered by allergens or irritants.
- Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune condition that leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells, forming scales and red patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful.
In my case, my skin condition is acne-prone and sensitive. So, I know I have a combination skin type with acne-prone and sensitive skin conditions.
Let me tell you, when you figure out your skincare and lifestyle, your skin can return to a more normal state. But it will show signs of imbalance again once you stop following the rules! 🙂
What Are Comedogenic Ingredients?
If you have acne-prone skin, you should avoid comedogenic ingredients. These are substances that clog pores and can contribute to acne breakouts. I personally check each product before buying on the website CosDNA to ensure it doesn’t contain any problematic ingredients.
If you have acne-prone skin, here are some common comedogenic ingredients to avoid:
- If you have acne-prone skin, here are some common comedogenic ingredients to avoid:
- Coconut Oil: While it’s moisturizing, it can clog pores for many individuals, leading to breakouts.
- Lanolin: This waxy substance is derived from sheep’s wool and can trap bacteria, potentially causing acne.
- Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly): Forms a barrier that can trap oil and dirt, contributing to clogged pores.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A surfactant often used in cleansers that can irritate the skin and exacerbate acne.
- Isopropyl Myristate: Frequently used as a moisturizer and emulsifier, it has a tendency to clog pores.
- Silicones (e.g., Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane): While providing a smooth texture, these can create a barrier that traps oil and dirt in the pores.
- Algae Extract: Some formulations can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin, particularly if they contain certain types of algae.
- Boric Acid: Though it has antiseptic properties, it can lead to clogged pores in some formulations.
- Certain Waxes (e.g., Beeswax, Candelilla Wax): These can be too heavy for acne-prone skin, potentially leading to breakouts.
- Myristyl Myristate: This emollient can clog pores and is often found in creams and lotions.
- Sodium Chloride (Salt): In some concentrations, it can irritate the skin and contribute to acne.
- Benzyl Alcohol: While it has preservative properties, it can be irritating and comedogenic for some individuals.
- Octyl Stearate: Often found in lotions, it can clog pores due to its oily nature.
- Palmitic Acid: A fatty acid that can contribute to clogged pores, especially in high concentrations.
- Mink Oil: This heavy oil can trap debris and lead to breakouts.
- Certain Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances can irritate the skin and lead to acne flare-ups in sensitive individuals.
- Cocoa Butter: While nourishing, it can be comedogenic for some skin types, especially oily or acne-prone skin.
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter): Although it has moisturizing benefits, it may clog pores in some individuals.
- Isopropyl Palmitate: A thickening agent that can lead to breakouts by clogging pores.
- Dimethylimidazolidinone Rice Starch: This ingredient can be comedogenic and is sometimes used in cosmetics.
Which products to buy?
I personally use almost exclusively Asian skincare products, specifically from Korea and Japan. I believe they offer the best quality-to-price ratio, allowing you to buy excellent products for as little as $15, which are genuinely of decent quality!
For several years, I have been shopping on YesStyle. If you’re interested in shopping there, you can use my link to subscribe and receive 5% off your first purchase. Additionally, you can enter my code at checkout for an extra percentage off: 986BBM. If you have your own discount codes, feel free to leave them in the comments below—I’d love to use them on my next purchase!
How to construct your skincare routine?
I follow a simple skincare routine with a few key steps, and I find it to be incredibly effective. Layering the products helps with absorption and really calms my skin.
My Skincare Routine
- Oil-Based Cleanser: This is a fantastic step to dissolve those pesky bumps on the forehead! It really helps even out my skin. I’ve tried a few products, and my favorites are Beauty of Joseon – Radiance Cleansing Balm and Banila Co – Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Revitalizing. Neither has ever clogged my pores and both work wonderfully.
- Water-Based Cleanser: This step is essential for removing any remaining impurities. Cleansing should be a gentle process and shouldn’t leave your skin feeling overly dry. I’ve tried various cleansers, but my top picks come from Japan: SANA – Soy Milk Moisture Cleansing Face Wash and Shiseido – Senka Perfect Whip Beauty Face Foam
- Peeling (Optional): I like to do peeling a few times a week. As I’ve mentioned before, it should be gentle. I prefer chemical or enzyme peels because they’re less harsh on the skin compared to traditional physical exfoliants with gritty particles. My favorites include: Meishoku Brilliant Colors – Detclear Fruits Peeling Jelly, NEOGEN – Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon.
- Mask (Optional): Every now and then, treating your skin to a mask can be a lovely indulgence! I’ve tried many masks and it is difficult to recommend one specific brand – just try what suits you!
- Toner: This prepares your skin to receive additional nutrients. I would advise against using a water-based toner; instead, opt for something like aloe vera. I’ve tested tons of toners, and here are my favorites: Benton – Aloe BHA Skin Toner, COSRX – Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner, Dear, Klairs – Supple Preparation Facial Toner.
- Serums or Essence: You can use both, but be careful not to overwhelm your skin. Trust me, your skin is strong! If you choose to use both, start with the essence and follow up with the serum. This step is crucial for achieving your skincare goals, so select products that target your specific concerns.You should consider incorporating the following ingredients into your skincare routine:
- Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin, evens out skin tone, and helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots. It also boosts collagen production, promoting a firmer complexion. Look for serums that contain L-ascorbic acid for the best results.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, hyaluronic acid helps to keep your skin hydrated, plump, and youthful-looking. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for all skin types, especially dry or dehydrated skin. Look for serums or moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid to boost your skin’s hydration levels effectively.
- Niacinamide: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide helps to regulate oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve skin texture. It’s also effective in reducing redness and hyperpigmentation, making it a great choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Algae: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, algae extracts can help hydrate and nourish the skin. They also provide anti-aging benefits by improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Retinol: A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is renowned for its ability to promote cell turnover, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve skin texture. It can help clear up acne and prevent future breakouts. Start with a lower concentration to allow your skin to adjust, as it can cause irritation.
- Peptides: While I don’t have specific recommendations, peptides are amino acids that help to strengthen the skin barrier and promote collagen production. They can improve skin elasticity and firmness, making them a valuable addition to your routine.
- Eye Cream: The area around your eyes is incredibly delicate and requires special care. Honestly, I haven’t found one specific cream that works wonders for my under-eye area yet. Maybe it’s because I just turned 30 and haven’t noticed significant signs of aging. Still, I continue to use my eye cream regularly. I really liked Purito SEOUL – Wonder Releaf Centella Eye Cream.
- Moisturizer: Choose a moisturizer that matches your skin type. Personally, I don’t like heavy moisturizers for my combination skin. Do you prefer richer creams or lighter gels? I also switch my moisturizer depending on the season—opting for lighter, gel-like formulas in summer, for example. Some moisturizers I’ve really enjoyed include: Curél Intensive Moisture Care Moisture Facial Cream, iUNIK – Centella Calming Gel Cream, Dear, Klairs – Midnight Blue Calming Cream, haruharu wonder – Black Rice 10 Hyaluronic Cream.
- Sleeping Mask (Optional): I like to apply a sleeping mask for an extra boost of hydration overnight. LANEIGE – Water Sleeping Mask.
- Sunscreen (Only in the morning): If it’s a morning routine, of course, don’t forget the sunscreen! Protecting your skin from UV damage is crucial. I like haruharu wonder – Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen (mineral sunscreen, which is healthier for you) or Beauty of Joseon – Relief Sun.
Should the skincare routine differ for morning and night?
Absolutely! Skin absorption does indeed vary throughout the day. Some research suggests that skin may be more receptive to certain products in the evening. This is because the skin naturally undergoes a repair process at night, and its barrier function may be lower, allowing for better penetration of topical ingredients.
In the morning, your routine should focus on protection and hydration, preparing your skin for the day ahead. This typically includes gentle cleansing, hydration, and the application of sunscreen.
In the evening, your routine can focus on repair and treatment. This is the ideal time to use more potent ingredients like retinol, peptides, or exfoliating acids, as your skin can benefit from these products while you sleep.
- Barrier Function: The skin’s barrier function is generally lower in the evening, which can allow for greater absorption of active ingredients. The natural repair process is also most active at night, meaning ingredients that support regeneration, like retinoids, peptides, and certain antioxidants, can be more effective when applied in the evening.
- Studies on Circadian Rhythm: Research on circadian rhythm indicates that skin cell proliferation peaks at night, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is also higher. This means that skin can lose more water overnight, so applying moisturizers in the evening can help lock in hydration and counteract this effect.
- Daytime Needs: During the day, skin requires more protection against environmental factors such as UV exposure, pollution, and free radicals. This is why sunscreen and antioxidants (like vitamin C) are more beneficial in the morning.
- Circadian Rhythms and Oil Production: Sebum (oil) production tends to be higher in the morning and early afternoon, so some people may find that lighter, oil-free products work better for daytime.
Scientific Studies and Findings
- Skin Absorption: A 2014 study found that certain skincare ingredients penetrate better at night due to decreased skin barrier function. Additionally, in a 2009 study, TEWL was shown to follow a diurnal pattern, with higher rates in the evening and nighttime, indicating that moisturizing at night is essential to prevent overnight water loss .
- Active Ingredients: Studies on retinoids, for example, suggest better tolerance and efficacy when used at night, as these ingredients can degrade with UV exposure.
How should my routine look like in practice?
Morning: Cleanse (I only clean my skin with water and gently tap it dry with a towel), apply your essense or serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These help protect the skin against UV damage and free radicals.
Evening: Double cleanse thoroughly to remove impurities, toner, then apply treatments (such as retinoids, peptides, or other targeted serums), followed by an eye-cream, and a rich moisturizer to aid in overnight repair and hydration.
Do you have specific acne products?
Yes, I do! When I have a pimple, I like to apply Salicylic Acid from The Ordinary directly on top of it. This product is incredibly effective for targeting blemishes and helps speed up the healing process overnight. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores to unclog them, reducing inflammation and preventing future breakouts.
What do I do after I go to the gym and have been sweating? Do I redo all the skincare steps?
What I personally do is rinse my skin with water to remove sweat, then apply a toner and sunscreen. This approach works well for me, especially if I’ve already completed my morning skincare routine. I prefer not to redo all the steps, as I feel it can be too much for my skin. Plus, who wants to carry all their skincare products to the gym? Keeping it simple allows my skin to breathe while still providing necessary hydration and protection.
4. Your Pillowcases, Bedsheets, and Towels
In addition to avoiding touching your skin, it’s essential to maintain good hygiene with your pillowcases and face towels. I recommend using a separate face towel to prevent transferring bacteria from your body to your face. In extreme cases, you might consider changing your face towel every day, and I suggest washing your pillowcases at least once or twice a week. Ultimately, it’s up to you, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend using the same towel for your face and body without changing it for at least two weeks. This small adjustment can significantly impact your skin’s health!
5. Your Makeup Brushes and Sponges
Of course, you should clean your makeup brushes and sponges regularly. I don’t use my makeup sponge more than once before cleaning it because liquid products are more prone to developing bacteria, which can aggravate acne. For powdered products, I typically use a brush for three days before cleaning it, but it’s entirely up to you; some people prefer to change their brushes daily.
How Do I Clean My Brushes?
I clean my brushes very simply with water and regular soap. Occasionally, I’ll spray them with a high alcohol content solution (70%) for extra disinfection. After cleaning, I gently pat them dry with a towel and then let them air dry for at least 24 hours. This routine helps ensure that my tools stay clean and free from bacteria, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
6. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Food, Sleep, and Exercise
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can benefit many aspects of your life, including your skin and acne. Prioritize eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits, as well as whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. However, don’t overlook other essential components of a healthy lifestyle, such as practicing good sleep hygiene, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress effectively. All these factors play a crucial role in maintaining overall skin health and can help reduce the likelihood of breakouts.
7. Getting Rid Of Acne Habit Tracker
I’ve created a simple habit tracker that you can use to monitor all the habits I mentioned. Feel free to download it for free!