Acne has long been a topic and skin issue that many people want to hide. Well, things are changing. A recent wave of acne positivity has taken over the beauty world, and we’re here for it. If you deal with acne, firstly, know this: acne is very normal. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, 50 million people in the United States deal with acne making it the most common skin condition. And acne doesn’t only affect teenagers and those in their twenties. Acne can also pop up in your 30s and 40s. So, in honor of June being Acne Awareness Month, we’re spreading the acne positivity vibes with six ways you can love on your skin this month and beyond.
1. Educate yourself on all things acne
First and foremost, one of the most important ways you can empower yourself when it comes to acne is by educating yourself on the topic. There are actually many different types of acne (nodular acne, hormonal acne, back acne, fungal acne, mask acne, etc.) and various types of blemishes (pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, hyperpigmentation, acne scars) that are each caused by different underlying issues and require different forms of treatments. Doing some Googling and reading articles can be helpful to gain a better understanding of what type of acne you may be dealing with and how to best prevent and treat it.
2. Eat more acne-fighting foods
Clear, radiant skin starts from the inside out. Studies show that eating a healthy diet full of nutrient-rich foods can prevent and treat acne. In particular, research shows that foods that are low-glycemic and high in protein can help improve acne. Add foods such as kale, sweet potatoes, lemon, berries, legumes, papaya, quinoa, and salmon to your grocery cart to help reduce acne flare-ups and keep your skin looking its best.
3. Use skincare according to your cycle
As we go through the different phases of the menstrual cycle, our hormones fluctuate, impacting the way our skin looks and feels. That’s why it’s important to adjust your skincare products and regime according to where you are in your cycle. For example, Rael’s Face Anything Kit features sheet masks, each designed to tackle different skin issues that arise during the various stages. The Hydration sheet, for instance, quenches dry skin during your period, while the Tea Tree Oil sheet mask helps with pre-period oily skin. And if you need to tackle a blemish ASAP, pimple-fighting patches can help with that.
4. Let your skin breeze
Acne or not, letting your skin breathe feels so liberating. So for Acne Awareness Month, we encourage you to go make-up-free, even if it’s just for one day. Give your skin the chance to shine, and take that extra time in the morning to do something nice for yourself. Acne isn’t something that you have to hide. If you need some bare-faced motivation, there’s a whole #acnepositivity movement on social media you can tap into. Feeling confident in your skin is an inside job, and going make-up-free for a bit is a simple way to tap into that inner power that’s already within you.
5. Implement acne-friendly rituals
Sometimes it’s the smallest tweaks that can make the biggest difference. Here’s three easy rituals you can implement that can help keep acne at bay.
6. Visit your dermatologist
Lastly, if you’re practicing all your skincare rituals religiously and you’ve tried just about everything to help clear up your acne and nothing seems to work, it may be time to pay a visit to a dermatologist. There is no one-size-fits-all acne treatment protocol. Everyone’s skin is different, and the underlying root causes of acne are different too. So one ritual, skincare product, or treatment that works wonders for one person may not work for another. The best course of action is to get the help of a professional who can access your skin and provide you with a personalized skincare regime.
Rael Reminders: June is Acne Awareness Month and we’re spreading the acne positivity vibes with six ways you can love on your skin this month and beyond: getrael.com/blog.