Acne is a skin problem or skin condition characterized by blackheads, whitehead, pimples, blemishes and scars. Acne takes place when the follicles on the skin are clogged by hair or dead skin cells. Acne can occur on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back. The problem of acne if not treated or prevented can lead to several skin disorders and even scars that are permanent and do not fade away easily. Teenagers are more prone to the problem of acne though it may affect adults as well. There are several causes of acne. Hormonal changes take place during teenage and so teenagers are prone to getting acne. Apart from this, several medicines may contain a chemical that leads to acne breakout. An unbalanced and unhealthy diet is one of the main reasons why people develop acne. Stress is also a main reason why acne occurs.

Anti- acne drugs,anti-acne creams and medications are available but it is best to use natural ways to treat and prevent acne.

Natural ways to prevent acne

• One of the best ways to prevent acne is to keep the face clean. Washing the face at least twice a day removes all impurities, excess oil and dead skin cells from the skin. This in turn ensures that the pores stay open and that acne breakout does not take place.
• A healthy and balanced diet also prevents acne from breaking out. It is essential to take a diet that contains the required minerals and vitamins that cleanse the blood and body and make sure that acne does not occur. Vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin A and C must be included in the diet. One should also avoid taking greasy and oily foods or foods that trigger the breakout of acne. Dairy products, sugar, salty snacks and foods which contain preservatives and gluten must be avoided as these trigger the production of oil in the body thus clogging more pores and thus leading to more acne and dead skin cells.
• It is essential to get enough sleep so that the skin stays healthy. It is when the skin is in rest mode that the body works to repair the damaged skin.
• Drinking lots of water can also help to prevent acne breakout. Drinking water helps to remove impurities from the body and cleanses the blood thus preventing acne.
• Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays that are harmful for the skin. These not only trigger acne but also increase the inflammation and redness of the acne. So, one must avoid going into the sunlight and prevent acne from occurring.
• To prevent acne from spreading and occurring, one must avoid touching the face and rubbing the acne harshly and with abrasive cloth or cleansers. This will also ensure that acne does not leave scars or marks on the skin.
• Intake of high quality probiotics can also prevent acne from occurring. Probiotics kill the bacteria and also remove toxins from the body which ensures that the blood stays clean and acne does not break out.
• Make-up must be used sparingly as it clogs the pores and aids in the accumulation of dead skin cells. Make-up must always be removed with a good cleanser and it must be ensures that only those make- up products are used that do not lead to acne breakout.

Natural products that can prevent acne

1. Baking soda can help to prevent acne by exfoliating and removing dead skin cells. Baking soda also removes acne scars and reduces inflammation.
2. Vinegar can also be used to prevent acne as it has anti- bacterial and anti- fungal properties.
3. Coconut oil is antibacterial as well as anti- fungal and this ensures that the skin remains clean and bacteria-free thus preventing acne from occurring.
4. Tea- tree oil is anti- bacterial and helps to prevent acne.
5. Egg whites can be used as a face mask and removes extra oil and impurities from the skin. This ensures that acne does not break out.
6. Lemon juice has astringent and anti- bacterial properties and removes impurities and dead skin cells thus preventing acne.
7. Aloe Vera is one of the best natural products that can prevent acne breakout. Aloe Vera reduces inflammation and redness and also has a soothing affect on the skin.