Acne Prevention Methods and Medications

Millions of people around the world struggle with mild to moderate acne. While many believe that this skin condition affects only teenagers, it does in fact affect children and adults of all ages. Acne prevention is a better strategy than acne treatment, as it will work to prevent the issue from beginning in the first place. There are a variety of prevention methods, including managing your diet, exercising and maintaining a skin care program. When these more basic methods are not effective for the prevention of acne, there are also a variety of medications worth a try.

Diet and Exercise

Many health professionals point to an individual's diet contributing to their overall skin's appearance. Eat a well balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and protein weekly to maintain healthy skin. Work to reduce greasy foods, monitor your overall fat intake and be sure to drink plenty of water. While there is not conclusive evidence that the daily diet directly links to acne, many health professionals point to the correlation. In addition to a healthy diet, work to incorporate 3-5 cardiovascular routines into your weekly routine, as this can help your skin to purge dirt and grime caught in its pores. When you exercise, you sweat. Sweat pushes toxins out of your body through your skin, which many find can dramatically improve the appearance of a person's skin.

Maintain a Healthy Skin Care Routine

Be sure to cleanse your face at least daily with an approved facial cleanser for acne prevention. Ask your health care provider for suggestions. Keep in mind that you may need to try several cleansers before you discover the one that your skin reacts the best to. In addition to traditional facial cleansers, you may want to consider toners and mild scrubs to keep your skin clean and clear.

You will find several common acne prevention ingredients in most facial cleaners. The most common medications include:

• Benzoyl Peroxide - This substance has been proven effective for the prevention of acne, particularly with mild cases. It is the most common ingredient in facial cleansers. When shopping for a product containing benzoyl peroxide, be sure to review the concentrations. Many health care providers suggest starting with a smaller percentage and working up in the event that it is not successful at a lower dosage to prevent your skin from drying out.

• Salicylic acid - For more severe acne, utilize Salicylic acid. This substance has been proven to cleanse and dry pores, working effectively as an acne prevention tool.

When you utilize facial cleansers in combination with maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, you will proactively working toward the prevention of acne. There is not a magic formula for producing perfect skin. So, be sure to work through the process and keep trying combinations until you discover one that works the best for you. Acne prevention is the best course of action when managing your skin's health. In the event that you do not experience a positive change in your skin's appearance, speak with a dermatologist to evaluate all of your available options.