Teens everywhere cringe at the thought of another pimple popping up on their forehead, but acne can pop up at any stage of life. Acne is an incredibly common dermatological condition. It is caused when dead skin cells clog up hair follicles. It’s a condition that often takes an experienced dermatologist to develop a proper treatment for each individual case.

Can acne be avoided?

We see acne quite often in our office here at Old Bridge Dermatology. While sometimes it is an unavoidable condition, there are many situations where acne could have been prevented with a lifestyle change. That’s why we put together these five tips to avoid acne.

Follow these tips to avoid acne:

1. Eat right: Your diet affects your skin and your pores. Lots of junk foods high in sugar and fat is never good for your complexion. Eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and veggies will help keep your skin clear.
2. Avoid toxic products: Watch out for additives, fragrances, and petroleum based oils that can aggravate your skin and spur a rash of acne. Only use cleansers that are made from natural ingredients that contain no alcohol or harsh chemicals that can damage your skin.
3. Wash gently : Hot water can irritate your skin, as can rough cloths. Wash your face only with lukewarm water and use super soft cloths on your skin.
4. Keep your hands away from your face: The dirt you pick up on your fingers throughout the day can transmit bacteria to any acne you already have, which can exacerbate the condition. It can be tempting, but try your best not to scratch, pop, or squeeze anything on your face.
5. Reduce your stress: Stress can create or exacerbate skin problems. Try to ease your stress by practicing self-care. Try booking a relaxing massage on occasion and do something nice for yourself when you can.

If these tips don’t improve your acne, give us a call here at Old Bridge Dermatology. Our dermatologist, Dr. Juan Vaillant has been treating patients’ hair, skin, and nail issues for over 30 years. If you’re looking for a helpful, highly skilled dermatologist, call our conveniently located Old Bridge, NJ office at (732) 679-0222 for an appointment today!