Top 5 Tips To Avoid Acne Breakouts
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, and while it’s nearly impossible to avoid entirely, there are a few habits you can get into that will significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of breakouts. From removing all makeup before bed (yes, even after a night out) to exfoliating regularly, check out the top five ways to avoid acne breakouts.
- Limit and Remove Makeup
Though we completely understand wanting to cover up pimples with concealer or foundation, the reality is that doing so only serves to clog your pores more, exacerbating the situation or worse, triggering another breakout. As such, we encourage you to go au naturale as much as possible. When it isn’t possible, look for makeup that is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Beyond limiting how much you wear makeup, be sure to remove it in full every single night.
- Wash Your Face Daily
Acne is caused when an excess of oil, dirt, and sweat builds up and clog your pores. Thus, one of the best ways to prevent acne breakouts is by washing your face daily (ideally twice a day). Use a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser that won’t irritate your skin. Start by washing your face with warm (not hot) water, apply your cleanser, massage it into the skin using your fingers, and finally, rinse your face with water and pat dry.
- Don’t Touch Your Face
Thankfully, the COVID-19 pandemic has got most of us out of the habit of touching our faces. Whether you’re trying to prevent the spread of a deadly virus or simply trying to avoid a breakout, the same rules apply. Keep your hands, which are covered in bacteria, away from your face. Constantly touching your face will only serve to clog your pores and lead to acne. Wash your hands frequently and touch your face as minimally as possible.
- Drink Water
Believe it or not, drinking water is one of the best habits you can get into if you want to avoid breakouts. This is because when your body is dehydrated, it signals to your oil glands to produce more oil (called sebum). This excess production of oil is one of the biggest contributors to acne. Plus, when your skin is dehydrated it can look dull in appearance, which makes inflammation and redness more noticeable. As such, stay hydrated by drinking at least two litres of water each day (your glowing, radiant skin will thank you).
- Exfoliate Regularly
As mentioned above, acne breakouts form when pores become clogged with oil, dirt, or dead skin. As such, finding a way to remove this debris is critical to avoiding breakouts. That’s where exfoliation comes in. Beyond washing your face daily, incorporate an Exfoliating Tonic or AHA/BHA Serum into your routine that is full of beneficial acids, like salicylic acid and citric acid. These gentle ingredients are powerhouse exfoliators and will help unclog pores, smooth skin texture, and prevent breakouts.
