How to Prevent Acne & Avoid Acne Breakouts

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By kathryndarden
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Prevent Acne & Avoid Breakouts

Everyone has heard the common causes blamed for acne: dirty skin, clogged pores, and greasy food. None of these things actually cause acne by themselves. Acne is caused by overactive oil glands in the skin which become stimulated by hormones during the teen years. Oil, dirt, and bacteria, can cause irritation when they get clogged in pores and become a pimple. But did you know your hair care can also contribute to acne?

While none of these tips is guaranteed to prevent acne, following these ten simple steps should reduce pimples, eliminate outbreaks, and help prevent acne.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Shampoo
Soap and other cleansing bars and gels
Disinfectants cleaning products
Healthy diet and exercise
Oil-free makeup
Acne products
Laundry detergent

Step 1

Keep Your Face Clean to Prevent Acne.

Keep Your Face Clean to Prevent Acne. Use a gentle cleanser without harsh chemicals like Cetaphil® Antibacterial Gentle Cleansing Bar or Eucerin Cleansing Gel. Some cleansers can actually irritate your skin as can over-washing. Wash after exercising or working with grease and oil from food or equipment. Sweat contains bacteria and when sweat mixes with oil and grease, it can clog pores and cause acne.
Step 2

Don't Touch Your Face with Your Hands.

Touch Your Face as Little as Possible to Prevent Acne. Rubbing your eyes or face, picking at pimples, and resting your cheek or chin in your hands can cause acne as your hands are usually loaded with bacteria from touching many surfaces every day.
Step 3

Cleanse Your Face Before Going to Bed

Cleanse Your Face Before Going to Bed to Prevent Acne. Going to bed with dirty skin or makeup on is a sure way to invite an acne outbreak. Speaking of makeup -- make sure you use oil-free makeup to avoid breakouts.
Step 4

Keep Your Hair Clean.

Keep Your Hair Clean to Prevent Acne. Dirty hair can also cause acne when it brushes against or hangs in your face. Use gentle hair products and try not to get them on your face. Harsh chemicals can cause acne.
Step 5

Keep Your Telephone Clean.

Keep Your Telephone Clean to Prevent Acne. The bacteria on your phone can cause acne where you hold it against your face. Clean your phone every other day with alcohol or a disinfectant. Alcohol is better for your skin as a harsh disinfectant may also irritate your skin.
Step 6

Keep Your Linens Clean.

Keep Your Linens Clean to Prevent Acne. Wash your pillowcase frequently. Keep your towels and washcloths clean. Bacteria from dirty linens can lead to an acne outbreak.
Step 7

Eat Healthy.

Eat Healthy to Prevent Acne. Drink plenty of water to flush your system from the inside out. Studies also indicate that people who eat fruits and vegetables - foods high in fiber and low in sugar - have a reduced occurrence of acne.
Step 8

Exercise Regularly.

Exercise Regularly to Prevent Acne. Getting regular exercise can increase blood circulation and oxygen supply to the skin, while it helps reduce stress. Remember to wash after exercising to prevent breakouts!
Step 9

Get Plenty of Sleep and Relaxation to Prevent Acne. Stress tends to cause acne outbreaks.
Step 10

Use an Acne Product to Prevent and Treat Acne. Many manufacturers make products for the treatment of acne. Some of the most popular are Clearasil, Neutrogena, Clinique and Noxema as well as stronger treatments like Retin-A or Accutane.