What to do when acne strikes

Hi there, beautiful reader!

I know having acne can really diminish one's self esteem. Especially when it seems you can't do anything about it 'cause it's in the GENES. Or when your hormones are to blame.

The most important step is to see a dermatologist ASAP. But these are some things which helped me get clearer skin when I have these nasties. Most are just lifestyle changes and free, especially if you can't go to the doctor in the meantime for whatever reason.

1. Never sleep with dirty skin and make-up on.
2. Go to bed early, before 10 pm and have at least 6-8 hours of ZZZs.
3. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to remove the toxins in the body, and for skin hydration.
4. Change pillowcases and towels frequently, and sanitize things that come into contact with skin, e.g., I clean my phone with alcohol. 
5. Opt for facial tissue as they are always fresh, instead of face towels that remain damp and may harbor bacteria when not dried properly in the sunlight.
6. Clean make-up tools (puffs, brushes and sponges) at least weekly.
7. Eat healthy and nutritious foods. Avoid junk foods, greasy and oily foods, chocolates and the like, take oatmeal (I add cinnamon and honey), lots of fruits and vegetables.
8. Avoid using make-up but if you really have to, use non-comedogenic and ones with light formulation, and try mineral powder foundation.
9. Avoid being too stressed out and make it a point to relax and unwind. Try writing a journal, go on vacation, etc.
10. Look for acne-fighting products with sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, salicylic acid, etc.
11. Try making a face pack/mask made of oatmeal and honey, or leave lemon juice with milk (or plain kalamansi juice) on face for few minutes.
12. Don't pick but if you can't help but pop the pimple, make sure it's "ripe" and do it under sterile conditions. Better to do this at night. Clean your face and hands. Steaming also makes it easier. Use tools if necessary but sterilize them and most importantly squeeze til the BLOOD comes out. Then I dab on alcohol and  zit cream.
13. Use warm water when washing at night (I think hot temperature kills the bacteria and it opens pores for a deeper clean).
14. Take supplements for clearer skin, like Vitamin A,C,E, B, Zinc and the like but consult with GP if it's ok with you and if you have health issues.
15. The skin is like a reflection on what is happening inside the body. Feel like it caused by irregular bowel movement? Get lots of fiber, try laxative, slimming teas or psyllium husk.
16. Get anti- acne facials from a reputable clinic. I do this very rarely because I am scared of getting open pores but having a professional do it feels nice.
17. Don't scrub when you have acne because it further irritates skin and spreads the bacteria.
18. Works wonders for me- avoid putting moisturizer at night and just spot treat the pimples with medication, and use toner/astringent TWICE a day, morning and night.
19. Try icing. Slide an ice cube all over your face for a couple of minutes in the morning. I find that it helps close pores and reduces inflammation. Some warn against rubbing the ice cube directly onto the skin and instead wrap it first in a cloth. You can also make the ice using green tea, aloe vera, or lemon.
20. Avoid touching your face with dirty hands and keep hair away from face. 

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. I should know. Pimples could heal in a few days but it's almost impossible to remove deep, pitted, crater scars.So those are my best, tried and tested tips. How about you, care to share any ideas?

Thanks for reading.

Love and peace!

Sending good vibes and wishing you gorgeous skin!