Acne is one of the most common disorders of the skin and continues to be one of the prime reasons to visit dermatologists. While medical help is always recommended to combat severe cases of acne, lifestyle changes can also help in controlling the disorder effectively. A lifestyle that includes the right amount of exercise, the right kind of diet, and a good amount of relaxation will help in controlling acne over a period of time.

1. Saying no to stress
According to studies, one of the most important ways of controlling acne is to decrease stress because it has a direct bearing on the levels of cortisol and activity of sebaceous glands in the skin, which, in turn, can trigger acne. Adolescents are particularly prone to stress because of the physical, emotional, and social changes that they undergo. Parents, teachers, and support groups should be particularly sensitive to the needs of this group and help them in their transition to adulthood.

Integrating activities that reduce stress and making it part of the daily routine is important to combating acne. These can include a number of things—from relaxing and being more mindful to focusing on wellness and exercising.

2. Diet modification for acne
Diet has a direct bearing on the health of the skin. It uses vitamins (especially vitamins A, C, and E) and minerals in the food to renew itself and build new cells. Even though food consumption forms a very small part of the skin renewal process, the foods influencing hormone levels can help control and treat acne indirectly. Hence, a balanced diet and good nutritional habits can go a long way in managing this condition effectively.

Foods with a high glycemic index (GI) increase blood sugar levels drastically, which, in turn, influences levels of hormones like insulin, which again interacts with sex hormones, thus making the occurence acne even worse. Hence, people with acne-prone skin are advised to maintain a low GI diet, comprising of low-fat foods rich in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and proteins such as salad, cereals, whole grain bread, fruits and vegetables, red meat, fish, legumes, and nuts. They do not disturb the balance of insulin and other hormones that can trigger acne.

3. Exercises for acne
Regular exercising detoxifies the body, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. It helps maintain a healthy weight which, in turn, has a stabilizing effect on the hormones. Exercise also helps in delivering more oxygen to the skin. The sweat produced also cleans up the skin pores. All these together help in combating acne.

While exercise is generally considered positive by a majority of studies because it reduces stress, it also regulates the production of cortisol and releases endorphins, all of which can help control acne. There is also another perspective which holds the view that excessive sweat and increased testosterone production due to heavy exercise can worsen the condition.

Therefore, choosing the right combination of exercise is important. For people with acne-prone skin, gentle workouts like mild cardio, yoga, and breathing awareness are probably the best options. Whatever the workout may be, it is important to remember to stay hydrated, wash before and after exercise, and wear clean outfits.

Besides this, you can always consult your doctor or dermatologist for anti-acne creams and solutions in order to enhance the treatment and get faster results. Shopping for anti-acne creams can be done online as well as in stores. You may even be able to get discounted rates on some effective products. However, it’s always recommended to try one product and not keep changing it to get the desired results.