Avoid These Ten Habits to Help Prevent Acne

Adult acne is a problem that many people struggle with, and it's not just something that happens when you're young. As you get older, your skin goes through a lot of changes, and these changes alone can cause acne. Research shows that up to 55% of adults aged 20 to 40 suffer from low-grade acne and oily skin. No matter how common it is, acne is still a struggle to live with. The good news is that there have been major advances in medical aesthetic science that can help clear up acne for good. Before you book an acne reduction treatment, make sure you’re avoiding these ten habits to avoid breakouts. 

1. Touching your face

Frequently touching your face throughout the day is a sure way to irritate and inflame your skin. Unless you’ve washed your hands thoroughly, you could also be transferring unwanted bacteria to your skin. Try to resist the urge to touch your face unless you’re applying skin care. 

2. Picking or popping pimples

This is a serious no-no, as it can further aggravate a breakout or even cause scarring. If you have a pimple that needs to be addressed, use a topical product like a serum or an acne patch, or book an appointment with an aesthetician who has experience doing extractions correctly. 

3. Using harsh products

Many people don’t know this, but acne can be the result of using too many chemical or physical exfoliants. While these products are touted as acne-clearing, using them too much or too often can strip the skin of its natural protective barrier and cause it to overproduce sebum, which can lead to a major breakout. 

4. Wearing heavy makeup

Skin needs to breathe, and heavy makeup can prevent it from doing that. If you have acne, opt for lighter products, like a water-based tinted moisturizer instead of foundation, so your pores can get some air. Additionally, makeup that contains alcohol or oil can clog pores, leading to more breakouts. 

5. Not washing your face before and after exercise

Exercise is great for your appearance and your overall health, but it could be making your acne worse if you aren’t washing your face often enough. Removing makeup before a workout is essential, as it allows your skin to sweat out toxins without clogging your pores. Make sure to wash your face with a gentle cleanser after your workout as well, and use a light toner or moisturizer to follow. 

6. Not drinking enough water

Drink lots of water every day—you should drink half of your weight in ounces per day! This will help flush out toxins from your body while hydrating it at the same time; this will help reduce inflammation in general which can cause acne breakouts 

7. Eating a bad diet

Too much processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and dairy products can all cause breakouts. Instead, eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. These foods can help prevent adult acne because they contain antioxidants that protect against damage caused by free radicals (which can lead to cell damage). 

8. Not using the right skin care products

A simple skin care routine is great, but you might be missing out if you’re skipping those products that are proven to help clear your skin. Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid in gentle concentrations can help clear up acne and prevent breakouts from reforming. On the other hand, you want to avoid anything that irritates your skin or causes buildup. Above all, keep your skin moisturized, as dry skin tends to overproduce the sebum that results in clogged pores and acne. 

9. Not getting enough sleep

Sleep is necessary to keep your skin healthy and clear. During the time you’re sleeping, your body works to restore and repair the skin from the inside out, including producing essential collagen and elastin for a radiant complexion. So don’t skimp, and try to get eight hours a night. 

10. Not going to the dermatologist

In some cases, acne is a sign of a more serious underlying issue and needs to be addressed by a medical professional. Severe acne can also benefit from pharmaceutical intervention or from prescription-only topicals such as retinol. Book an appointment with your derm to get personalized, professional advice. 

Intense Pulsed Light Photofacials for Acne Reduction 

The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial is a treatment used to improve the appearance and texture of your skin. It uses intense pulses of light to target acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections on the surface of your skin. This treatment is non-invasive and uses no needles or chemicals to achieve its results. 

Venus Versa™ acne treatments uses IPL energy to penetrate deep into the skin and kill the bacteria that causes acne without damaging surrounding tissue. This treatment can be used on all skin types and colors, including dark-skinned individuals. The IPL technology treats the visible signs of acne and destroys the bacteria that cause acne in the first place, preventing future breakouts.  

Non-invasive IPL Photofacials can be performed without the risks of side effects like scarring or skin discoloration, which can happen with harsher treatments like chemical peels and laser therapy. Best of all, Venus Versa acne treatments don't require any downtime after the procedure, so you will be able to get back to your normal routine right away. 

To learn more or to book an acne treatment, use the search field below to find a provider near you.