You probably already know all the products and advertisements designed for people with acne. Acne is one of the most common skin diseases in both adolescents and adults. 15% of those affected have this disorder in the chest area. Since chest acne can be a problem for anyone at any age, it is important to wash and care for the skin. Also, changing your diet and applying essential oils to the affected area at the first hint of acne can prevent blackheads, white comedones, pimples, cysts and nodules.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Washing and Caring for Your Skin
Step 1. Choose a cleaner
Look for a gentle, non-comedogenic body cleanser that doesn't clog pores and doesn't cause blackheads, blackheads, pimples, or other impurities typically associated with acne. The same anti-acne cleansers designed for the face can be used on the chest.
Look for a product that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients help control acne by chemically exfoliating dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide also reduces the presence of acne-causing bacteria on the skin
Step 2. Wash your chest every day
Bathe or shower once a day with warm, but not hot, water - water that is too hot can dry out and irritate the skin. Using a soft, clean sponge, gently massage the cleanser into your chest. Rinse and dry the skin carefully; avoid rubbing it, as this can aggravate acne.
Take an additional shower if you have been sweating a lot. For example, wash yourself at the end of a workout
Step 3. Hydrate your chest
Keeping your skin hydrated is an important step to take in preventing acne. Moistening the chest with plain water is enough to keep the skin hydrated for a few hours. To keep her hydrated all day, you need to apply a moisturizer. Gently massage a non-comedogenic moisturizer onto your chest after washing.
Keeping the skin hydrated with the help of a cream has also been shown to reduce scar formation
Step 4. Use sunscreen
Exposing yourself to sunlight and having lamps will damage the skin over time, predisposing it more to acne. Take preventative measures to protect your skin by limiting time spent in the sun, avoiding sun beds, and covering it up when you go out. You should also apply UVA and UVB protection, even when it's cloudy.
Be aware that some medications (including acne medications) can cause photosensitivity from both sun exposure and lamps. These medicines include the following: antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, tetracyclines, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim), antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine), cancer medicines (such as 5-FU, vinblastine and dacarbazine), medicines for the cardiovascular system (such as amiodarone, nifedipine, quinidine and diltiazem), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as naproxen) and anti-acne medicines (such as isotretinoin and acitretin)
Step 5. Wear cotton clothing
Cotton lets sweat evaporate more efficiently. This will prevent it from remaining in contact with the skin for prolonged periods, decreasing the risk of getting acne. Try to wear cotton tops and bras as often as possible. Several studies have shown that the bacteria that grow on cotton are different from those that grow on polyester clothing. Bacteria that grow on cotton clothing are less likely to infect the skin and cause acne.
You should also use cotton bedding. This can greatly reduce the risk of acne breakouts on the body, as the skin is in contact with the sheets each night for an extended period of time. Also make sure you wash your sheets and clothes regularly
Step 6. Avoid drying and damaging the skin
Skin care products often contain alcohol. This ingredient can in fact eliminate excess sebum, leaving a feeling of clear and clean skin, but it can also dry out the epidermis and clog the pores. To protect your skin, opt for alcohol-free products.
You should also avoid touching the chest and teasing, squeezing, or squeezing the pimples. This will prevent bacteria from being transferred from the hands to the chest, which can cause acne or inflammation. Squeezing or teasing pimples can also leave scars
Part 2 of 3: Using Essential Oils
Step 1. Choose an essential oil
Oils that have antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties can kill the bacteria responsible for acne. Many also have soothing properties and can speed up healing. Several studies have shown tea tree oil to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but in many cases with fewer side effects. Here are some essential oils that have skin purifying properties:
- Mint or peppermint;
- Thyme;
- Cinnamon;
- Pink;
- Lavender;
- Melaleuca.
Step 2. Choose a carrier oil
Carrier oils dilute essential oil and help the body absorb it. They should be non-comedogenic, so as to avoid clogging the pores. The Journal of American Dermatology ranked carrier oils to determine which oils are most likely to worsen acne or clog pores (rating "4" or "5") and which affect the disorder least (rating "0" "). Choose the oil you prefer with a classification between 0 and 2 from the following list:
- Classification 0 (oils that do not clog pores): hemp seed, mineral and safflower oil;
- Classification 1 (low probability that they clog pores): castor and calendula;
- Classification 2 (low to moderate probability of clogging pores): sweet almonds, apricot kernels, avocado, camphor, evening primrose, grapeseed, hazelnut and peanuts.
Step 3. Dilute the essential oil with the carrier oil
Measure 30ml of carrier oil and mix it with 10 drops of an essential oil. Diluting essential oils helps the body absorb them and prevent skin irritation.
Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin. This can cause skin sensitization, causing the skin to develop severe or itchy rashes
Step 4. Test the oil on your skin to make sure you can use it safely
Essential oils should always be tested to determine if the skin is sensitive or allergic to a certain active ingredient. Mix one drop of the oil of your choice with 250ml of water. Take a cotton ball and dip it in the solution. Squeeze out any excess liquid and apply it to your skin. Wait for about an hour and watch the skin to see if it has reacted negatively or not. If there is no reaction, you can continue using the oil.
If you notice any inflammation, rash or swelling, do not use the oil in question and try a different one after healing is complete
Step 5. Apply the mixture to the skin
Massage the mixture into the acne-affected areas of the chest. This localized treatment can prevent more severe acne breakouts. Don't be afraid to apply carrier oils to the skin. This type of oil can actually dissolve the sebum (aka greasy matter) that clogs pores and is partially responsible for acne.
Try applying the mixture to your skin daily. Just make sure you wash it well at least twice a day
Part 3 of 3: Pay Attention to Your Diet
Step 1. Keep a food diary
Keep track of what you eat, so you can understand if the foods you bring to the table can be responsible for acne breakouts on the chest. Acne doesn't necessarily have to be attributed to poor nutrition, but some people are more prone to diet-triggered inflammation, which can increase the risk of getting acne. Here are some foods that commonly cause redness and irritation:
- Milk and derivatives;
- Fat food;
- Processed foods containing sugar;
- Products containing gluten.
Step 2. Eat low glycemic index foods
Try to limit foods with added sugars. Reducing sugar consumption by eating low-glycemic index foods hinders the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. These foods can prevent it by releasing blood sugars more slowly. Here are some low-glycemic foods:
- Bran, muesli, oats;
- Whole grains, pumpernickel, wholemeal bread, brown rice, barley;
- Most vegetables (except beetroot, squash and parsnips)
- Dried fruit;
- Most fruit (except watermelon and dates);
- Legumes;
- Yogurt.
Step 3. Fill up on Vitamin D
Also called the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D can improve skin health. Several studies have actually shown that a vitamin D deficiency can cause acne. Since it is difficult to absorb through food, it is best to sunbathe early in the morning for 10-20 minutes (unprotected). Alternatively, you can take a supplement.
Always consult your doctor before taking a supplement. Choose vitamin D3 supplements containing at least 1000 IU
Step 4. Include foods rich in vitamin A
Vitamin A helps the skin heal and fight acne. Many topical treatments designed for this disorder contain synthetic forms of vitamin A (retinoids). Try eating more foods that are rich in it to fight chest acne. Here are some of them:
- Sweet potatoes;
- Spinach;
- Carrots;
- Pumpkin;
- Broccoli;
- Red peppers;
- Yellow courgette;
- Cantaloupe melon;
- Mangoes;
- Apricots;
- Legumes;
- Meat and fish.
Step 5. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Most Western diets include more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s. The imbalance between these two types of fatty acids can cause skin irritation and acne. Try eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while limiting processed foods and fats that contain omega-6. Here are some foods that will help you get your fill of omega-3s:
- Seeds and nuts: flaxseed and flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts;
- Fish and fish oils: salmon, sardines, mackerel, white fish, alosa;
- Aromatic herbs and spices: basil, oregano, cloves, marjoram;
- Vegetables: spinach, radish sprouts, Chinese broccoli.
