According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 40 to 50 million Americans suffer from acne. This skin condition does not just hurt a person's self-esteem; it can also be painful and leave permanent scars. If you take a proactive approach to your skin care routine, you do not have to deal with this problem. Here are five ways to prevent acne.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
A healthy diet is not just beneficial for your waistline; it may also help prevent acne. According to TotalBeauty.com, vegetables and fruits with high water content, like watermelon and cucumbers, can help acne by removing toxins from your body. Yogurt is another good food for your skin because it keeps acne-causing bacteria from growing in your body.
Stop Touching Your Face
Touching your face frequently may seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually be pretty harmful for your skin. Because your hands touch dozens of of objects every day, you can easily spread bacteria on your skin and increase your risk of developing acne. If you already have some pimples on your face, constantly touching your skin may irritate them.
Change Your Pillowcases Every Week
One of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of breakouts is to replace your pillowcases once a week. All the dirt and oil from your face will accumulate on your pillows over time and make you more prone to acne.
Give Your Face a Break from Makeup
If you wear makeup on a daily basis, the thought of forgoing it might seem tough. However, foundations, powders and other cosmetics may contain harsh ingredients that aren't good for your skin. Try to avoid wearing makeup at least two to three days a week.
Get Moving
Exercising on a regular basis will do more than keep you in shape and boost your mood. If you work out several days a week, you can reduce the amount of breakouts you get. Physical activity makes you sweat, helping remove toxins, dirt and chemicals that lead to acne. Whether you decide to jog or take fitness classes, your skin will benefit from regular exercise.
Following these helpful tips will improve the appearance of your skin and help you avoid acne. However, if you still get breakouts frequently, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at East Carolina Dermatology and Skin Surgery, PLLC. He or she can determine the underlying cause of your acne and recommend the best treatment.
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