How to Prevent Acne Outbreaks

Acne is a serious problem for most young people, and they are constantly seeking ways to stop and prevent acne now more than ever. Severe acne can have major emotional and physical effects to those inflicted. Young people with major skin blemishes can harbor feelings of embarrassment and low self-esteem, but there are solutions. For extreme cases of acne, you can try doctor-recommended medications and follow that up with a plan to prevent acne.

Prevent Acne by Eradicating Dirt and Oil
Acne is caused by a mixture of oil and dirt that creates a plug in hair follicles in the skin. As such, it is important to keep your skin as clean as possible by practicing good facial hygiene. Wash your face at least two times daily with a facial cleanser made specifically to fight dirt and oil. Use a washcloth or similar soft material to scrub your face, paying particular attention to the nose and forehead where most acne appears. Do not scrub too vigorously or with an abrasive pad, as this could irritate the hair follicles and cause more acne to appear.

Wipe Out Dead Skin Cells to Prevent Acne
Follow up your face wash by applying an astringent with salicylic acid. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and scrub your skin. The astringent is helpful in removing the dreaded dead skin cells - one of the causes of acne. Do this every time you wash your face.

Dry Skin Helps Prevent Acne
Using Benzoyl Peroxide cream applied directly to affected areas will help dry out your skin, making it easier for your skin to refresh itself with new growth. Do not use benzoyl peroxide with a concentration higher than five percent. It may cause irritation and burning, and has not been found to be more effective than a 2.5% concentration. Be sure to follow the instructions for proper use of benzoyl peroxide.

It is extremely important to stick to this routine religiously if you want to prevent acne outbreaks. Twice daily facial hygiene (more if you are prone to oily skin) is key to keeping your skin oil- and dirt-free, thereby reducing your chances of developing unsightly acne.