How to Prevent Acne

Wash your face twice daily: once in the evening and once in the morning when you wake up. When washing your face, gently use warm water (avoid hot water). The warmth will open your pores, making the cleaning process more effective. Be careful not to use water that is too hot to prevent skin burns.

• Ensure that the cleanser is suitable for your skin type. Opt for products that are hypoallergenic or acne-fighting. Strong, heavily scented soaps often worsen acne.
• In the U.S. and other countries, well-known, widely available facial cleansers include: Cetaphil, Dove Sensitive, Neutrogena, and Basis. However, there are many "generic" brands that can be more affordable and work equally well. If your budget allows, higher-end brands like Boscia, Fresh, and Murad can be excellent options.
• Look for face washes containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for enhanced acne-fighting power.

Be more cautious when choosing a face wash if you have oily or dry skin. Both of these extreme skin types require special care.

• Washing your face too much can sometimes do more harm than good. Acne is not caused by dirty skin. Washing your face once in the morning, once at night, and after sweating or removing makeup is enough. Over-washing can irritate acne, worsening the condition.
• If you have dry skin, you should use an oil-based cleanser or one with moisturizing ingredients.
• Oily skin typically doesn't need a moisturizer-containing cleanser. However, you should be cautious not to make your skin too dry. If your skin feels tight after washing, it means your cleanser is too harsh.

Wash your hands before washing your face. If your hands are oily or dirty, washing your face won’t be as effective. Always wash your hands before cleansing your face for the best results.

• Avoid scrubbing or washing too aggressively. Some people prefer using towels to wash their face, but this can cause more irritation and make acne worse. The best way to clean your face is by gently using your hands.

Moisturize after every wash. Moisturizing your skin is just as important as washing it. When you cleanse your face, you strip away oil and moisture, which can trigger your skin to produce even more oil to compensate. To maintain balanced skin, it’s crucial to replenish moisture by using a moisturizer after every wash.

Choose the right moisturizer. Depending on your skin type, you may need to pick different moisturizers. Below are general guidelines, but skin varies from person to person, so it’s important to experiment and find what works best for you:

• Oily skin: Opt for gel-based moisturizers. Gel formulas are better for oily skin as they provide essential moisture without being too heavy.
• Dry skin: Go for cream-based moisturizers. These tend to be thicker and longer-lasting than gels. Cream moisturizers are typically recommended by doctors for skin that needs extended hydration.
• You can also look for moisturizers specifically designed for acne-prone skin.

Gently exfoliate your skin twice a day. Exfoliating means massaging gently and removing the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis) to help clear away dead skin cells and unclog pores. You can buy commercial exfoliators or make your own.

• For some acne sufferers, vigorous exfoliation (like using abrasive materials) may worsen acne. Chemical exfoliants may be gentler on the skin, and some can be used daily (usually overnight). AHA exfoliants help remove dead skin cells, while BHA is effective in cleansing clogged pores. You can use one or both.

Remove makeup before going to bed. Avoid sleeping with makeup still on your face. If you regularly wear makeup, it’s important to make a habit of removing it before sleeping. Makeup can clog your pores, leading to acne. When applying makeup, make sure to choose a foundation that is oil-free. If you don't have an oil-free option, you can use face powder, which helps absorb excess oil from the makeup or your skin. If you tend to forget to remove your makeup or don’t want the hassle of washing your face, consider using makeup-removing wipes for quick use.

• Make sure to also cleanse other cosmetics, such as sunscreen.
• Don’t forget to wash your face after removing makeup.

Avoid touching your face. Your hands are breeding grounds for bacteria as they come into contact with numerous surfaces. Touching your face is highly discouraged because it can spread bacteria. The fewer bacteria on your face, the lower your risk of breakouts.

Similarly, avoid sharing items with siblings who have acne. This includes towels, makeup brushes, makeup kits, headbands, etc.

Wash pillowcases regularly. Oils on your pillowcase can contribute to acne by spreading dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. Aim to wash your pillowcases at least once a week, though you can do so more frequently if you notice significant improvement. Consider using two sets of pillowcases, rotating them each week to avoid constant washing.

• Try to avoid laundry detergents with fragrances and dryer sheets. These can sometimes cause acne in certain individuals.

Pay attention to your hair care routine, especially if you have oily skin. Your hair care practices can greatly impact acne, particularly around your forehead. The scalp produces natural oils that keep hair smooth, but an excess of oil, while beneficial for the hair, can be harmful to the skin. For this reason, you should shampoo at least twice a week. Strive to balance hair care and maintaining healthy skin.

Be cautious about using too many hair care products. Hair gels, mousse, and hairsprays can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It's important to be mindful of how many hair products you use, especially if you have acne around your forehead.

Avoid direct sunlight. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can be harmful to your skin. You probably know that it can lead to skin cancer, but did you also know that it can worsen acne? When outdoors or planning to stay in the sun for a long period, make sure to apply a 'noncomedogenic' sunscreen to protect against harmful rays. Noncomedogenic means it won’t clog your pores. Also, don’t forget to wear a hat. Be aware that some acne medications can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.

Drink enough water to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is also a key to maintaining healthy, glowing skin. While scientific evidence on whether water helps detoxify the body is mixed, most experts agree that drinking water has positive effects on the skin. You don't have to drink eight glasses of water a day, but aim to drink enough to replenish the fluids lost during exercise and when you're thirsty.

Eat a balanced diet. After many years of uncertainty, doctors have started to understand that diet can indeed make a difference in whether acne forms and how severe it is. A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats (such as omega-3 fatty acids) can help combat acne while also providing energy and supporting overall health. In addition to the foods mentioned, you should also try to consume enough:

• Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps the body flush out proteins and oils that cause acne. You can take a vitamin A supplement (10,000 IU) or consume vitamin A-rich foods such as fish oil, salmon, spinach, and broccoli.
• Zinc. Some evidence suggests that people with acne may have insufficient zinc levels. Zinc is thought to create an environment that is less favorable for acne-causing bacteria. Zinc-rich foods include turkey, wheat germ, oysters, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids encourage the replacement of healthy skin cells and reduce inflammation. Some omega-3-rich foods include flaxseeds, salmon, sunflower seeds, and almonds.

Avoid harmful foods and beverages. Scientists believe that foods with a high glycemic index, such as chocolate, chips, pizza, and more, are linked to acne. In addition to high glycemic foods, milk may also be a major culprit in causing acne. Doctors have discovered:

Milk and other dairy products contain hormones (testosterone or androgens) that can increase insulin levels, similar to high-glycemic foods such as sugars and starches. Scientists have now clarified the connection between dairy and acne. While you don’t necessarily need to eliminate milk from your diet, it’s wise to avoid excessive consumption if you’re concerned about acne.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. These stimulants are not good for your skin. Studies worldwide have shown a link between toxins like tobacco and alcohol with acne. If you smoke and drink regularly, consider quitting these habits if you're serious about improving your overall health.

Exercise to reduce stress and prevent acne. This activity also helps in preventing acne as it lowers stress levels in the body. Stress is a significant cause of acne in both children and adults. Therefore, any solution that helps you manage stress in life is a 'win' in your efforts to maintain glowing skin. Exercise is one such solution.

To reduce stress, make sure to get enough sleep. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can significantly increase stress levels, sometimes rising by 15% for every hour of missed sleep compared to normal sleep patterns. Aim for 9-10 hours if you're under 18, and 7-8 hours if you're an adult. Additionally, sleep is a natural healing therapy for the body, including skin recovery.

Use benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is effective in killing the bacteria responsible for acne. Available in different concentrations, research shows that a 2.5% concentration is just as effective as the 5-10% solutions, but with less skin irritation. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide helps exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, revealing a fresher, more youthful complexion.

Use salicylic acid. Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid fights the bacteria causing acne. It also accelerates the shedding of dead skin cells, promoting the growth of new skin. Apply a small amount of salicylic acid to the acne-affected area before bed, after cleansing your face.

Consider using tea tree oil. While not specifically formulated for acne, this natural remedy can be very effective. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the size and redness of pimples. One study found that tea tree oil was as effective as benzoyl peroxide in reducing inflammation in acne patients.

• Tea tree oil is potent, so dilute it with water before using a cotton swab or similar tool to apply it to your skin. Using too much tea tree oil can irritate the skin.

If the condition worsens, consult a doctor. A dermatologist is a specialist trained to identify and treat skin disorders. They may prescribe medications containing clindamycin phosphate or benzoyl peroxide, both of which are commonly used to combat acne. Prescription medications are usually much stronger than over-the-counter solutions.

Use manuka honey. Manuka honey is another natural remedy that many people find quite effective for treating acne, and it is gentler on the skin compared to most acne medications. It possesses powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce and prevent scarring while soothing and hydrating the skin. You can use manuka honey as a cleanser (though you still need a soap or facial wash if you’re removing makeup), or apply it as a mask and/or topical treatment for the skin.