Preventing Acne
According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 85% of adolescents and young adults between ages 12 and 24 develop acne. And 25% of adults are still affected by the condition into their 30’s and 40’s.
As with many other health issues, most people wait until acne has become a problem before they do anything to treat it. While this approach may work to reduce the appearance of acne, it does not stop acne from developing. Nor does it prevent acne scars from forming. The best way to stop acne and minimize acne scarring is to prevent acne before it ever gets a chance to start.
Tips for Preventing Acne
Clean Up: Washing your face is a very important part of preventing acne. But you don't need to scrub your face, or use harsh, abrasive cleansers. In fact, products or techniques that irritate your skin may actually make acne worse. Acne prone skin is usually very sensitive, and may respond to irritation by producing even more oil. Instead, gently wash your face twice a day with purified water and a mild cleansing agent such as Aquaspirit®. Be sure to keep your face towels clean so that they will not harbor acne-causing bacteria.
Get Your Groove On: Regular exercise helps to increase the circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the system. This is wonderful for the overall health of the skin and may help prevent acne. Exercise is also a great way to reduce the stress that could also lead to acne. Just be sure to change your clothes and shower immediately after exercising to keep oil and bacteria from combining on your skin to form blemishes.
Keep The Sheets Clean: Most people sweat a little bit at night as their body enters a state of deep, restorative sleep. Be sure to wash your pillowcases and nightclothes regularly so that they don't harbor the bacteria that can lead to blemishes. Use 100% organic cotton sheets for best results.
For The Hair: If you have long hair, make sure it is clean and preferably pulled off of your face. During the day, go for a style that keeps your hair from touching your face. And at night, tie your hair back in a loose ponytail to keep if from lying on your face. Avoid greasy hair products that may cause breakouts along the hairline.
Stay Hydrated: Water helps to move waste and nutrients through the body. It’s a vital component of the overall health of your skin. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day to detoxify the body and keep your skin healthy from the inside out.
Go Light on the Makeup: If you have acne-prone skin, go for a less is more philosophy regarding the cosmetics you use. And stay away from any oil based cosmetics that may promote the development of acne. Stick with oil-free and chemical free products that won't clog the pores or aggravate sensitive skin. Also, be sure to keep cosmetic brushes clean by washing them regularly in warm soapy water.
Eat Right: Scientists are still unsure as to the exact link between diet and acne. But a healthy diet, full of fresh fruit and vegetables can benefit your overall health and promote the health of your skin. Your body needs about 40 different vitamins and minerals on a daily basis in order to maintain cells and repair tissue damage. Eat a variety of healthy foods to ensure that you give your body adequate nutrition. Many acne sufferers also find that their skin improves if they avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Stay Out of the Sun from 10am till 5pm: Acne prone skin is very sensitive and it can be easily damaged by exposure to too much sunlight, heat or cold. And some acne medications can make the skin even more sensitive to the effects of sunlight. It's important to wear an organic sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher everyday.
No Picking: Never pick, pop, squeeze, or otherwise aggravate acne blemishes. Squeezing blemishes or whiteheads can lead to infection or scarring. And in almost all situations, picking at blemishes will actually make your acne worse.
Don't Freak Out: Stress can cause acne to flare up, so it’s important to use stress management techniques to stay calm. Deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and tai chi are all good ways to reduce stress.
Stay Loose: Loose clothing is much easier on the skin than tight clothing. If you are prone to acne, stay away from tight clothes that will cause friction on the skin and force sweat and oil to be reabsorbed into your skin. Loose clothing is far less irritating to the skin.
About the Author
Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop and sell exclusively high-end natural and organic skin care lines to support a wide range of skin conditions. The products he promotes are free of toxic tag-along herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, fumigants, irradiation, liver-toxic glues, binders, or gelatin capsules with animal-source risk and toxic preservatives. For more information on skin care or to ask questions at a skin care forum visit Skin-care-support.org.
