Pro Cheer Beauty Advice: How To Get Rid Of Acne And Scarring
Active acne flare-ups and acne scarring, though not a critical condition, can affect a woman's appearance and are very difficult to hide. Acne can occur on the face, chest, and back, and unfortunately, these are all areas that are visible during a professional cheerleading audition.
Even though arena dancers are usually over 18 years old and therefore adults, many acne problems follow women into adulthood long after the teenage years, especially with respect to long-term scarring.
Acne is caused by several factors. These factors include your diet, hormonal changes, stress, medications, and genetics. The more inflamed the affected area on your skin becomes, the more likely you are to develop acne scars.
If acne is a problem for you, try these effective ways to deal with acne and scarring while auditions are fast approaching.
1. Lemon juice
My favorite fast-fix cure for an occasional pimple that pops up unexpectedly is lemon juice. Lemon juice is a cost-effective, all-natural home remedy. The citric acid found in lemon juice contains antibacterial and acne-fighting properties. Plus, it improves skin discoloration by lightening blemishes.
Poke a tiny hole in a lemon with a knife tip and squeeze out a couple of drops to dab onto the problem spot. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse the area with cool and clean water. Pat dry with a towel.
2. Adjust your diet
Are foods really to blame? Yes, your diet can be the culprit behind your skin breakouts. Poor nutrition can make you susceptible to acne flare-ups. Foods that cause a spike in your blood sugar levels can increase your skin production of sebum. This causes your pores to clog. In addition, some foods negatively affect your antioxidant stores.
Avoid these acne-triggering foods:
- Dairy products
- Sugary foods
- Bread
- Chips
- Pizza
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Anything greasy
3. Keep your hands away from your face.
Whatever you do, avoid scratching, picking, and rubbing your skin especially during acne flare-ups. Your hands come in contact with a lot of things - door knobs, your phone, money, and more. Bacteria and viruses from your fingertips transfer to your face. These harmful elements can spread from pore to pore which manifests pimples.
Break the habit of touching your face. Better yet, keep a sanitizer in your bag at all times. Sanitize your hands after holding money, using the toilet, and other activities.
4. Drink lots of water.
Though water may not affect your body's oil production, it plays a vital role in keeping your skin acne-free by flushing out toxins from your system. Water helps dissolve waste products in your body which will be expelled through your sweat and urine. Not only is water the best detoxifier, it also improves your endurance and prevents you from feeling fatigued.
Make it a habit to drink at least three to five liters of water per day. Yes, LITERS, not glasses!
5. Lasers and light treatments
Laser treatments and other cosmetic medical procedures can erase acne or other types of scarring, but can be expensive. These medical treatments usually include topical prescriptions which you should adhere to. A lot of women have seen their acne and scars improve but there is no assurance that laser and light treatments will work well for you. It may take some time before you get the results you want.
6. Steam your face
Steaming your face helps in the process of clearing out your skin by loosening up underlying debris and sebum. This "softening" makes it easier for you to cleanse, exfoliate, and treat it. The warm temperature also improves the flow of blood to your face which facilitates healing.
To get started, wash your face with a mild cleanser. Boil distilled water in a large pot. Transfer the hot water into a bowl on top of a flat surface. Place your face over the steam. You can drape a towel over your head so you create a tent. Move farther away from the steam if it feels uncomfortably hot. After 15 minutes, wash your face with your cleanser. Pat dry and apply a dermatologist-approved acne treatment cream or serum.
7. Aloe vera
There's a good reason why aloe vera has been called the miracle plant. It aids in the healing process of back acne due to its regenerative benefits on the epithelial layer of your skin. Aloe vera contains glycoproteins which reduce inflammation and skin irritation. According to a study, the anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera are even more potent than a 1% hydrocortisone cream.
Cut an aloe leaf open, scoop out the gel using a clean spoon, and apply the gel to your back acne. Let it dry. You can repeat the process 3 to 4 times in a day when you're at home.
Final Thoughts
The quickest fix for acne and scarring, if all else fails, is to use the proper makeup. You can use a heavy-duty cover-up and foundation to counteract the look of acne and scars. The only issue is that skin texture can be difficult to camouflage. It is easier to hide color differences.
Pits or bumps are more difficult to conceal, but the right products will make a dramatic difference. Consult with an experienced makeup artist at your local mall’s makeup counters to see what they recommend for your particular skin.
The downside to relying on makeup is that the heavy concealers and foundation can clog pores and lead to even worse acne. That’s why it is better to cure acne using natural or medical treatments than to hide it.
Can you picture yourself dancing under the bright lights alongside gorgeous cheerleaders, cheering at professional-level sporting events?
If you would love to join a professional dance team audition but have no idea on how to get started, my book entitled “Professional Cheerleading Audition Secrets: How To Become an Arena Cheerleader for NFL®, NBA®, and Other Pro Cheer Teams” will guide you every step of the way.
I’ve decided to write this book to help you discover reliable tips and advice on adopting the right mindset, maintaining your image, staying fit and beautiful, and more - based on my 20+ years of experience in the cheerleading industry.
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