Tips to Reduce Pimples and Avoid Breakouts

Despite the abundance of different types of acne treatment, it takes years of continuous and consistent practice of skincare routine to achieve and maintain healthy blemish-free skin. But what of those who don’t have the time to do a 10-step skincare routine day and night? How about those who suffer acne breakouts and stubborn pimple spots?

Good thing there are trusted estheticians that offer personalized skin care consultation and acne spot treatment for this type of situation. Going through the best skin care acne treatment from skin care professionals is something your future self would definitely thank you for.

What causes acne?

In a nutshell, acne is a skin condition that develops when your pores become clogged with oily substances, dirt, and dead skin cells. Other than acne, it can also cause whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. There are distinct causes of acne appearing in the different areas of your face. Here are some of them:

what causes acne - Exhale A Day Spa
  • Forehead – Using moisturizing or oil-based hair care products can clog the pores and cause pomade acne.

  • Cheeks – Using a dirty phone, sleeping on a dirty pillowcase, and frequently touching your face can cause acne cosmetica. This can cause small bumps to appear on your cheeks, chin, and forehead.

  • Nose/T-zone – Excessive oil production in this area can cause acne on the nose.

  • Chin/Around Mouth – Adult females are prone to acne around the mouth and along the jawline. This is usually hormonally driven.  

  • Other parts of the body – Acne can also appear on the chest and back in people who are active or sweat easily, especially when you don’t change clothes when you’re too sweaty and don’t shower immediately after exercising.

How to Prevent Acne Breakouts and Reduce Pimples

Tip #1 – Wash your face after waking up and before going to bed.

Oil buildup happens overnight when you sleep. Dirt and other tiny substance from an unwashed pillowcase can also clog up your pores as you sleep. It’s best to wash your face when you wake up and keep your face clean as you start your day.

It’s equally important to clean your face before sleeping as it is after waking up. As your skin is exposed to harsh weather and other environmental debris, it’s best to end your day with a clean face. Other than keeping your skin healthy, sleeping with a clean face also helps improve the quality of your sleep.

How to wash your face properly:

  • Step 1 – Wash your face with warm water. This is the best temperature to strip your skin of its natural oils, removing dirt, dead skin cells, and other debris.

  • Step 2 – Gently apply a mild cleanser using your fingers in a circular motion. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing your skin too hard. 

  • Step 3 – Rinse thoroughly.

  • Step 4 – Pat your skin dry using a clean towel.

How to prevent acne tip your face  1 - Wash your face after waking up and before going to bed

Tip #2 – Use products according to your skin type.

Don’t just use a moisturizer or other skincare products without knowing your skin type. It’s best to consult a dermatologist or a skincare expert if you’re unsure. In general, here are the different skin types:

  • Dry skin – Dehydrated skin that feels flaky and tight. Usually lack of liquid intake and moisturizer.

  • Oily skin – Stress, humidity, genetics, and fluctuating hormones can cause oily skin. If you have oily skin, your face looks shiny or moist throughout the day.

  • Combination (dry and oily) skin – This could mean that your skin is chronically dehydrated. Your skin may be prone to fine lines and wrinkles, acne, blackheads, and other oil-related breakout issues.

  • Sensitive skin – If you have sensitive skin, you’ll see rashes, discoloration, or feel irritation when you use products that aren’t formulated for sensitive skin.
how to prevent acne tip #2 - Use products according to your skin type

Once you get to know your skin type, select products like moisturizers, toners, cleansers, etc. that are formulated to your skin type. This will help clear your skin more effectively compared to using products that aren’t specific to your skin type.

Tip #3 – Moisturize internally and externally.

Caring for your skin goes beyond what you put on your skin but also what you put in your body. Moisturizing can help hydrate your skin, especially if you’re acne-prone. As much as moisturizers are effective, drinking plenty of fluids can help hydrate your skin from the inside.

how to prevent acne tip#3 - Moisturize internally and externally

When it comes to moisturizers, make sure to check the ingredients. A lot of moisturizers contain ingredients that may irritate your skin or cause acne such as oil, synthetic fragrance, and such. Look for moisturizers that are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. The rule of thumb is the fewer ingredients, the better.

Tip #4 – Avoid wearing makeup during a breakout.

how to prevent acne tip #4 - Avoid wearing makeup during a breakout

Keep your face free from any makeup product during an acne breakout as much as possible. This includes wearing primers, foundation, powder, or blush. Using these may increase pore clogging and can lead to acne inflammation.

If you do wear makeup, make sure to use products that are free from dyes and chemicals and should be labeled as non-comedogenic

It means these products have been specifically formulated so as not to block or clog pores. These products are usually oil-free meaning they don’t contain oils or mineral oils.

Don’t forget to wash off your makeup at the end of the day and cleanse your skin properly. Sleeping with makeup on while having an acne breakout can do more damage to your skin.

Tip #5 – Try acne spot treatment

Acne treatments like HydraFacial can also help prevent acne breakouts from happening. It’s one of the best ways to improve your skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. It’s safe for all skin tones and skin types so there’s no need to worry about side effects.

how to prevent acne tip #5 - Try acne spot treatment

This acne treatment gently deep cleans pores and exfoliates dead skin cells thus preventing the occurrence of acne. It also moisturizes and nourishes the skin, especially in the affected areas. There are many other benefits this treatment brings so schedule an appointment with a trusted skin care and spa near you.