Prevent Acne

Everyone at one time or another has experienced having acne, be it a lone pimple or a more serious case. Common acne is caused by excessive secretion of sebum, which is the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Sebum serves to keep the skin and hair healthy, but when there is an over-production of it, the sebum clogs up hair follicles and causes acne. Since it is oily in nature, sebum tends to attract dirt and dust from the environment, leading to bacterial growth and what we commonly refer to as a pimple.

To prevent acne at home, here are some tips:

Keep your face clean. Wash your face or other affected area with a gentle cleanser twice per day. Simple cleaning is a good tool to break up the oils and prevent acne bacteria from establishing a foothold.

Cleanse properly. Many over-the-counter medicated cleansers will help you to prevent acne by way of ingredients targeted at the bacteria. Be sure to read the label and use the product correctly for best results.

Try not to touch your face. In our day to day lives, our hands come in contact with millions of bacteria which get transferred about with everything we touch. You will prevent acne by preventing the spread of bacteria to your face. (Good hand-washing habits are an important component of this as well.)

Do not squeeze pimples. It will not help you prevent acne, and may lead to infection, worsening of acne, and scarring.

Avoid oily skin care products. Choose water-based skin care formulas that clean gently. Do not use cold creams, petroleum jelly, and oil-based cosmetics such as lipstick if you are prone to acne. Prevent acne by not adding to the amount of oil already in your skin.

Eat properly. Some experts say that diet is not a component of acne, but anecdotal evidence cannot be overlooked. Prevent acne by eating a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and reduce your intake of processed foods and alcohol. Eating yogurt with active probiotic cultures is terrific for your overall system, of which the skin is the largest organ. Try switching to sea salt instead of iodized salt, since iodine may be linked to acne for some people. Consume “good fats” such as olive oil in place of saturated fats such as those found in butter.

Improve your lifestyle. You may find that daily exercise and proper sleep will help prevent acne, because they both have a positive effect on the hormonal balance of your body.  

Of course, if you are having extreme difficulty with acne, it is best to consult a dermatologist for help. Your doctor has prescription medications available, from oral antibiotics to medicated ointments and creams that may not only clear up the acne you have today, but he or she can be prescribe them as a prophylactic to prevent acne on a daily basis.