One zit. Manageable.
Two zits. Okay…?
Three zits or more - W T F!

Breakouts happen. No one wants to wake up in the morning and see pimples slowly taking over your face. And even though it sucks it is a common skin condition. 

Acne causes pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and cysts and can cause long term damage if not treated properly. But wouldn’t it be better to prevent them rather than treat them? 

Here are some tips to minimize unexpected breakouts: 

Wash your face regularly 

Washing your face in the morning and evening may sound obvious, but it has to be said. While you might be able to get away with not washing your face in the morning (although build up from a used pillowcase and bedsheets can occur) - it is crucial that you wash your face at night. Dirt, bacteria, sweat, oil and all types of gunk come into contact with your skin throughout the day. Washing your face in the evening removes impurities and prevents your pores from getting clogged, avoiding breakouts. 

Wash your face, but not too much 

While making sure that your face is free of dirt and unwanted debris, it’s also important to not harm your skin by over-washing. Over-washing strips away the natural oils that are actually good for your skin and will make your skin dry which is an environment where pimples can develop and get worse. Once in the morning and once in the evening is sufficient.

Leave the pimples alone!

It’s tempting to pick and pop pimples, but resist the urge. Aggravating pimples can cause inflammation and worse, scarring. If you really can’t leave it alone, you can try a pimple patch or a spot treatment. A spot treatment with sulphur has been shown to help minimize an existing pimple in a few days.

Invest in acne treatments

There are particular products that you can use that are designed to prevent acne. Look for these ingredients in your skincare products: 

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) - Lactic acid, Glycolic acid and/or Mandelic acid
• Tea Tree Oil - has anti-inflammatory properties 
• Salicylic Acid - this is a Beta Hydroxy Acid that helps unclog your pores. Try to find this in a cleanser, or try...
• Benzoyl Peroxide - it kills bacteria under the skin and sheds dead skin and excess oil. Try to find this in a cleanser. 
• Retinol - this should only be used in the evening as it can make your skin sensitive to UV rays during the day.

Eat nutrient dense food

Your diet has a significant impact on your skin. Reducing the consumption of foods  high in unhealthy fats, sugar, dairy and highly processed foods (fast food) will help mitigate acne breakouts.