Acne is probably the most visible health ailment, making acne prevention probably the most desired component of health and hygiene routines. A common misconception about acne- that it is caused simply by dirty skin- leads to frequent mishaps in prevention. Many people over-wash their faces in an attempt to rid their skin of acne, all while irritating their skin and causing greater inflammation. Acne may not be fully preventable; but, fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep breakouts to a minimum.

The most important thing to remember about acne prevention is health from the inside out. If your body is healthy, then its largest organ- the skin- will reflect that health. It is contested whether or not specific foods cause acne; it is not contested that healthy insides lead to healthy outsides. Drinking plenty of water will flush away toxins and help keep your skin clear of contaminants. Eating healthy foods and supplementing with a multivitamin containing vitamin A and zinc will aid your body’s fight against bacteria.

Another cause of acne that can be avoided is stress. Stress hormones are linked to enlarged and overactive sebaceous glands which lead to breakouts. A clear start to acne prevention is a cleared mind. Try not to hold stressful feelings in. Talking to someone about your situation can help alleviate the stress you may be attempting to handle alone. Exercise and proper breathing are also great ways of preventing stress from taking itself out on your skin.

Finally, proper skin care (with “proper” being the key word) is an important factor in acne prevention. You should wash your face gently in the morning and at night, and never with an alcohol based cleanser. Washing with hot water and excessive scrubbing will irritate your skin; so use warm water and gentle strokes to wash, and rinse with cold water to close your pores. Excessive use of moisturizers and cosmetics can clog your pores, so use them sparingly and be sure they are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.

Some causes of acne, such as heredity, are non-preventable. If you have a healthy lifestyle and hygienic routine and still suffer from acne, consult with your local dermatologist.