9 Ways to Prevent Acne

Do you suffer from acne breakouts? If so, you’ve probably spent countless dollars on acne creams and gels that promise to help clear your skin. The bad news is you’re probably wasting your money. The good news is, there are ways to prevent future breakouts that won’t cost you a penny.
Acne breakouts often occur because of changes you’ve made to your daily routine. Maybe you’ve started using a different laundry detergent, shampoo, face cream or soap. These are often the biggest culprits of an acne breakout. If you want to keep your skin clear and radiant, avoid breakouts by following these 9 simple tips:

1.Keep your face clean
 Whether or not you have acne, it's important to wash your face twice daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and extra oil from your skin's surface. Washing more often than twice daily is not necessarily better; it may do more harm than good. Use warm, not hot, water and a mild facial cleanser. Using a harsh soap (like deodorant body soap) can hurt the already inflamed skin and cause more irritation.
Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly with a washcloth, an exfoliating glove, or loofah (a coarse-textured sponge). Gently wash it with a washcloth or a very soft cloth. Always rinse well, and then dry your face with a clean towel. (Toss the towel in the laundry hamper, as dirty towels spread bacteria.) Also, use the washcloth only once before washing.

2. Moisturize
  Many acne products contain ingredients that dry the skin, so always use a moisturizer that minimizes dryness and skin peeling. Look for "noncomedogenic" on the label, which means it should not cause acne. There are moisturizers made for oily, dry, or combination skin.


3. Try an over-the-counter acne product
  These acne products don't need a prescription. They may have ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, which curb bacteria and dry your skin. Start with a small amount at first. Then you can adjust how much you use and how often, depending on how much peeling or drying you have. Use these products with caution if you have sensitive skin.

4. Use makeup sparingly
 During a breakout, avoid wearing foundation, powder, or blush. If you do wear makeup, wash it off at the end of the day. If possible, choose oil-free cosmetics without added dyes and chemicals. Choose makeup that is labeled as "noncomedogenic," meaning it should not cause acne. Read the ingredients list on the product label before buying.

5. Watch what you put on your hair
  Avoid using fragrances, oils, pomades, or gels on your hair. If they get on your face, they can block your skin's pores and irritate your skin. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Oily hair can add to the oil on your face, so wash your hair often, especially if you're breaking out. Got long hair? Keep it pulled away from your face.

6. Choose Acne-Friendly Makeup

The makeup you use (and how much you use) has a big impact on the health of your skin. It’s quite ironic that the products you spend a lot of money on to keep your skin looking good, could potentially be clogging your pores and encouraging the pimples you’re trying so hard to hide.
If you’re prone to breakouts, look for products that say “non-comedogenic” on the label. This means that the product is specifically designed not to clog your pores. Clogged pores are one of the leading causes of breakouts. Many dermatologists will also recommend lightweight or oil-free products with a “non-comedogenic” label, which is– which means that makeup won’t clog your pores. Also, avoid heavy, greasy products that contain ingredients like mineral oils and cocoa butter, which can spur pimples.

7. Change Your Pillow Case Weekly

Forget the $50 bottle of acne cream you’ve been purchasing every month, changing your pillow case is a proven method for preventing breakouts. All of the sweat, dirt and makeup from your face is seeping into your pillow every night. Particularly if you don’t wash your face before heading to bed, basically you are sleeping in all of the dirt, oil, and debris that collected on your face all day.
If you don’t wash your pillow cases regularly you’re basically planting your face on a pillow of sweat and dirt for 8 hours. Not only will your face stay oily, but the potential for clogging your pores with excess dirt is also very high. Washing your cases will give your face the fresh rest it needs at the end of the day.

8. Review Your Shampoo

Have you noticed that you’ve been breaking out a lot more than usual lately? You might want to check your shampoo. Shampoos and conditioners with a lot fragrance and chemicals can irritate skin and cause breakouts on your forehead, jaw, neck and back.
Considering using non-fragrance products (or all-natural products) and always make sure you rinse the shampoo out of your hair completely before washing your face in the shower. Organic products without added chemicals, oils, and fragrance may also provide a lightweight wash and a natural smell without causing breakouts. Make sure to wash your face after rinsing your hair to get rid of lingering shampoo and conditioner residue.

9. Stop Touching Your Face

You might notice that people who touch their face often are prone to breakouts. This is because the oils and dirt on your hands are constantly transferred to your sweet visage. This might seem like common sense but keeping your hands away from your face is harder than you think.
If you’re sitting in class or at work, chances are your head is resting on your hands and your fingers are running up your cheeks. You might also twist your lip or finger your chin, leaving those areas prone to breakouts. The more you touch, the more irritation and breakouts can result. Keeping your hands and fingers off your face will keep it clean and healthy and help eliminate future breakouts.