The most common age group to suffer from acne are people between the ages of 12-24; 85% of them. And that age group isn’t singled out – acne can strike at any time, at any age.
Acne is frustrating no matter what period of life it occurs. But thankfully, with advances in medical science, acne prevention is easier than ever. Read on to discover some acne tips and be on your way to clearer skin.
What Is Acne?
Identifying acne is pretty simple, but how does it get on your face, and what is it exactly?
Acne, in its basic terms, is a result of a clogged hair follicle. The clogging can be due to oil, dirt, makeup, bacteria, dead skin cells, or other debris left on your face. The three types of acne are pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads.
Flare-ups of acne can also be due to hormonal imbalance. The face isn’t the only part of the body affected; shoulders, back, and chest are common places for acne to show up.
9 Tips for Acne Prevention
For most people, acne is not too severe and can be treated at home with some simple tips and products.
1. Wash Your Face Daily
Washing your face is one of the best preventative measures you can take to keep acne at bay. It rids your face of all impurities and washing twice a day (but no more) is recommended. But there’s a right way to do it.
Using soap and water, create a foamy lather, and gently wash your face in a circular motion with your hands or a washcloth. Avoid harsh scrubbing or products that might strip your skin of its natural oils. Doing so can cause more harm than good.
If you use a washcloth, throw it in the dirty laundry after use because of it of the bacteria that might collect.
2. Avoid Heavy Makeup
Wearing makeup is a natural routine for women, but removing it should be as well! Sleeping with makeup on can clog pores over time and lead to premature aging.
When you’re experiencing a breakout, it’s tempting to cake on the foundation to cover up troublesome spots. But using too much foundation can lead to more problems. It’s best to avoid foundation or apply it sparingly, while your skin heals.
If you break out frequently be sure to choose makeup products that are oil-free or noncomedogenic, which means that it’s unlikely to cause breakouts.
Be sure to wash sponges, brushes, and other makeup tools since they can harbor harmful bacteria.
3. Yes, Use Moisturizer
You might think it’s better to lay off the moisturizer, especially if you have acne-prone skin. However, using a moisturizer keeps the skin balanced and aids in the healing of inflammation caused by acne. If your skin becomes too dry, acne can worsen.
Look for a moisturizer that is labeled noncomedogenic and oil-free.
Don’t skip the sunscreen. Besides protecting your skin from UV rays that lead to premature aging, sunburn can cause your skin to overproduce oil, leading to more acne.
4. Try an OTC Acne-Fighting Product
OTC stands for over the counter, meaning you can pick them up at your local drug store, no prescription necessary. Look for products that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid. These products combat acne but can leave your skin dry and flaky, so start small and don’t forget to moisturize.
If your skin is sensitive, only use these products in trouble spots, not your entire face.
5. No Picking Allowed
When a pimple appears on your skin, it’s tempting to think that popping it will rid the problem! Picking a pimple, though satisfying and pressure-relieving, has the potential to cause scarring or even infection. Be patient and stick to using OTC products.
6. Watch Your Diet
Some dermatologists disagree on the idea that certain types of foods contribute to acne. Fatty foods and chocolate have developed a reputation for causing acne, but there’s little evidence to suggest this is true. Still, eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and whole grains can benefit your entire body and your skin.
7. Hands Off
On any given day, a human can contain about 150 different types of species of bacteria on our hands, which equals out to 3,200 bacteria alone. Gross! Knowing this, do your best to keep your hands off your face, as you may transfer harmful bacteria that could cause acne.
8. Break Out A Sweat
Exercising regularly is another great way to fight acne and take care of your skin in general. This is because you will sweat out extra oils and impurities, but also because it lowers the stress hormone, cortisol. Stress can be behind acne as well.
Be sure to wear loose-fitting clothing so your skin can breathe; otherwise, irritation could occur. After exercising, hit the showers to wash away sweat and avoid clogged pores.
9. Talk to Your Dermatologist
If treating your acne at home proves unsuccessful, make an appointment with your dermatologist. You could have an underlying condition due to an overgrowth of bacteria, in which case you’ll need antibiotics. Or, your dermatologist can recommend stronger acne-fighting prescriptions that could help.
Acne Overview
Acne doesn’t have to interfere with your life! By using these acne prevention tips, you can start seeing clearer skin and gain more confidence.
Are you looking for more beauty and style tips? Check out our page to learn more!
