How can you prevent zits

It is also linked to medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Read more: 'What is wrong with me? I'm never happy and I hate school'. As a dermatologist, I recommend cleaning your face every morning and evening. Using pore-clogging oil-based make up can worsen or cause acne. This can become worse if make up is not thoroughly removed!

If you want to hide your acne with make up, just be sure to use brands that contain good ingredients I talk a bit more about this below. Diet: Eat a healthy balanced diet containing low glycaemic index food groups with complex carbohydrates and omega-3 fatty acids. There might be a role for oral zinc supplements. It is best to avoid sugary, processed and refined food. Make up and hair products: If you choose to wear make up, opt for mineral-based foundations, eg.

Here's what you need to know about preventing acne breakouts. Acne can be frustrating as an adult-- sometimes equally as confusing. In fact, not knowing the source of your breakouts may be adding to your risk of developing them in the first place. Here are the main causes of acne in adult women. As a woman, you are already familiar with the consequences of fluctuating hormones.

Every month you may deal with irritability, cramps and bloating, but did you know that your hormones can also affect your skin? During puberty, your estrogen and testosterone levels started to change, and in the process, you started to grow into the woman you are today. Each time you menstruate, your hormones fluctuate, and you may find yourself breaking out, particularly on the lower part of your face—the bottom of your cheeks and along your jawline.

Other causes for hormonal acne may include pregnancy, menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS. Hormonal fluctuations trigger acne by boosting sebum oil production in your pores, increasing overall inflammation in your skin and causing dead skin cells to build up and clog your pores.

Sometimes, this can even lead to a more severe form of acne called cystic acne. Another common cause of acne breakouts is stress. The sebaceous glands in your skin actually contain receptors for stress hormones so, when you become stressed, your sebaceous glands begin to produce more sebum which often leads to breakouts.

Though there are numerous studies suggesting that acne can lead to increased stress and mental health problems, there are relatively few which show the opposite correlation. A study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology tested the correlation between stress and acne.

The results showed a clear correlation between increased stress severity and increased acne severity. Simply put, the women who had the highest stress scores also had the most severe acne. Fortunately, you have some degree of control over most of these factors which means that you have the ability to prevent, or at least decrease the severity of your acne breakouts.

You might be surprised to learn that simple things you do each and every day might be making your acne worse. If you want to clear up your skin and say bye-bye to breakouts, follow these simple tips:. Washing your face as a part of your daily skin care routine is important to remove dirt, sweat and excess oil.

If you wash your face too often or with the wrong cleanser, however, you could actually make your acne worse. Start by choosing a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser.

Wet your face with warm water then apply the acne cleanser with clean hands or a clean washcloth, rubbing gently in a circular motion with your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly then pat your face dry with a clean towel. To keep your face clean and clear, wash it once in the morning and right before bed. If your face feels oily during the day, use blotting paper to remove the excess oil rather than washing it again.

If you do not have sensitive skin, exfoliating can aid in the prevention of acne. Exfoliating smooths out the skin and works to prevent and remove buildup that leads to blackheads and whiteheads. However, harsh exfoliation scrubs can remove too much moisture from the skin, so it is best to choose products wisely.

Learn more about how to wash your face. Walking down the skincare aisle at the drugstore can be overwhelming because there are so many products to choose from. What is the best way to shop for skincare products?

By skin type. Oily — Acne prone skin with heightened sebum production that has visible pores and a glossy shine. If your skin is dry, you should look for products that moisturize and boost the protective outer layer to keep your skin supple and soft. Avoid foaming cleansers and clay or charcoal masks as well as skincare products that contain alcohol, because these will only dry out your skin more. Instead, choose gentle cream cleansers and moisturizing creams.

You could also try using facial oil before bed at night. For oily skin, you want to remove excess oil without completely stripping your skin of moisture. Avoid thick, oil-based creams and facial oils as well as harsh scrubs that might remove too much oil. Go for water-based, oil-free serums, lightweight gel moisturizers and products that contain salicylic acid to help prevent breakouts.

To reduce the appearance of blemishes, use a topical treatment instead. They may take some time to work, but they can also prevent new pimples from forming. Over-the-counter treatments, such as creams or serums, can reduce breakouts, particularly when they tend to occur in certain areas.

Treatments available for purchase online often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These products are not as potent as prescription-strength treatments, but they can help to prevent mild acne and reduce breakouts.

Topical retinoids are products containing medicines derived from vitamin A, and dermatologists prescribe them to manage and prevent acne. These treatments can also get rid of excess dead skin cells and reduce inflammation.

Most topical retinoids are only available with by prescription, including tretinoin Retin-A, Renova , and tazarotene Tazorac. However, one retinoid medication, adapalene Differin , is available for purchase online or over the counter.

Topical antibiotics can fight an overgrowth of P. Examples of antibiotics that treat this inflammatory acne include erythromycin and clindamycin, which are available by prescription.

A person can identify inflammatory acne by its very red, irritated appearance. It can also be painful. Birth control pills can help to prevent acne, by helping to regulate the hormones that may make acne worse. However, these pills carry risks, so it is essential to review the benefits and side effects before making a decision.

Spironolactone, a medication often used to treat high blood pressure , may also help in cases of severe acne. However, spironolactone has many possible side effects, so it is best to speak to a doctor. Doctors are not certain of the connection between foods and acne. However, a growing body of research suggests that some foods may trigger acne in certain patients.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology , foods with a high glycemic index may increase the risk of developing acne or make acne worse. These potentially problematic foods are sugary and high in carbohydrates. Some examples include:. A person may want to cut back on a particular food group, to see if their skin improves.

Too much sun has many damaging effects on the skin. Sunburn can also lead to an overproduction of oils that make acne worse. Using oil-free sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15 may help to prevent sunburns and exacerbated acne.

A dermatologist or esthetician can provide these therapies, which aim to reduce the presence of P.