How to Prevent Pimples

Pimples form deep beneath the skin's surface.

Preventing pimples is simple. These easy steps will show you how to keep pesky pimples at bay.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mild soap and water
• Salicylic acid product
• Benzoyl peroxide product
• Oil-free moisturizer

1. Understand that the key to preventing an outbreak of unsightly and often painful and embarrassing pimples is to eliminate as much bacteria as possible from the skin. Preventive steps are based on how frequent and severely these outbreaks occur. If outbreaks are few and far between, and consist of only a few blemishes, washing twice daily with mild soap and water may do the trick.

2. If outbreaks occur frequently, more diligent preventive steps are required. A face wash or moist towelette containing either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may kill the germs associated with these outbreaks. These products are readily available in grocery stores, mass retail stores and pharmacies.

3. Over-stimulating skin can cause pimples, so caution must be taken in this area as well. Don't use harsh cleansers or wash skin too frequently. Unless skin is very oily or activities like sports and/or outdoor exercise are part of a regular routine, twice daily washing should be plenty. Try to avoid rough materials like scratchy face cloths, and always wash gently. Faces should never be scrubbed.

4. People are sometimes puzzled when pimple outbreaks occur on dry skin. This isn't at all unusual. When skin becomes too dry it may automatically stimulate excess oil production in an effort to rehydrate. Even oily skin requires moisturizing. Non-oil based moisturizers are recommended for all skin types. Drinking plenty of water on a daily basis helps skin stay naturally moist.

5. Pimples are indeed one of life's pesky problems. They needn't be, however. Follow these simple steps and help keep skin healthy, radiant and pimple-free.

Tips & Warnings

• These tips are intended for people with slight to average pimple outbreaks. If outbreaks are more frequent or severe, acne may be the culprit. Contact a dermatologist if this occurs.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Acne.com