Acne can be tough to get rid of, but there are a number of things that you can do to prevent it from developing in the first place.Take a look at our top tips for preventing acne below to learn how to keep your face clean and blemish-free.
- Keep Your Face Clean. Sounds obvious, but keeping your face clean is the first step in preventing acne. Wash your skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Make sure you use a cleanser that is specifically designed for your face as cleansers designed for your body can have a drying effect. If you have acne, avoid using products with coarse textures on your skin, but if you want to prevent it, it’s a good idea to use a gentle facial scrub a few times a week to really scrub out dead skin cells. Use clean towels everyday too, as dirty towels can cause bacterial problems.
- Moisturize. People with acne, or those with oily or problem skin, are often a little bit wary of using moisturizer as they feel like it’ll make their skin dirtier or oilier. This isn’t true – look for gentle moisturizers with “noncomedogenic” on the label as this means that they are suitable for those with problem skin. Replenishing your skin’s moisture is a really important step in keeping your skin clean and clear.
- Use Makeup Sparingly and Choose Mineral Products. Mineral makeup products are organic and lightweight, meaning that they should hopefully not clog up your pores, keeping your skin clear. Although it can be tempting to throw on makeup when you have a breakout or when you’re feeling self-conscious about your skin, using too much makeup will make things worse and your skin will really suffer for it. Use makeup as sparingly as you can and you should see your skin improve.
- Think About What You Use on Your Hair, Too. This might sound a little bit odd, but it’s a good idea for you to think about what you use on your hair, too, especially if it hangs around your face. You should use gentle, non-cloying products on your hair – keep in mind that anything you use on your hair could end up clogging up the pores on your face. Oily hair can make your face oily too so wash it frequently with a deep cleansing shampoo and conditioner. You should also keep your hair pulled back from your face, particularly if it’s very long. Use plaits and ponytails to stay stylish.
- Stop Touching Your Face! Many people with skin complaints have a habit of picking at and touching their face. This does nothing but spread the bacteria from your breakout around your face, causing new spots. Picking at and touching your face could also inflame your skin, particularly if you have any spots that are open or weeping. Don’t pick at or pop your spots with your fingers and if you must touch your face, wash your hands thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel before touching your face again to prevent the spread of bacteria.