Acne Prevention

Although there isn't a cure for acne, there are ways to manage and prevent it from getting worse. To properly control your acne you need to be armed with information about what can aggravate and worsen it.

See below for our Acne prevention quick guide:

Do's of Acne:

• Do use skincare products that are not prone to blocking pores. Look for "oil free" or "non-comedogenic".
• Do practice proper skin care which means using a mild cleanser and a non-comedogenic sunscreen on sun-exposed surfaces.
• Do gently wash your face twice a day with a mild facial cleanser. Do not wash your face more than three times per day as it can cause excessive irritation and inflammation.
• Do take the time to remove all of your makeup when washing your face.
• Do be patient! Acne treatment may take a few weeks or months before improvement occurs.
• Do remember that all acne treatments work by preventing new spots and that all treatments have to be attempted for at least four months before deciding whether they are helping.
• Do avoid tanning booths and wear sunscreen. Some acne products and treatments can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet light.
• Do use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer if irritation, dryness and peeling occur, .
• Do use your acne products or medication less frequently if your skin is getting too irritated, red or dry. The skin can take time to adapt to your new medicines.
• Do wash your hair frequently if it is long and touches your face.
• Do gently rinse and cleanse your face after you've been exercising hard and sweating a lot.
• Do try not to touch your face throughout the day.

Don'ts of Acne

• Don't use thick, greasy make-up over affected acne areas.
• Don't squeeze your acne. This can cause additional acne, inflammation and scars.
• Don't use harsh soaps when washing your face. Vigorously washing and scrubbing will irritate your skin and only make acne worse.
• Don't expose yourself unneccessarily to the following, oils, airborne grease, irritating clothing etc.
• Don't buy products that are strongly fragranced or alcohol based.
• Don't use hair sprays or gels if possible. If not, try to keep them away from your face.
• Don't suntant and expect your acne to go away. Although a suntan can temporarily make acne look less severe, it won't help it go away permanently.
• Don't wear hats or headbands that rub on your forehead, unless absolutely necessary.
• Don't touch your face more than you have to. Your hands have oil on them and this can make acne worse.