How to Prevent Skin From Breaking Out, Tips & Tricks
Right now, my skincare routine is in full force. Whether I’m trying to keep up with glowing, healthy skin or managing the occasional breakout that seems to pop up right before an important event, keeping my skin in check feels like a full-time job. Thanks to a mix of preventative care and a little trial and error, I’ve managed to keep breakouts to a minimum. But let’s be honest: no one’s skin is perfect 24/7.
Preventing breakouts isn’t just about slathering on expensive serums and hoping for the best. It’s about understanding what your skin needs, staying consistent with your routine, and making a few key lifestyle changes. Below, I’m sharing my honest, unfiltered guide to preventing breakouts—no gimmicks, no “just drink more water” advice (though staying hydrated is important).
1. Know Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type is the first step in preventing breakouts. Are you oily, dry, combination, or sensitive? Each type has different needs, and using the wrong products can exacerbate issues. For example, if you have oily skin and use heavy, pore-clogging moisturizers, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. On the flip side, if you have dry skin and skip hydration, your skin might overcompensate by producing excess oil, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Start by observing how your skin behaves throughout the day. If you’re shiny by noon, you might be oily. If your skin feels tight and flaky, you’re likely dry. If you’re a mix of both, you’re probably combination. Sensitive skin often reacts to products with redness, burning, or irritation. Once you know your type, you can tailor your routine accordingly.
2. Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple
A complicated 12-step skincare routine might sound glamorous, but it’s not always effective. In fact, overloading your skin with too many products can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, leading to irritation and—you guessed it—breakouts.
Stick to a few key essentials:
Cleanser: Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. For oily or acne-prone skin, look for something with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. For dry or sensitive skin, opt for a hydrating or cream-based formula.
Moisturizer: Yes, even oily skin needs moisture! Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas.
Sunscreen: Protect your skin from UV damage with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Some sunscreens are specially formulated for acne-prone skin to avoid clogged pores.
Targeted Treatments: If you’re dealing with active breakouts, incorporate a spot treatment with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, or sulfur.
3. Never Skip Cleansing Before Bed
I get it—sometimes you’re just too tired to go through your nighttime routine. But trust me, skipping a cleanse is one of the fastest ways to end up with a breakout. Throughout the day, your skin accumulates dirt, oil, sweat, and environmental pollutants. If you don’t wash it all off, it can mix with your natural oils and clog your pores.
Make it a non-negotiable habit to cleanse your face every night, even if you didn’t wear makeup. If you’re short on time or energy, keep micellar water or makeup-removing wipes by your bedside for a quick cleanse.
4. Avoid Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliating is great for removing dead skin cells and keeping your pores clear, but too much of a good thing can be damaging. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation, redness, and—ironically—more breakouts.
Stick to exfoliating 1-2 times a week, and choose a gentle option that suits your skin. Chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are often more effective and less abrasive than physical scrubs. Just remember: consistency is key, not overdoing it.
5. Watch What You Put on Your Skin
When it comes to skincare, less is often more. Avoid heavy, greasy products that can clog your pores. Look for the term “non-comedogenic” on labels, which means the product is formulated to not block pores.
Be cautious with makeup, too. Opt for oil-free foundations and concealers, and always remove your makeup thoroughly at the end of the day. Using clean makeup brushes and sponges is another must—dirty tools can harbor bacteria that lead to breakouts.
6. Pay Attention to Your Diet
While there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for clear skin, certain foods can trigger breakouts in some people. Dairy, high-glycemic foods (like white bread and sugary snacks), and greasy or fried foods are common culprits. Pay attention to your body and notice if certain foods seem to correlate with breakouts.
Instead, focus on eating a balanced diet rich in skin-friendly nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds) can help reduce inflammation, while antioxidants (found in berries, green tea, and leafy greens) promote healthy skin. Staying hydrated is also essential—water helps flush toxins out of your system and keeps your skin plump and hydrated.
7. Manage Stress Levels
Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it can wreak havoc on your skin, too. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can trigger excess oil production and inflammation. The result? Clogged pores and breakouts.
Incorporate stress-relieving practices into your daily routine, whether it’s yoga, meditation, journaling, or even just taking a walk outside. Getting enough sleep is another crucial part of managing stress—aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
8. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
This one’s simple but surprisingly hard to follow: stop touching your face! Your hands come into contact with countless bacteria and germs throughout the day. Every time you touch your face, you transfer those bacteria to your skin, which can lead to breakouts.
If you’re guilty of popping pimples (we’ve all been there), try to resist the urge. Popping pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, causing more inflammation and potentially leading to scarring.
9. Clean Your Pillowcases and Phone Screen
Two sneaky culprits of breakouts? Dirty pillowcases and phone screens. Pillowcases can absorb oils, sweat, and bacteria from your face and hair, creating a perfect breeding ground for breakouts. Aim to change your pillowcases at least once a week, or more often if you’re particularly breakout-prone.
Your phone screen can also harbor bacteria that transfer to your skin when you’re talking on the phone. Wipe down your phone regularly with an alcohol-based disinfectant.
10. Consult a Dermatologist
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t seem to get your breakouts under control, it might be time to see a dermatologist. They can help identify the root cause of your acne and recommend treatments tailored to your specific needs. From prescription-strength topicals to oral medications or in-office treatments like chemical peels, a dermatologist can offer solutions that go beyond over-the-counter options.
Final Thoughts
Preventing breakouts isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about finding what works for you and being consistent. Remember, everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Be patient, give your routine time to work, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments along the way.
Whether it’s sticking to a simple skincare routine, watching what you eat, or getting a little extra sleep, small changes can make a big difference. Here’s to clearer, healthier skin—one step at a time!