Tips for hormonal acne

No matter how many products you try, hormonal acne can be relentless. I know this firsthand. Because the acne is just a symptom of a deeper issue going on inside your body, topical treatments can only do so much. That being said, factors like stress and lifestyle can play a role in triggering your acne, so there are things you can do to keep acne at bay. First and foremost, talk to your doctor to find out if you have a hormone issue or what could be the cause, but in the meantime, here are a few tips:

• Eat healthy fats and fresh produce. These are the foods that will fight inflammation and help keep your skin clear. For healthy fats, go for fish like salmon, avocado, and nuts. Also, add some coconut oil to your cooking. I like to mix mine with my oatmeal to get about a tablespoon per day. Check out all the benefits.  The more fresh fruits and veggies you eat instead of processed food and dairy, the better off your skin will be. Get those antioxidants and you'll notice a change in your acne. Grapes, oranges, garlic, fennel, green tea, strawberries, spinach, watermelon, carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes are all foods that help fight acne. Here's a great article from Lauren Conrad on that.
• Don't be afraid of oil. More than likely, you've tried the whole "oil-free" everything thing, and you're scared of oil coming anywhere near your face. Try googling the oil-cleansing method to see just how popular it is and how many people are experiencing clear skin for the first time as adults because of this method! Try cleansing with oil (either jojoba oil, olive oil, or an oil cleanser like Boscia's), or apply a hydrating and healing oil meant for oily/acne-prone skin at night as your night cream, like Suki Pure Facial Moisture or straight extra virgin coconut oil, found at most health food stores.
• Up the hygiene. Bacteria is breeding where you might not expect it. To increase hygiene to prevent acne, change your pillow case as often as possible, ideally every day. Wipe your cell phone with alcohol -- this is constantly on your cheek, so be careful what comes into contact with your skin! Of course, wash your face twice a day, always removing all makeup before going to bed. You've heard it before, but it really is true: Don't touch your face. All the oils and germs on your fingers will clog the pores on your face, so don't pick, touch, squeeze, or rest on your hands. If you are going to squeeze a zit that is ready to come out without much effort, use a tissue so your fingers don't come in direct contact with your face.
• Exercise; cardio is your friend. Exercise has so many benefits, both long-term and short-term in preventing diseases, increasing longevity, increasing energy levels, and boosting confidence. But did you know sweating is essential for your body to release toxins? If you're sweating out the toxins, your body won't have to force them through your pores in the form of acne. And guess what else? Exercise can also help regulate your hormones and get them back into balance. But it's very critical to wash your face immediately after working out so this bacteria doesn't just sit and dry on your skin.
• Become label-obsessive. Get to know terms like phthalates, sulfates, parabens, fragrance -- all things that can irritate your skin. I noticed a huge difference when I stopped using toothpaste and face wash that contain sulfates. Sulfates are what make many facial cleansers foam up, but they aggravate your skin. Paula's Choice is an excellent resource for finding out what's in your favorite products and if the ingredients are harmful. This Buzzfeed article is also a great place to start.
• Less is more when it comes to makeup on acne-prone skin. If you can go without any makeup on your skin (eyes and lips are OK), you're better off to allow your skin to purge and heal. Many cosmetic products can clog up your pores and make things worse for you, even ones that say "non-comedogenic," in my experience. If you can't go without covering, make sure you understand the return policy at the store you're purchasing foundation at, so that if you breakout within a few days, you can return the product. My recommendation: Tarte is a natural line carried at Sephora and Ulta, and even though just about anything makes me breakout, this Amazonian-clay rich line covers amazingly and has excellent ingredients that won't clog your pores.
• Stay positive. Hormonal acne, especially cystic acne, can be super embarrassing. There have been times I haven't even wanted to leave the house, but stressing out only makes it that much worse. Try to take your mind off the acne, do some yoga and deep breathing, and stay positive. Stress = more acne.  

Do you have any tips to share?