How To Prevent Unwanted Pimples
Obtaining a clear face is one of life’s most difficult tasks. Trust me, I would know. From face washes to acne creams, it can all feel like you’re never going to get rid of those unwanted pimples on your face. But try not to fret! Here are some tips that could help.
1. Use The Right Face Wash
Washing your face every day and night is essential if you want to prevent those unwanted and unappreciated zits. But not every face wash is created equal. If you are looking to target your pimples specifically, then a face wash designed to fight them with a low dose of salicylic acid in the ingredients and anti-bacterial properties in them should help do the trick. I would highly suggest either Neutrogena’s Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Wash with salicylic acid and vitamin C or Biore’s Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser to help win the fight against acne. And remember to follow up with a moisturizer afterward! Dry skin can also cause breakouts!
2. Hands Off The Face!
I know it can be hard, but the germs that accumulate on your hands throughout the day as you do your everyday tasks will wind up on your face and spread if you are consistent in scratching, picking, or even resting your face on them. Bacteria is not our friends, so make sure to wash those hands before you peruse your face with them!
3. Change Your Pillow Cases
Remember what I said about germs? While your pillowcase may seem like a bacteria-free zone, after a while that bacteria can build up and seep into your pores as you rest your face against it for (hopefully) those eight hours of rest every night. Try switching out your pillowcases at least once every week to ensure that your face stays clear.
4. Consider A Topical Ointment
I know they may be a little pricey, but topical ointments such as benzoyl peroxide can make the biggest difference for your skin. I know Proactive has an affordable pore targeting treatment that truly does reduce and kill pimples fast and easy. As a preventive measure, try incorporating it into your face cleansing routine each morning and night. After washing your face and applying moisturizer, try putting half (yup, you only need a little) of a pea-sized amount of benzoyl peroxide all over your face to prevent pimples from forming overnight or during the day.
5. Keep Your Hair Clean
If you are one of the many with long hair out there, you’ll need to ensure your hair doesn’t get too oily if you want to avoid pimples. It is unfortunate how many things out there that can cause acne, but oily hair is just one of the many. That oil from your hair can get onto your skin, and bam! Pimples.
6. Don’t Pop Your Pimples!
It can be hard to not dig your fingers into your skin and extract those little suckers from your face every chance you get. I know, I’ve been there. When a pimple (or sometimes, pimples, unfortunately) is all you see when you look at your face, it can be almost impossible not to try and get rid of it right there and then. But please, for the sake of your face, don’t! Not only does that cause scarring, but from experience, it does not get rid of your pimples any faster. Popping pimples before they’re meant to be popped not only causes a whole lot of bleeding but can also cause the same bacteria to reenter the wound and cause another pimple. Do your best to add some concealer and powder and ride them out. Maybe even invest in a drying cream to put over them to expedite the process if you’re desperate to get rid of them sooner.
7. Use New Skin Products Sparingly
Exfoliating scrubs, oils, and face masks are all good things to use for your face… once in a while. Your skin likes consistency. Changing up your routine all willy nilly because you’ve heard that all these new products can save your skin isn’t going to help it. Be gentle and mindful of what products you use for your skin and use them sparingly.
8. Watch Your Hair Products
Using certain products on your hair can affect the appearance of your skin, too. If your hair products contain fragrances, oils, and gels, they can possibly get onto your face and cause clogged pores. And nothing causes acne more than those wretched clogged pores. Try using gentler products. Basically anything “noncomedogenic” is a safer bet than any buying any other random product on the market.
9. Relax!
Stress can be one of the many factors that cause unwanted breakouts. Not only does too much stress cause pimples, but it can cause a series of rashes that won’t do your face any favors. I’ve known far too many people that let stress get to them and have their skin pay for it. Don’t let that happen to you! If your breakouts coincide with your more stressful days, do yourself a favor and try and take a mental health break. I’m sure your skin won’t be the only thing that thanks you.
10. Talk To A Dermatologist
It can be a little scary to talk to a professional, but if anyone knows what the best preventive measure for your acne could be, it would be a dermatologist. Getting checked out in person might be the best thing you could ever do for your face. They will be able to determine whether or not you need a basic topical treatment or something a little more intense such as Accutane, a treatment that’s taken over time to help rid severe cases of acne for good. As mentioned before, talking to someone about a personal issue that may bring you insecurity isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but to achieve clear skin, it might help.
