Acne can affect anyone and happen at any age, but that doesn’t mean you have to just sit back and take it! Fight future breakouts with these 5 simple steps:

1. FORMULATE A GOOD SKINCARE ROUTINE

If you have acne-prone skin, it is essential to use a cleanser that helps prevent breakouts before they even start. Look for a cleanser with salicylic acid to exfoliate skin and clear pores before those pesky pimples even get a chance to sneak in! If you’re constantly on the go, cleansing pads can be a lifesaver and do the same job as a good cleanser. In addition to adding salicylic acid to your skincare routine, you should also incorporate oil-free products to keep the pH balance of your skin, such as IMAGE Skincare’s Ormedic Balancing Anti-Oxidant Serum ($49.90). This hydrating serum is infused with organic Japanese green tea, aloe vera and a copper-complex peptide which works to balance skin from the inside out and restore its ideal moisture level.

2. KEEP ZEN

Cortisol is the stress hormone your body produces under stress. This hormone is also responsible for increased oil production, which can get trapped into pores and lead to breakouts. Part of avoiding breakouts then is to keeping life zen. There are several ways to do this, like making sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep per day, going for a walk, sitting in silence for a few minutes, or taking up yoga. However you decide to destress, just remember to take the time to do it.  Your skin will thank you, as will your mind.

3. NOURISH SKIN FROM THE INSIDE OUT

By now you probably understand how linked our internal system is connected to our skin. It should be no surprise then that part of having beautiful, clear skin is making sure you’re eating the right foods for healthy skin. Try your best to avoid a high-carb diet consisting of white flour, white sugar, and white potatoes and opt instead for fruits and veggies rich in Vitamin A to help normalize the production of skin cells. Some of these healthy foods include broccoli, kale, mango, and healthy fats like salmon, eggs, and walnuts.

4. DON’T PICK

You’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again: never pick at a pimple! Instead try rolling an ice cube over the zit as soon as you notice it. The ice will either help bring the breakout to the surface or make it calm down and vanish. If the breakout really bothers you enough, come in for a quick extraction treatment with one of our trained estheticians.

5. COVER UP CAREFULLYiConceal

We get it that you’ll want to conceal that breakout, but make sure you’re using a product that will help acne go away instead of aggravating it. When choosing a foundation, make sure it’s oil-free and that it contains a mineral base and some skin-healing ingredients like anti-aging peptides, stem cells, and SPF protection. We love IMAGE Skincare’s I Conceal Flawless Foundation ($59.90) for its ability to cover blemishes effectively while also nourishing and protecting skin.