Top 10 Tips for Avoiding Acne

You're Not Alone. More than 80% of us will have acne at some point in our lives. Many people will continue to have acne as adults. There are several factors that play a role in acne such as genetics, hormones, stress and using synthetic skin care products. The tips below will help in your ability to achieve clear, healthy skin. 1. Use natural skin care products to cleans your pores and minimize new blemishes from forming. Cleansing your face every day with the right skin care products is the first and most important step to achieve clear, healthy skin. 2. Always use a clean washcloth every time you wash your face. Acne causing bacteria can quickly form on damp washcloths and transfer back to your skin the next time you use it. You must use a clean washcloth ever morning and night. 3. Keep hair and hands off your face. Both contain excess dirt and oils that transfer to your face causing pores to clog and bacteria to grow. Keeping your pores clean is critical to your success in fighting acne. 4. Drink lots of water and eat a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet is important for great skin and water helps to flush away toxins while hydrating your skin. 5. Don't pick! Picking at or pinching blemishes transfers excess oils and will cause deeper acne lesions which may scar. The best strategy is to get your acne under control fast by using a chemical-free cleanser every morning and night. 6. Acne on the back and shoulders can be aggravated by wearing clothing that doesn't allow the skin to breathe. Always wear "breathable" fabrics like cotton and shower immediately after workouts to remove excess sweat, dirt, and oils. 7. Your skin reflects your overall health and well being. It is important to manage stress levels by getting enough sleep. Your skin needs rest to rebuild and repair itself. Exercise will help to reduce stress while maximizing oxygen delivery to the skin. 8. Women should not use heavy, oil-based lotions and makeup. It is important to only use oil-free makeup that allows your skin to breathe. Oil-based makeup can trap synthetic chemicals and oil in your pores causing bacteria and acne to form. 9. Avoid excess consumption of refined sugar and nutritional supplements that contain iodine. Your body needs to work hard to process these sugars and studies have show a correlation between diets high in refined sugar and acne. 10. Don't smoke. Not only is it bad for your lungs, it can also affect your skin's health and ability to heal. Smoking can dry out your skin and also cause wrinkles!