Carry a water bottle with you all day to make sure you always have water on hand. Drink herbal tea or other non-sugary beverages to hydrate when you’re tired of water.
Omega 3 fatty acids. These are found in fish and walnuts, and are especially beneficial to your skin. [2] X Research source Vitamin C. This will help existing pimples heal faster, so eating a few servings of citrus fruits and spinach will help. [3] X Trustworthy Source Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute Research center dedicated to promoting optimal health through cutting-edge nutrition research and public outreach Go to source Fiber-rich foods. Fresh vegetables, nuts, and unprocessed fruit helps keep a fine balance and to be regular, not sluggish, in the gastrointestinal area. You may look and feel tired and sickly (headache and abdominal complaints), if you do not have regularity of elimination/movements once or more every day. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Change out your pillowcase every four or five days. A fresh, bacteria-free pillowcase can stop your skin from erupting overnight. [8] X Research source Keep your hands off your face. If you tend to rest your chin in your palm, or you’re constantly fussing with your face, stop. The oils on your hands can cause breakouts, even in small amounts. [9] X Research source Tie your hair back while you sleep. If you have long hair, keep it off your face while you rest. Braid it back, and use pins or a headband to keep bangs off your forehead. [10] X Research source Get your beauty rest. Stress can lead to breakouts, so make sure you’re well-rested and calm. [11] X Research source Change your birth control (females). Some oral contraceptives containing estrogen can calm down regular breakouts. Ask your doctor if this is the right choice for you. [12] X Research source
To prevent drying out your face, start using a salicylic acid wash only in the mornings and see if that’s sufficient. If you still need more help, use it at night as well.
For extra help, try using both formulations. Be aware that benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair and clothing.
Do not allow the clay to harden completely or leave it on overnight. It can over-dry the skin.
Use makeup remover. Not only does this prevent it from clogging up your pores and causing breakouts while you sleep, it also stops you from smearing bacteria on your pillow — where it can get into your skin night after night. Use a gentle soap. Remember that you want to clean your skin, not completely strip it of all oils — if it feels tight and dry after washing, you’re using something too strong. Avoid the eye area; the skin around the eye can be too delicate for most cleansers. Rinse off by splashing water on your face. Using a washcloth or rag to roughly wipe your skin clean can irritate it more. Instead, bend your face over the sink, cup your hands together, and bring up small amounts of water to splash over your face. About 10 splashes should do it. Pat dry. Don’t roughly rub your skin dry with a towel. Instead, dry it with small, gentle pats or let it air dry.
Put a few drops onto a cotton ball or pad. Swipe it lightly over your skin. Only use astringent if your skin is exceptionally oily. Astringent is a stronger type of toner that can be up to 60% alcohol. If your skin tends to be dry, using astringent could actually cause acne by driving your oil glands to overcompensate. Witch hazel is a natural alternative to buying synthetic toner/astringent. Consider applying toner to only the areas of your skin that tend to break out. For instance, you might only use it on your nose or forehead.
Consider using a lighter moisturizer during the day. If you’re prone to breakouts, use a light or gel moisturizer. Don’t forget your neck and décolletage. These areas can get super dry and irritated if you never moisturize them.
A simple scrub of sugar mixed with honey makes a great exfoliator. Rinse it off with warm water. You could also exfoliate with a dry brush made for the face. Brush your face using small, circular motions. Acne-prone skin can be exfoliated 2-3 times a week. A chemical exfoliant is often best for acne-prone skin. [19] X Research source
Stick to SPF 30 — anything higher doesn’t have much more benefit. Search the makeup aisle for spray-on sunscreens that are light and dry. Use a foundation or tinted moisturizer with sunscreen, so your face is already covered.
