You can start today to improve your complexion by doing some simple things at home.
First, diet. Take a close, honest look at your diet and see if it could be contributing to breakouts and skin blemishes. Too many sugary foods (like chocolate) and breads (which quickly turn into sugar) may be the culprit. Having a steady supply of sugar is an invitation to the bacteria associated with acne. Certain foods may trigger pimples in some people, with coffee, dairy products and fatty, greasy foods being high on the list. Furthermore, if your diet is lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables, this could be the problem. The beta carotene found in many vegetables is involved in regenerating skin cells and preventing bacteria from entering. Eat a raw salad and several cooked vegetables every day. Eat a wide variety of orange and yellow squashes, leafy green vegetables and carrots to get plenty of beta carotene and other skin-enhancing nutrients.
Second, hydrate. Drinking a lot of water helps both the kidneys and bowels eliminate waste, as well as hydrating the skin, improving its tone and appearance. Aim for at least eight large glasses of water per day. You can make water more exciting to drink by adding lemon slices, or by juicing an orange in a pitcher and topping it off with cold water and refrigerating it to drink through out the day. If you tend toward constipation, it slows the elimination of wastes from the body and can contribute to acne. Use roots of dandelion, burdock, yellow dock and/or Oregon grape to prepare an herbal tea and drink it through the day. These herbs are traditionally used for improving bowel both function and complexion.
Third, start a skin-care routine. Acne bacteria are most associated with oily accumulations in the skin, and with the accumulation of deadened, devitalized, superficial cells that block the flow of sebum. You can reduce oil with frequent washing and improve the skin surface via the use of exfoliants. A loofah, a skin brush, a mild-abrasive wash product or simply a rough-textured wash rag can help remove the most superficial skin cells and unclog the pores. You can start by steaming your face over a pot of boiled water, then use an exfoliating tool or wash. You can follow with an oil-removing face wash. A mild soap is appropriate, or many acne washes are commercially available. Follow with splashes of cold water to the face to stimulate circulation. Perform this ritual in the morning and at night whenever possible. And if your skin is particularly oily, add a midday wash or two with soap and water.
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