Preventing Acne

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updated about 1 year ago

According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 85 percent of adolescents and young adults between the ages of twelve and twenty-four develop the condition, and 25 percent of adults are still affected by it into their thirties and forties. As with many other health issues, most people wait until acne has become a problem, before they do anything to try and treat it. While this approach may work to reduce the appearance of acne, it does not stop acne from developing, nor does it prevent acne scars from forming. The best way to stop acne, and minimize acne scarring is to prevent acne before it ever gets a chance to start.

Tips For Preventing Acne

• Clean Up: Washing your face is very important in order to prevent acne. But you don't need to scrub your face, or use harsh, abrasive cleansers. In fact, products or techniques that irritate your skin can actually make acne worse. Acne prone skin is very sensitive, and it may respond to irritation by producing even more oil. Instead of using harsh cleansers, gently wash your face twice a day with water and a mild cleanser. And be sure to keep your face towels clean so that they will not have a chance to harbor acne-causing bacteria.

• Get Your Groove On: Regular exercise helps to increase the circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the system. This is wonderful for the overall health of the skin and may help prevent acne. Exercise is also a great way to reduce the stress that could also lead to acne. Just be sure to change your clothes and shower off immediately after exercising to keep oil and bacteria from combining on your skin to form blemishes.

• Keep The Sheets Clean: Most people sweat a little bit at night as their body enters a state of deep, restorative sleep. Be sure to wash your pillowcases and nightclothes regularly so that they don't harbor the bacteria that can lead to blemishes. Use a natural chemical free laundry detergent.

• For The Hair: If you have long hair, make sure it is clean and preferably pulled off of your face. During the day, go for a style that keeps your hair from touching your face. And at night, tie your hair back in a loose ponytail to keep if from lying on your face. Avoid greasy hair products that may cause breakouts along the hairline.

• Stay Hydrated: Water helps to move waste and nutrients through the body. It is a vital element in the overall health of your skin. Try to drink at least eight of water each day to detoxify the body and keep your skin healthy from the inside out.

• Go Light on the Make Up: If you have acne-prone skin, go for a less is more philosophy on the cosmetics you use. And stay away from all oil based cosmetics that may promote the development of acne. Stick with organic, chemical free make-up that won't clog the pores or aggravate sensitive skin. Also, be sure to keep cosmetic brushes clean by washing them regularly in warm soapy water.

• Eat Right: Scientists are still unsure of the exact link between diet and acne. But a healthy diet, full of fresh fruit and vegetables can benefit your overall health and promote the health of your skin. Your body needs about forty different vitamins and minerals on a daily basis in order to maintain cells and repair tissue damage. Eat a variety of healthy foods to ensure that you give your body adequate nutrition. And many acne sufferers find that their skin improves if they avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.

• Stay Out of the Sun: Acne prone skin is very sensitive and it can be easily damaged by exposure to too much sunlight, heat or cold. Some acne medications can also make the skin more sensitive to the effects of the sunlight. It's important to wear a natural SPF sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher everyday, especially when exposed to sunlight.

• No Picking: Do not pick, pop or squeeze, or otherwise aggravate acne blemishes. Squeezing blemishes or whiteheads can lead to infection or scarring. And in almost all situations, picking at blemishes will actually make your acne worse.

• Don't Freak Out: Stress can cause acne to flare up, so it's important to use stress management techniques that can help you stay calm. Deep breathing exercises, yoga, Pilates, meditation, and tai chi are all good ways to reduce stress.

• Stay Loose: Loose clothing is much easier on the skin than tight clothing. If you are prone to acne, stay away from tight clothes that will cause friction on the skin and allow sweat and oil to be absorbed into your skin more then it needs to be. Loose clothing is far less irritating to the skin.