Some people have a genetic predisposition to acne, but the redness and inflammation also has more simple causes, including spreading bacteria around your face by touching it more than you should. If you start using cosmetics to fight acne, then you should be even more aware of how to reduce the risk of getting it in the first place.
Learn more about the best ways to prevent acne. No dermatologist can guarantee you won’t get acne, but with these simple tips you can reduce the damage acne can wreak on your complexion.
Choose Acne-Friendly Makeup
Even if you’re not ready to use less makeup in order to prevent acne, make sure you choose the right type. Minimize the risk of clogged pores by choosing “non-comedogenic” makeup and, whenever possible, choose fragrance-free cosmetics. Mixing a bit of moisturizer or even anti-acne creams into your foundation can also help.
Moisturize and Exfoliate
One of the best ways to prevent acne is to keep your skin moisturized and to exfoliate regularly. Using moisturizer right after most anti-acne products is a great idea to prevent their drying effect. As for exfoliation, forget about scrubs that can sometimes cause inflammation. Instead, opt for a gentle chemical exfoliator with AHAs or BHAs.
See also: How to Exfoliate Acne Prone Skin
Stop Touching Your Face
Even if it’s one of the best ways to prevent acne, some people still can’t do it. Keeping your hands away from your face takes some time to really sink in, but once you managed to do it, you’ll be putting a lot less bacteria on your face and you’ll also reduce the risk of irritation. When you do touch your face, make sure your hands have been cleaned thoroughly.
Make Sure Your Pillow Case Isn’t Contributing to the Problem
The dead skin cells and moisture found in your pillow case quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria that contribute to acne. Make sure you wash it at least weekly and use a good fabric softener, to reduce friction. You can also try special anti-acne pillowcases, but cleaning your regular pillowcase often and sleeping on your back are among the best ways to prevent acne.
Check Your Hair Products
When you have sensitive skin, hair products that contain fragrance can be a constant source of irritation. At the very least, start using fragrance-free shampoos and conditioners, in order to make sure that you’ll reduce the risk of irritation.
Use Sunscreen Correctly
Many anti-acne products leave your skin more sensitive to UV radiation, so exposing yourself to the sun with no sunscreen is a bad idea. One of the best ways to prevent acne is to make sure that your skin is protected from broad-spectrum UVA and UVB radiation with a good sunscreen and a hat.
Change Your Laundry Detergent
If you’re using a detergent filled with chemicals, they might contribute to your breakouts when your face comes in contact with your pillow case and towels. Try a fragrance-free detergent or even go organic in order to make sure that your acne isn’t caused by harsh chemicals from the laundry detergent.
Reduce Stress
Stress is related to many problems, but it can also wreak havoc on your skin. Once you’ve started using the best ways to prevent acne, try to relax and don’t let yourself fret over everything. Sometimes, after a few pimples show up, worrying about a breakout is also likely to contribute to it.
Read also: Signs of Stressed Skin You Shouldn’t Ignore
Clean Your Phone
Cleaning your pillow case and towels regularly isn’t enough to keep potentially harmful bacteria away from your face. Start cleaning your cellphone regularly if you press it against your face when you’re making calls. An even better way to keep it away is to use a Bluetooth headset or headphones. Make sure you also clean them regularly.
Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated
Sometimes, one of the best ways to prevent acne is to simply care for what you eat and drink. Toxins from junk food can have a bad effect on your complexion. Stay hydrated by drinking water and eating water-rich fruits and vegetables, and you may notice positive changes in the look of your skin, along with less breakouts, pimples and irritation.
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