Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that forms when oil and dead skin cells clog your skin’s hair follicles also called pores.
It comes in different types: blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and in severe cases, cysts and nodules. It can appear in all parts of the body but oftentimes on the face, back, chest, and arms.
Acne is a very common skin condition. As a matter of fact, it affects up to 60% of the overall global population.
Nobody is immune to acne breakouts, every single one of us is susceptible to it. But fret not, there are effective treatments and preventions for the said skin condition.
In this article, we will provide you ways to prevent acne breakouts.
Keep your face moisturized
Moisturizing is crucial to prevent acne and acne breakouts. A well-moisturized skin means lose and breathing pores, which reduces the chances of sebum build up.
Always be careful when choosing a moisturizer. People have different skin types, so don’t just buy a product because your favorite celebrity uses the same.
It may have worked for them but it doesn’t automatically mean that it’ll also work for you. Do a little bit of research as to what ingredients best fit your skin type and what ingredients you need to avoid.
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, or a combination of both, use a moisturizer that does not contain alcohol. Avoid moisturizers that are thick in consistency and contain any drying ingredient.
Before applying the moisturizer on your face, do a patch test on your forearm first. If your skin shows any signs of irritation, immediately discontinue the use.
Cleanse your face regularly
Cleansing is imperative to rid your skin off of excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and impurities left on the surface of the skin. But don’t get it twisted, this doesn’t mean that you must wash your face until it feels squeaky clean every now and then.
Ideally, you should only wash your face twice – after waking up in the morning and during bedtime. Over-cleansing can dry out your skin and may even lead to a breakout.
If you get oily midday and you feel the urge to wash your face, don’t! You can choose to use a toner instead. Apply it on a cotton pad and gently go over your face.
Another good option is by using an oil blotting paper. Just lightly place it on the oily area until it absorbs the oil away. When washing your face, only use lukewarm water, never hot. Avoid bar soaps and other drying cleansers.
The use of harsh and drying soaps and cleansers can inflame the surface of your skin and lead to a breakout. As much as possible, only use water-based cleansers that are milky or jelly in consistency. Do not rub your face hard.
Use small and gentle circular motions, be as delicate as you can. When drying your face, use a very soft and non-abrasive cloth and pat your face dry, never swipe!
Washcloths for the face should only be used once and be replaced daily.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating regularly rids the skin’s surface of dead skin cells and also aids in maintaining moisture.
Regular exfoliation smoothens the skin, improves skin texture, evens out the skin complexion, and prevents dirt and dead skin cell build-up.
When exfoliating, avoid using any rough material.
For example, do not exfoliate using a loofah, exfoliating sponge, or an exfoliating glove so as not to abrase your skin. It is much preferable to do a chemical exfoliation.
Don’t let the word chemical frighten you, there are plenty of chemical exfoliants available that only contain non-harmful actives. Choose chemical exfoliants that have a pH level of 5-6.
You can also exfoliate your face by using a clay mask.
Avoid too much sun exposure
The sun’s radiation contains UV rays that can damage the skin. Skin damage from the sun can be permanent and, if regularly exposed for a long period of time, can lead to skin cancer.
Avoiding sun exposure, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, can prevent skin irritation and damage and ultimately prevent your skin from contracting acne.
Always wear sunscreen, even when you’re indoors as the lightbulbs, televisions, and gadgets also contain UV rays. Wear protective clothing like caps/hats, sunglasses, long-sleeves, and pants.
Try not to involve yourself in too many outdoor activities between the hours where the sun is at its harshest. A lot of celebrities who are naturally tan may influence your desires to get a tan as well.
But always remember that a tan is an indication of skin cell damage. If you insist on getting tan, go for fake tans that do not include the use of sunbeds.
Do not touch your face
Your hand is full of bacteria. Touching any part of your face with your hands can transfer the bacteria and irritate the skin and lead to breakouts.
If you can’t help it, always clean your hands with an alcohol gel beforehand and use a tissue instead of your nails.
Leave your pimples alone
If you have a zit that’s extremely red or swollen, leave it alone! Never touch and pop your pimples. Popping your pimples using your fingers can only do more harm than good.
Chances are, you’re only going to spread the bacteria even more and suffer a scar or blemish that will take even more time to go away.
Avoid wearing too much makeup
Wearing too much makeup can suffocate the skin and result in a breakout. This tip is especially important if you’re already experiencing an acne breakout.
If you wear makeup, make sure to only use makeup products that are noncomedogenic. Double check the ingredients and watch out for harsh chemicals and potential irritants.
Never sleep with your makeup on! No matter how late it is, thoroughly wash your makeup off and do your skincare routine afterward.
In case you are exhausted and cannot do your whole makeup remover routine, use a makeup wipe.
For a more efficient cleansing, use a makeup remover, cleansing balm, cleansing oil, or micellar water first.
Keep your hair clean
The hair tends to get oily after a long day. So make sure to wash it regularly, especially if you have long and thick hair.
Do not put too many unnecessary products on your hair.
If you do, make sure that you get to completely wash them off before going to sleep. Tie your hair into a loose ponytail during bedtime so as to avoid getting them on your face.
Eat clean
It’s still uncertain as to how a person’s diet directly connect to his/her skin. However, several studies suggest that greasy foods, dairy foods, sugary foods, and processed foods can actually trigger acne.
Other foods, on the other hand, tend to help clear the acne such as fruits that, for some, contain a lot of antioxidants, vegetables etc. which can contain vitamins C, E, and A that are known to be good for the skin.
Do stress-relieving activities
Research link acne with stress. Oftentimes, stressing out is inevitable and can keep you from getting enough sleep and lead your skin to breakout.
So in times of stress, do stress-relieving activities like meditating, taking slow and deep breaths, doing yoga, listening to calming and relaxation music, or even watching feel-good films.
For more tips on how to take good care of your skin, read the following articles.
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