5 Simple Tips to Keep Acne Away

There is no cure for acne. But is there a secret to avoiding it? The answer is both no and yes. Genetics and hormones decide who gets it, and when. If your genetics made you prone to acne, then you may be in the 85% of teens and young adults or up to 40% of adults who experience it.

Dermatologists have identified 4 factors that contribute to the development of acne, which are the skin producing too much oil and clogging pores, dead skin cells building up, the presence of a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in the pores, and inflammation of the skin, which also leads to redness.

A doctor or dermatologist can help to identify which factor or combination of factors is causing your acne. However, many methods of treatment and prevention are similar, regardless of the cause. But you can manage acne and even prevent blemishes from forming. A skincare regimen for teens and young adults that targets the acne cycle with OTC and cosmetic ingredients, and an acne regimen targeted specifically for adult acne and visible signs of aging used consistently is your best defense. There are other tips and tricks you can practice to keep your skin blemish-free, or as close to it as possible. Here are 5 of them that can help to protect against acne and reduce the number of breakouts.

Clean your Makeup Brushes and Tools Regularly

How often do you clean and replace your makeup tools and brushes? A big part of caring for your skin involves tools, so it's important to clean and replace them as necessary on a regular basis. Whether they are made from synthetic or the finest natural bristles, makeup brushes are a magnet for dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and bacteria, which can all contribute to blemishes. You can undo all of the hard work taking good care of your skin if you're using dirty or worn-out brushes.

If you have acne-prone skin, you should clean your brushes after every single use. Use warm water and a mild anti-bacterial soap or disinfectant alcohol to clean your brushes and tools, rinsing until the water is clear. Squeeze out excess water. Then lay them flat to dry on a paper towel to avoid any warping that can happen to them. However, if you don't clean your brushes after every use, at least clean them every 2 weeks. The longer you wait to clean them, the longer you're putting bacteria on your skin, causing breakouts. Cleaner tools = clearer skin.

Store Your Tweezers Properly

Plucking facial hair can hurt because it's traumatizing the hair follicle it's being plucked from. Always store your tweezers in a sanitary place and sanitize them before use with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. You don't want the kind of trouble that's lurking on the tips of your tweezers to get into your pores.

Change your Pillowcases Regularly

Ever notice you are breaking out more on one side of your face than the other? Which side do you sleep on most? A build up of dirt and oil on your pillowcase can contribute to clogged pores when your face is lying in it for 8 hours. Or perhaps your laundry detergent is irritating your skin? Try an unscented or fragrance-free detergent and change your pillowcases often, like once a week. You will sleep better knowing they are not making your acne worse.

Beware of Your Cell Phone

Sanitize your phone often with antibacterial wipes or rubbing alcohol. It's a magnet for microbes that can cause breakouts on your face. Your phone can pick up dirt and bacteria, which can then get transferred to your face when you're talking on the phone. Clean your phone often, wear headphones, or hold it away from the side of your face.

Keep Your Hands Off Your Face

Avoid rubbing your eyes and touching the skin on your face. Stop picking at pimples. Stop tugging or pulling at your face. All of these habits can affect the quality of your skin. Rubbing your forehead or simply resting your chin on your hand adds oil and bacteria, causing it to break out and look greasy. Rubbing your face can also loosen the skin, causing premature wrinkles. The flow of bacteria, viruses, and allergens from your fingertips onto your face can cause a breakout. Wash your hands often with warm water and soap. And remember, the care and handling of your acne-prone skin should not actually involve your hands, unless you're washing your face or applying skincare.

Do you have any other acne prevention tips and tricks you would like to share? Please let me know in the comments below.

Source:

https://www.dermrf.com/2019/03/5-easy-ways-to-keep-acne-away/