Has acne put a major crimp in your social life? Do you wish you had clearer skin? Follow these simple tips and learn how to prevent acne.

• Acne--the dreaded four-letter word for teens and adults alike. If you feel like you are a fighting a never-ending battle, it's time you take measures to stop acne before it starts. While it's not possible to completely prevent acne, you can reduce the severity of your breakouts by making a few simple changes.

• Acne is caused by the accumulation of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria on your skin. The first step to preventing acne is keeping your face clean.

1. Wash your face two times per day.
2. Use products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
3. Don't overdo it!
   • Washing your face too much can dry out your skin.
4. Wash your face after you exercise or sweat.

• Although eating greasy and sugary foods will not cause acne, it is important to keep your body and skin healthy by eating nutritious foods.

1. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables.
2. Take a multi-vitamin.
3. Reduce high-glycemic foods.
   • Avoid processed foods and refined sugars.
4. Drink plenty of water.

• Keeping your face clean and eating healthy foods is a great start, but here are a few more tips for clearer skin:

1. Use noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic makeup.
2. Change your pillow case frequently.
3. Wash your hands before touching your face.
4. Use an antibacterial wipe to clean your cellphone everyday.
5. Keep hair spray or styling gel off your face.
6. If nothing works for you, talk to a doctor about taking prescription acne medication.

• Don't let acne get you down. Eating healthy foods, washing your face regularly and choosing the right facial products will help keep your skin clearer.

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