10 Tips for Preventing Acne (Pimples)

Zits can be the bane of your life, and acne is simply the worst form of zits that you can have. It’s always embarrassing, sometimes painful and at times scarring. Acne occurs because of increased hormonal activities. That’s why it’s often seen in teenagers. But some women in their 20s and 30s do get acne outbreaks, especially close to their periods. When your body produces hormones in excess, it stimulates your oil glands. The excessive oil production combines with dead skin to plug the pores. This leads to a buildup of dirt and bacteria under your skin, which ultimately erupts in a rash of acne or pimples.



Most of us who get acne desperately resort to treatments suggested by all and sundry. This can range from cleaning your acne with toothpaste to avoiding junk food. Some of the advice people given is sheer junk. Of course, if you see your dermatologist, he will prescribe medication. But there are other ways by which you can prevent acne.

1. Make a change in the kind of cosmetics that you use. Always apply an oil-free moisturizer. Use cosmetics that are water based.
2. Wash your face only twice a day, but do it thoroughly. Be sure not to scrub your face too hard. That’s not going to unclog the pores. It’s merely going to irritate your skin.
3. Honey and lemon are invaluable in your fight against acne. Apply a honey and lemon mask on your face once a week. Honey is a disinfectant and it also makes your blemishes fade away. Lemon will prevent your face from getting oily and also has a bleaching effect to reduce scars.
4. Drink plenty of water. The 8-glasses-of-water-a-day rule holds good for acne prevention too. It removes your toxins and thus clears your skin. It also helps to keep your skin well hydrated.
5. Never ever go to sleep with your make up on. Acne is caused by clogged pores. Leaving make up overnight will worsen the situation. However, do not use cold creams or heavy lotions to wipe away your make up before washing your face. After all, adding more oil and grease to your face is the last thing you should be doing. Stick to a water based make up remover.
6. Keep your hair and scalp spotlessly clean. Be sure to clear up any dandruff that you may have. Studies have shown that dandruff often exacerbates acne. Oily hair touching your face can irritate your zits. So be sure to keep your hair completely oil free.
7. Sleep well. This means that you should be regularly sleeping for 8 to 10 hours. Sleep is the time of total rest for your body and it takes this opportunity to cleanse itself. A sound night’s sleep can discourage acne formation.
8. Never ever pick on any small spot or zit that may have appeared on your face. Bursting your acne is not really going to help you. Most probably what’s going to happen is that the bacteria from your hand will get transferred to the broken zit, causing an infection and further aggravating issue. The end result could well be a permanent scar.
9. Diet is important to prevent your skin from erupting. Eat plenty of green and fresh vegetables. Do not eat deep fried or oily food. Cut down on sugar, processed foods and caffeine. All this may not directly affect your acne. But it will keep your system clean, which in turn will have a positive impact on the condition of your skin. So, even though there are skeptics who feel that it’s rather farfetched, eating vegetables can ultimately help keep your skin acne free.
10. Avoid hot, sweaty areas. This may not always be possible, but try and avoid it as much as possible. For example, a hot kitchen with its oily fumes and grease is not the ideal work environment for an acne-inflicted person. Exercise regularly because exercise reduces stress. Stress causes acne by over stimulation of your oil glands. However, do remember to shower immediately after you exercise to wash away the sweat.

Thus taking some basic precautions and making a few changes in your lifestyle can help to prevent acne outbreaks.