Do you suffer from severe acne? If so, you’re not alone. While most commonly associated with teenagers, many adults struggle with this unsightly skin condition as well.

Short-term ways to manage acne include the use of cosmetic concealers and other ways to cover up blemishes. But this doesn’t help solve the problem at the source; it merely provides a temporary solution for limiting the appearance of acne on the face, neck, and shoulders.

Clearing acne once and for all comes down to a step-by-step plan involving changes in personal habits as well as the utilization of skin care products and healthcare services. Let’s take a look at seven steps you can take to finally free yourself of the unsightly condition known as acne:

Wash your face twice daily

It’s critical for acne sufferers to stick to a twice-daily face wash. Any less leaves pores clogged, while any more will do more harm than good. We recommend using gentle face soap in the morning and an acne face wash at night. It’s also a good idea to stick to lukewarm water for both washes, rather than water that is too hot or too cold. This ensures the cleanser does its job without the risk of heat-related damage to the skin.

Wash your bedding once per week

How often do you change and clean your bedding? Pillowcases are especially notorious for collecting sweat and oil from the hair and distributing it to the face and neck while we sleep. By washing and changing your bedding at least once per week, you prevent the excessive accumulation of oil, sweat, and bacteria on sheets and pillowcases. We recommend using hot water and gentle detergent when washing your bedding since this will kill harmful bacteria and remove other contaminants without leaving any soap residue that could cause irritation.

Use shampoo

Shampoo does a great job removing dirt and oil from our hair. With this in mind, consider washing your hair with shampoo several times per week. Doing so will reduce the amount of acne-causing agents making their way from your hair to your face. While not everyone has a hair type that makes regular shampooing easy, those who do- especially those with oily hair – should start making it a habit.

Don’t pick or pop!

There is no benefit to picking and popping your acne. It causes irreparable damage to the skin in the form of acne scars. It also extends the time your skin takes to heal. It’s also painful! While it’s one of the hardest things for acne sufferers to do, resisting the urge to pick and pop their zits will prove exceptionally beneficial over time. You’ll look back and thank yourself for not turning temporary pimples into permanent pockmarks and scars.

Avoid touching your face

Our hands collect millions of microorganisms. Even if you regularly wash your hands, it doesn’t take long before germs are hitching a ride on your fingers and palms. With this in mind, make a point to avoid touching your face throughout the day. Doing so limits the amount of dirt and germs latching onto your face. 

Stay out of tanning beds

Many acne medications make the skin especially sensitive to UV light. Spending time in tanning beds could lead to blistering and other damage. Considering the existing risk of developing melanoma from overexposure to ultraviolet light, make a point to skip the tanning bed. When going outside in the sun, remember to apply sunscreen at regular intervals during the day and wear additional protection in the form of hats and sunglasses.

Consult a dermatologist

If you’re doing everything right but still suffering from acne, it’s time to see a medical professional. A licensed dermatologist will be able to prescribe you medication that helps fight acne from within. They may also prescribe you topical creams and recommend specific cleansers. A dermatologist will also be able to answer any questions you may have about skin care, making them a valuable resource in your effort to clear acne.

Acne is a condition that affects millions of people across the world. While it might seem inevitable – especially during our teen years – the truth is acne is a mostly avoidable condition. It takes a concerted effort to strike at the source and change your habits to make it harder for acne to persist.