The Run Down on Clear Skin: Lifestyle Changes to Control your Acne / Part 1

If we have said it once, we will say it a million times again - the best way to clear acne is to consistently use the correct products. While we absolutely suggest using  these products to keep your pores clear, there are a few things you can do at home that will help with your breakouts while using our product regimen.  

Over the next two posts, we are going to discuss a few lifestyle changes that are proven to support our clearing process and keep your pores clean. You should be making these changes while working with Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic of Salt Lake City. We will add safe extractions and a guided program of product use to your new lifestyle choices and your acne won’t stand a chance against the both of us together!

 Here are the first 4 changes you need to make at home. Keep an eye out for our next post - where we will discuss the last 4 lifestyle changes. All together, these 8 new habits will become essential in clearing your skin.

 1.    Stay away from iodides like iodized salt.

You've probably heard that staying away from chocolate or greasy foods will help keep your skin clear, but those aren't the most dangerous foods for acne sufferers. In reality, iodides are the real problem. Please watch out for food, vitamins and sports drinks that contain iodides, iodine or potassium iodides. This includes too much shellfish, seaweed, fast foods and dairy products.  

2. No “high androgen” foods.

Foods that are “high androgen” include peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter, corn oil, wheat germ, shellfish & organ meats. These contain hormones that irritate acne. Skip the peanut butter on your morning toast from now on! Almond butter is a better choice.

3.  Consult our list of pore clogging ingredients when buying your cosmetics.

You need to start looking at all the ingredients in your makeup, body wash and hair products. Stay away from products that contain these ingredients. We suggest using Priia Cosmetics, which you can get at the Skintherapy Acne Clinic.  

4. Change the way you do laundry.

First, please only use fragrance-free detergents such as Cheer Free, All Free & Clear, Tide Free or Arm & Hammer Free. Make sure to check your detergents like you check the ingredients in your cosmetics. You also need to eliminate all fabric softeners, especially on your pillow cases. Fabric softeners leave a waxy residue on your sheets that can clog pores on those of us who are acne prone. We suggest using dryer balls if you are still worried about static in your laundry. 

In the end, lifestyle changes can be just as important to your clearing process as our products. You will need both to achieve clear skin and we will provide continual support to you in both areas. Please give us a call and schedule your appointment to learn more about clearing your skin!