Acne is a very common, but annoying and sometimes painful skin condition that affects people of all ages. Acne is caused when the oil glands produce too much oil (sebum) which gets trapped in pores leading to infection and clogged pores.
Here are some tips on how to prevent acne.
1. Choose Acne-Friendly Makeup
Choose makeup that will not clog your pores. Double-check the ingredients label to make sure it does not contain oil or waxes like lanolin, mineral oil, paraffin, and petrolatum. Also, avoid products with fragrances too unless they are labeled fragrance-free. Lastly, try to avoid products that already come in an applicator because they will only add to the bacteria around your nose and mouth.
2. Wash Your Face Gently
Cleaning your face too roughly or using products that are too harsh can irritate the skin and make acne worse. Cleaning your face with a very abrasive chemical scrub every day is not recommended, especially if you have sensitive skin. Instead, wash your face with a gentle cleanser at least two times every day and try to use warm water instead of hot or cold water because it will open pores better than other temperatures.
3. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
Exposure to the sun makes acne worse by increasing oil production in skin glands, making existing blackheads more visible and worsening breakouts. Try to avoid sun exposure as much as possible and use a moisturizer with SPF of at least 15 when you will be outside for long periods of time, such as on a regular day at work or school.
4. Change your pillowcase once a week.
Change your pillowcase every week to avoid trapping dirt and oil from the skin on your face. This will prevent them from producing more oil and clogging pores, which can lead to acne breakouts. Also, avoid sleeping with makeup on because it traps the dirt and oils from your skin on the pillowcases and makes acne worse.
5. Avoid touching or popping your pimples.
Most acne breakouts go away on their own within a few days without any treatment, and popping or squeezing them can cause more inflammation and even leave scars. If you have to pop your pimples, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before doing it and try not to spread the infection around other parts of your face.
6. Use Natural Home Remedies to Reduce Redness and Soothe Skin
Natural home remedies can be very effective in reducing redness, soothing the skin, and making breakouts less noticeable. They are great for people with sensitive or dry skin because they do not cause more irritation or inflammation of the skin, which is what often leads to more acne breakouts. Some of the most effective and safest remedies include raw honey, lemon juice, green tea, and turmeric powder.
7. Drink lots of water.
Water is good for your body and skin because it helps in cleaning out toxins from your system by flushing them through the pores on the skin’s surface. When you drink more water, your skin will look better overall because it will remain hydrated and not become dry or dull-looking.
8. Use Medicated Acne Treatments to Cure Acne Permanently
Although home remedies work great in soothing the skin and clearing up acne breakouts, sometimes there are cases when they do not work and one has to use medication to cure acne permanently. Prescription medications, such as hormone pills and antibiotics are the most effective treatments for curing acne because they get rid of bacteria that cause acne infection.
9. Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin can make a big difference in how it looks and feels. This is because applying moisturizer hydrates the skin by sealing water into the cells, which helps avoid dryness and flaking. You should apply a natural moisturizer twice or three times daily to keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated throughout the day.
10. Go for Light Makeup
When you have acne, it is not a good idea to wear heavy makeup because it will only clog the pores more and cause more breakouts. Instead, try to use lighter makeup that is less oily or greasy so it does not block your skin’s pores. Also, if possible, avoid wearing any makeup at all because it causes acne breakouts worse than if you were to stay with your natural skin tone.
11. Watch what you eat.
Food has an impact on the condition of your skin, so avoid consuming lots of junk or processed foods because they can cause inflammation and worsen acne breakouts. Instead, try to stick to a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean meats because they are good for your body.
12. Stop Touching Your Face
Sometimes it is hard to avoid touching your face because you do not mean for it to happen, but the fact is that putting your hands all over your face can increase acne breakouts. This occurs because when you touch or rub your skin with dirty fingers, bacteria are transferred from them onto the surface of the skin and this causes an infection that leads to acne breakouts.
13. Exercise Regularly
Along with drinking lots of water, exercising regularly helps in improving the overall health of your body. This is because exercise reduces stress levels and lowers the production of hormones that are connected to acne breakouts. If possible, engage in some form of physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day to help reduce breakouts on your face.
14. Remove Makeup Before Going to Bed
Another common cause of acne breakouts is makeup that gets left on while you sleep. You should always make sure to remove your makeup before going to bed and use a gentle cleanser to clean the skin because leaving the makeup on while you sleep can clog your pores and increase bacteria, which can lead to acne breakouts.
15. Eat Healthy Fats
The right kinds of dietary fats can actually help your body in getting rid of acne. Things like olives, avocados, nuts, and seeds are great sources of healthy oils that are good for the skin because they keep it moisturized. Try to incorporate these foods into your diet to improve the appearance of your skin.
16. Get Adequate Sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital because it gives the body time to rest and repair itself. When you do not get adequate sleep, your skin becomes worn out and dull looking and this causes acne breakouts to appear even more prominently. So make sure that you sleep at least eight hours each night and take a mid-day nap to help clear up acne breakouts.
17. Use an Acne Treatment Mask
There are a variety of masks that you can use to prevent acne breakouts from occurring and they all work differently, but some work by exfoliating the skin and others by clearing pores through deep cleaning. No matter how your face mask works, it is important to use it regularly because this helps prevent acne breakouts and makes your skin look healthier.
Now that you know the best ways to prevent acne, it’s time to take action. Commit to a healthy lifestyle and use these tips as your guide. Be sure to check in with a dermatologist for professional advice if needed!