5 Effective Ways to Prevent Breakouts

Tired of experiencing sudden breakouts and not sure what’s causing them? Follow these five simple steps to help keep your skin blemish free so you can dare to bare your face this summer.

01. Gentle cleansing

Cleaning your skin is a vital part of your skincare but did you know that doing it too much or too aggressively can actually worsen breakouts? Over-cleansing strips essential oils from the skin’s natural barrier, triggering a compensatory over-production of oil which in turn can clog pores and cause pimples.

Stick to gentle cleansers and follow recommendations from dermatologists for face washing, avoiding hot or cold water and scrubbing the skin.

02. Strategic exfoliation

Exfoliation is another area where the best intentions can have negative effects. Traditional physical exfoliators can cause micro-tears in the skin, increasing irritation and making it more vulnerable to infection and environmental pollutants.

Chemical exfoliators remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover for smoother, brighter skin without the need for harsh scrubbing.

Look for products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid skincare which is anti-inflammatory yet effectively clears pores. If you have dry or sensitive skin, limit how often you exfoliate.

03. Sufficient hydration

Spoiler alert! It’s a myth that moisturizers cause breakouts. In fact, sufficient hydration is vital to safeguarding against excess oil production which clogs pores.

Look out for non-comedogenic creams and gels that are formulated to not clog pores and consider your skin type when choosing products. Deeply hydrating moisturizers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid are best for dry skin while water-based gels where a little goes a long way suit oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, avoid perfumed products and prioritize soothing or calming options. For example, using a gentle eczema cream can help manage dryness and irritation without clogging pores—an important consideration for breakout-prone skin.

04. Quality diet and sleep

Your lifestyle directly affects our physical and mental well-being, including the health of our skin. Certain aspects may be hard to control, but some simple changes could be all it takes to generate significant improvement in weeks.

Forgo ultra-processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats, swapping in vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and options rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Ensure you drink plenty of water and limit your caffeine intake as this can spike the stress hormone cortisol which directly links to excess sebum production. Getting quality sleep each night is also important for skin repair and regeneration.

05. Sun protection

Last but not least, make sure you’re incorporating a decent SPF into your skincare routine. Some moisturizers and essences have SPF added, or you can choose to make it a standalone step. Ensure your SPF is at least factor 30, with extra protection against ultraviolet radiation if possible.