9 Ways To Prevent Pesky Breakouts

Acne sucks, and that's pretty much a universal truth. However, did you know there were plenty of ways that you can prevent blemishes before they even start to form? It's true! According to fancy things like science and dermatology, there are several ways that you can tweak your lifestyle choices to ward off any acne-causing bacteria or damaging spots before they happen. I know; it sounds almost too good to be true. However, it's proven to work. With a few lifestyle changes, you can sometimes fight off acne for good. Of course, everyone's skin is different, and what works for some people might not work for others, but if you haven't tried the below tips yet and are worried about acne... your problems might be more easily solved than you think.

As an acne-sufferer myself, I know just how frustrating those nasty bumps and lumps can be. From dry and flaky to oily and inflamed, acne always finds a way to make itself known on your face. It's the worst! However, in order to fight it off, you just have to get to know your skin a little bit better. Whether it's an oil-slick or as dry as a desert, there are many ways that you can tweak your skin care routine to prevent blemishes without causing a host of other issues. Wondering what you can do to banish your zits for good? Here are nine ways to prevent acne from forming on your face.

1. Search For Key Ingredients In Your Acne Products

Origins Spot Treatment, $25, Amazon

When it comes to fighting off blemishes, not all acne products are created equally. In order to banish even the worst of breakouts, reach for products that contain powerful acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid. All of these ingredients help to penetrate clogged pores, remove bacteria, and gently exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, according to WebMD.com.

2. Be Gentle

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $10, Amazon

While you may think your clogged pores could use a good scrub, try being gentle on your skin instead. MarieClaire.com reported that harsh scrubbing can cause the skin to become irritated even further. Try reaching for more gentle solutions like Cetaphil to fight off lingering bacteria.

3. Don't Apply Makeup To Open Zits

Even though you want to cover that nasty open zit, don't! A freshly popped zit is essentially an open sore. By adding makeup on top of this, you're only clogging the pore even more, according to skin care guru, Kate Somerville in an interview with Bustle. So, keep your popped pimples makeup-free, and apply a zit zapping spot treatment instead.

4. Allow Your Cleanser To Soak In

Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser, $6.47, Amazon

According to Cosmopolitan, after applying your cleanser, let the product soak into the skin for one minute before rinsing. This will also the key acne fighting ingredients to soak into the skin, and help clear your pores.

5. Calm Redness

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel, $10.98, Amazon

It's hard to find a zit that isn't red from the inflammation. Everyday Health recommended to calm down all of that irritation by reaching for a skin soothing topical like aloe vera, cucumber, or licorice extract.

6. Don't Skip The Moisturizer

Lush Vanishing Cream Facial Moisturizer, $44.95, LUSH

Often times, your skin is oily due to dehydrated skin cells, according to TotalBeauty.com. While this may sound like an oxymoron, think about it. If they skin is dehydrated, then your oil producers are going to work overtime to make up for that lack of moisture aka your skin is going to look like an oil-slick. Feed your skin by layering on a light, oil-free moisturizer day and night.

7. Do Your Laundry

When was the last time you washed your pillowcases, towels, or even your gloves? If it touches your face, then TheKnot.com suggested to throw it in the spin cycle. How else are you going to remove all of those germs, dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria?

8. Tell Your SO To Shave

When you make out with someone, you skin is clearly going to touch their skin. If that person has a beard or stubble, the hair is going to cause friction on your skin. According to Cosmopolitan, this friction can stimulate oil production that cause breakouts.

9. When In Doubt, Use Coconut Oil

Shea Moisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, $15.74, Amazon

This natural miracle worker removes long-lasting makeup, cleanses your skin, and leaves your skin feeling super moisturized. What else does acne-ridden skin need?

Later, acne! Hello, gorgeous, zit-free skin.

Images: Courtesy Brands; Pexels