Acne usually gets better during the summer months when teens and young adults are outdoors and under less stress, but a month after school begins pimples and blackheads start to pop up again.  Acne affects about 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24, and is the most common skin condition in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Although young adults may not be able to completely eliminate acne, sticking to a simple skin care routine can help prevent outbreaks and prescription medications can make a huge difference.

Here are 6 tips on how to prevent acne breakouts:

  1. Stop touching your face. Sitting at your desk and resting your face on your hand can cause breakouts. All the dirt, oil and bacteria that build up on your hands during the day will end up on your face and clog your pores. Try to keep your hands and hair off your face to reduce the transfer of oil. Don’t pick or pop your pimples either. The more you pick at pimples, the more inflamed your skin will become, leading to more spots and flareups.
  2. Change your pillowcase and clean your phone. During the night your skin will detoxify itself so all the toxins, oils and hair products can end up on your pillowcase. Changing your sheets and pillowcases once or twice a week can help keep your skin clear. Your phone also picks up lots of bacteria, which can then get transferred to your face when you make a phone call. Wipe your screen with an antibacterial wipe often to get rid of germs. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them often to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose.
  3. Make time for consistent skin care. Use a facial cleanser for acne-prone skin like Acne Control Serum and wash your face gently to avoid irritating your skin. Include your neck, back, shoulders and any other areas affected by acne. Scrubbing can damage the skin and aggravate an acne problem. Avoid abrasive products. Use oil-free cosmetics, sunscreen, moisturizer and hair products. Look for the label “noncomedogenic.”
  4. Manage stress and sleep. Lack of sleep, tons of projects and homework can all trigger acne. Stress is one of the biggest contributors for acne. Sleeping well can help your skin health as well as your physical and mental health. Make sure to take some time for yourself every day and schedule downtime into your schedule.
  5. Eat healthy. Eat a variety of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, but use sugar, fried foods, dairy and highly-processed foods in moderation. Foods typically are not the main cause of acne, but there are certain triggers such as dairy and salt which can create inflammation in the skin. Drink plenty of water every day to keep your skin hydrated.  This prevents dryness from exfoliating acne products.
  6. Get on a Rx medication regimen. In addition to helpful life style preventions, pharmaceutical grade medications are much more effective than over the counter and commercially advertised products and treatments.  Dr. Monique S. Cohn can put you on a very effective regimen of medications that are clinically proven to control and prevent breakouts. These prescription medications are usually covered by most insurances. Don’t waste your money on products hyped by advertising or influencers.  Schedule an appointment on-line or call 330-425-7600 for a consultation to get personalized advice on medications, treatments and professional recommendations right for you.