We've all been there. You're just trying to get through the day, but then—bam! A zit. Sometimes it's just one, and sometimes it's a full-on outbreak. It doesn't matter how you got there—you want to get rid of them as soon as possible. But how?
No need to despair! Everyone gets zits at some point in their lives, but luckily there are some things you can do about it. Here are five ways to keep those pesky zits from forming in the first place:
Wash your face properly and regularly.
Washing your face properly is one of the most important things you can do to prevent breakouts. When you wash your face, you remove dirt, oil, and makeup that has accumulated during the day. If you don't wash off these things before going to bed at night, they will clog up pores and cause zits to form. However, don't wash your face more than twice a day as over washing may make your zits worse.
Additionally, avoid hot water when washing your face, it will only dry out your skin further! Instead, use warm water, apply a small amount of mild cleanser to your fingertips and gently rub it into your face in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly after and pat dry with a clean face towel.
Use a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils.
It's important to choose a cleanser that's gentle and doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils. This can be tricky because many products marketed for zits are designed to dry out your face in order to help clear up breakouts.
Never use any skincare product with alcohol in it especially if you have active breakouts. Alcohol causes irritation which makes it easier for pimples and blackheads to appear!
Instead of using bar soap or harsh scrubs, try cleansing with a product that contains salicylic acid because it's a natural anti-bacterial agent known for its ability to combat inflammation and redness caused by zits.
Choose skincare products that are designed by dermatologists like CLn Acne Cleanser, an innovative therapeutic gel formula to clear acne without over-drying or irritating skin.
CLn Acne Cleanser is the only acne cleanser on the market to combine two powerful ingredients—salicylic acid and sodium hypochlorite—to make skin cleaner, clearer and healthier. Its unique formula fights oily skin and reduces the redness caused by acne, but it doesn't cause dryness like many other topical treatments.
Unlike benzoyl peroxide, CLn won’t leave stains on your clothing or towels. It is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, cruelty-free and fragrance-free.
Exfoliate on a regular basis to prevent clogged pores.
Exfoliation helps unclog pores by removing dead skin cells that build up as part of the natural aging process—but not all types of exfoliation work equally well for all skin types. The best way to choose an exfoliator is by identifying your primary concern and choosing an appropriate treatment.
For oily or acne-prone skin, BHAs may be the best option for you to prevent clogged pores.
AHAs are commonly used to treat uneven skin tone and mild discoloration by increasing collagen production in the dermis. If you have dry or sensitive skin, however, they may not be the best for you.
If you're looking for a less intrusive option, try using a PHA exfoliant instead! They tend to be gentler than AHAs and BHAs, making them great for those with sensitive skin who need to keep their skincare routine as simple as possible.
Avoid touching your face, especially when you have a breakout.
If you have acne and are prone to getting zits, it's important to keep your hands off of your skin as much as possible. Your fingers are covered in bacteria that can make matters worse if they come into contact with an open pore or inflamed area on the surface of your skin.
Don't pop or pick at blemishes either because it can cause scarring, infection and more acne! If you don't pop or pick at blemishes, they'll go away faster than if you do.
Limit your makeup and sun exposure.
Using makeup to cover up a zit can actually make it worse. The makeup clogs your pores and triggers an outbreak. So if you're really feeling the need to cover up a zit, just stick with noncomedogenic and fragrance-free concealer.
Frequent sun exposure dehydrates skin, which, over time, causes it to produce more oil and block pores. This is why it's important to wear sunscreen every day—and not just when you're going out in public!