7 ways to prevent pimples

Find out how these seven tips can help you prevent pimples and get clearer-looking skin.

• Wash your face twice a day to remove makeup and impurities and unclog pores. Acne cleansers and lotions that contain benzoyl peroxideor salicylic acid are a good option to help prevent pimples. Benzoyl peroxide will kill acne-causing bacteria while salicylic acid helps unclog pores.
• Acne cleansers can dry the skin, so be sure to moisturize after each wash with an oil-free moisturizer. Since acne-prone skin doesn’t slough off dead skin cells as well, you will need to exfoliate your face at least once a week. Skip this step if your cleansers or creams are designed to exfoliate as well.
• Use a soft facial brush or cloth when washing to gently exfoliate. Avoid harsh facial scrubs as they can only aggravate the skin. Always test a product first on the back of your hand. If it leaves the skin pink or causes a reaction, it is definitely too harsh for your face.

Masks with AHA, BHA or other enzymes gently exfoliate and stimulate the skin at the cellular level, while clay mud masks help tighten pores. Consider adding a mask to your weekly skin care regimen.

Try to limit your use of cosmetics, especially around the time of a breakout. Noncomedogenic makeup is more suitable to acne-prone skin, as it won’t clog pores. And always remove your makeup before going to bed. This is the one skincare rule you should never break, especially if you have acne.

There is no scientific link to suggest that eating chocolate causes pimples, but you can bet that our overall nutrition impacts our general health and are important when it comes to preventing pimples.

If you’re prone to acne, try to avoid regular consumption of fried, greasy foods. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and natural whole grains. Our skin needs essential fatty acids like omega-3s. You can find them in foods like fish, nuts and leafy greens or add a supplement to your daily regimen.

Exercise releases endorphins that have a positive benefit on everything from our mood to our skin. It’s a great way to relieve stress too, which has been linked to causing pimples.

Our hands can transfer germs to our face, so avoid excessive touching. Wipe your cell phone and phone receivers with an anti-bacterial cloth regularly to kill germs.

It’s no surprise that sunburns are bad for skin, but even tanning puts skin in distress. Use noncomedogenic sunscreen on your face. Limit your sun exposure and stay out of the sun while its rays are at their strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Preventing pimples does require a little dedication, but the clean, clear skin you’ll have as a result of your actions is worth every minute.