Many people are prone to acne breakouts, especially teens. For those who suffer from acne, a prevention program is the best solution. A common myth is that acne is simply a part of growing up and that there is nothing that can be done to prevent it. However, if people simply view the skin as the largest living organ the body has, they can then begin to recognize the importance of taking care of the skin

Before starting an acne prevention program, you have to understand what causes acne. Acne affects people in different ways. Acne can be caused by hormones, genetics, overactive sebaceous glands, accumulation of dead skin cells and even stress. One important part of an acne prevention program includes eliminating the bacteria in the skin pores, avoiding skin lesion and refraining from anabolic steroids.

Primarily, hair follicles push hair through the skin through a kind of tunnel, lubricated by sebum from the sebaceous glands. Any of the causes of acne can block this tunnel and create a lump under the skin, which in turn, collects bacteria creating acne. Prevention includes being able to keep the pores open and kill the bacteria as it is forming, or before it has the chance to grow.

For the majority of sufferers, once a pimple or blackhead appears on the skin, it can take several days, sometimes weeks to clear it up. By following a simple, regular acne prevention routine, these outbreaks can be kept to a minimum. The most effective method is by keeping the skin clean and free of dead skin cells.

Topical bactericides such as benzoyl peroxide are commonly used in the treatment of acne outbreaks, but are not recommended in an acne prevention program. While keeping the skin clear and the pores open is an integral part of preventing the development of acne, products containing this chemical should only be used to kill the bacteria once it makes its presence known as it can also dry out the skin.

One of the simplest acne prevention methods is to wash your face twice a day using a mild non-perfumed soap. A blackhead will look like dirt in the pores. This is actually bacteria that is forming in the pores. By washing your face and removing the dead skins you can prevent the bacteria from forming.