9 Life Hacks To Help Avoid (And Get Rid Of) Acne Now And Forever

There's nothing worse (well, almost nothing) than waking up to a big zit on your face.

When you have acne or even when you just have a once-in-a-while breakout, it can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable.

Sometimes the best way to deal with a breakout is to prevent it from happening initially. There are so many precautions and steps we can take in our everyday lives to do just this, many of which you may never have thought twice about.

Follow the steps below to help clear up acne-prone skin and to avoid breakouts in the first place:

Use Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic Products

When a product says it's non-comedogenic, it means it won't clog your pores. Acne is triggered when your pores become clogged, so using a product that won't cause this will help you prevent breakouts.

You can also switch to oil-free products. Oil clogs your pores, which is why people with oily skin tend to be more acne prone. So, using products that are oil-free will also be a big help in keeping your skin blemish-free.

Keep Your Hair Out Of Your Face

Whenever there's grease and/or sweat that accumulates in your hair, it's very likely that it will make its way onto your face and cause breakouts.

Make sure to keep your hair clean and pull it back when you're working out, when it's really hot outside or if you tend to have greasy hair.

Moisturize

Most people think that only those with oily skin can get acne. While it's true that oily skin is more prone to breakouts, those with dry skin can suffer from acne as well.

As we already mentioned, acne is caused when your pores become clogged. Usually this is from oil, but it can also be from dirt, bacteria or dead skin cells.

Not only that, but many acne products will dry out your skin, so keeping it moisturized will become essential if you're using any kind of acne treatments.

Sanitize Your Cell Phone

Since we're constantly touching our phones with our hands, our cells get a large buildup of bacteria. When you hold your phone to your face, that bacteria is transferred and it may lead to breakouts.

It's good to wipe down your phone every day with something that will clean it and get rid of any bacteria from the day. Not only will this help with breakouts, but it will keep you healthier all around.

Don't Cake On Your Makeup

The key to avoiding acne is making sure your pores stay clean and clear, however, many makeup products will clog your pores, especially when you layer one on top of another.

If you're still breaking out, even if you're trying something non-comedogenic, it may be a sign that you're just wearing too much. Try switching up your makeup routine to something lighter, like a tinted moisturizer, and you may see your skin clear up and your breakouts start to disappear.

Wash Your Pillowcase

Every night when you go to sleep, the bacteria from your face is transferred to your pillowcase.

This process goes on and on, night by night. It helps to make sure you wash your face every night before bedtime; however, washing your pillowcase on a regular basis will help keep your breakouts to a minimum as well.

Wash Your Face Immediately After You Work Out

Letting sweat sit on your skin is a surefire way to cause breakouts. Even if you can't shower right away, make sure to clean your face as soon as possible after you exercise.

It's a great idea to throw a package of facial wipes in your gym bag so you never have to worry about this.

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Clean Your Makeup Brushes

If you use your makeup brushes for months or (gasp!) years on end without cleaning them, it's likely that this could be causing breakouts.

Your makeup brushes collect dirt, bacteria, old makeup, oil and more, and if you don't clean them regularly, you're just putting all of that right back onto your face each morning.

Use Products For Your Skin Type

If you start breaking out after using a new product, it may not be the right one for your skin type. Make sure you know what your skin type is and choose your products accordingly.

Remember that everyone has different skin and different concerns, so you should be using something specific to your needs. There is no such thing as a cookie-cutter skin care routine!