Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirty skin, eating chocolates or drinking aerated drinks. Acne is the result of overactive sebaceous glands (oil glands) and clogged skin pores that create a conducive environment for the acne bacteria to grow. While there is no guaranteed method to prevent acne, there are a few steps you can take in order to reduce the severity of acne breakouts:
1.) Clean, Tone and Moisturize: This is the 3-step rule for maintaining a healthy skin and to prevent acne. Remove every bit of make-up from your face before you hit the sack. Use a natural cleanser to remove all traces of make-up, dirt and oil from your face and wash it under cold water. Now dab a toner (preferably rosewater or lemon based) on your face. Lastly use a moisturizer to prevent drying of the skin.
2.) Use the Right Cosmetics: While it is advisable to use minimal make-up if you have an acne-prone skin, ensure that you use only natural and good quality cosmetics whenever you have to. Read the ingredients mentioned on the label carefully, and check if any of those can cause an allergic reaction. Try mineral based cosmetics that are made from natural ingredients and are safe for your skin.
3.) Wash your Pillowcase: It is important to wash your pillowcase and face towels often to prevent acne breakouts. The oils that build-up on your face at night, plus the dirt particles in your hair are all absorbed by your pillow cover when you sleep on it. Using the same pillow case for many days can transfer this dirt back to your skin and cause acne.
Washing your towels and pillow case regularly can significantly reduce the chances of acne or other skin infections.
4.) Exercise Regularly: Exercising regularly can keep the various organs of our body healthy, including the largest organ of the body – Our Skin. Exercising increases blood circulation, expels away the toxins from the body in the form of sweat, regulates hormonal activity and maintains optimum body temperature. So if you want to get rid of those pimples and prevent acne, include 30-40 mins of exercise in your daily regime.
5.) Drink at least 7-8 Glasses of Water: You have heard this a zillion times but still don’t adhere to it. Water is the best form of treatment for treating and preventing acne. Ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. This will flush out the toxins from your body, control excess oil secretion and prevent acne breakouts. Drinking adequate amount of water will also keep your skin hydrated and supple.
6.) Eat a Healthy Diet: Your skin is a reflection of your internal health. Ensure that you eat lots of green vegetables and fresh fruits rich in vitamins and minerals, as they are essential for maintaining a healthy skin. As per recent researches, Vitamins such as Vitamin A, B and E can prevent acne, repair damaged skin cells and lighten blemishes. Minerals such as Zinc have antibacterial properties which can kill the acne bacteria and prevent its recurrence.
7.) Stay away from Stress – Ever noticed how your acne becomes worse when you are stressed? Well the reason is that stress raises hormonal levels in the blood and also triggers excess oil secretion, which in turn leads to acne and pimples. Thus a great way to prevent acne is to maintain a calm, positive and healthy state of mind. Take out some time for yourself every day, do things you love and practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
Try the above mentioned tips to prevent acne and to keep your skin bright and healthy!
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