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If you're one of the lucky few who never had to deal with acne, good for you. The rest of us have to battle our blemishes, blackheads, and breakouts on a regular basis. It's not fair, but acne is just a fact of (unfortunately oily) life.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your acne under control. Here are five tips for keeping your skin feeling smooth and looking pimple-free.
Keep Your Hands Off Your Face!
This is probably the most important thing you can do to keep your skin clear. Our hands are teeming with bacteria, and that bacteria can easily transfer to our face, leading to breakouts. So resist the urge to pick, pop, or squeeze—no matter how tempting it may be.
Wash Your Face Twice A Day—And No More!
Over washing won't rid your skin of acne—in fact, it may actually make things worse. That's because over washing can strip away the natural oils that protect our skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and even more breakouts. So stick to washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser—any more than that and you're doing more harm than good.
Beware Of Makeup Brushes (and Sponges)!
If you wear makeup, it's important to clean your brushes and sponges regularly. That's because they can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria—and that bacteria can then transfer to your face and cause breakouts. Aim to wash your brushes once a week and replace your sponges every month or so.
Change Your Pillowcase Often!
Your pillowcase comes into contact with your face every single night—so it makes sense that it would collect dirt, oil, and other pore-clogging ingredients over time. To prevent this build-up from happening, aim to wash your pillowcase once a week (along with the rest of your bedding).
Exfoliate Regularly—But Gently!
Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin—but only if you do it right. Over-exfoliating can actually irritate and inflame the skin, making breakouts worse. So stick to exfoliating 1-2 times a week using gentle circular motions and products specifically designed for acne-prone skin.
Final Thoughts
Acne is no fun—but there are some things you can do to keep your blemishes under control. By following the tips above, you can help keep your acne at bay and enjoy clear skin all season long!
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Justyna Sokalski
Justyna Sokalski
Justyna Sokalski
