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I often read posts from women who boldly announce they’ve come to embrace their pimples and acne, accepting it’s “part of who they are.” I think this is BS, because there’s no reason ANYONE should have to live with acne problems!

Contrary to the popular belief that acne is hereditary and nothing can be done about it, it’s possible to prevent and eliminate acne by practicing a few clean, healthy habits. Exercising regularly, drinking lots of water, and eating nutritious foods are just a few things you can do to improve the appearance of your skin.

Of course, there are instances where hormone changes are to blame—such as that which occur during pregnancy and menopause— and there’s nothing you can do to help it. But certain behaviors can help mitigate the problem.

Here are natural ways to prevent pimples and acne breakouts. They work for me, and hopefully they work for you, too!

Eat Clean To Maintain Clean Skin

You know that phrase, “you are what you eat?” It’s true. Your skin reflects what you put into your body. If you want healthy skin, put healthy things into your body.

Clear skin really does start from the inside out. Eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other whole foods. Avoid eating greasy foods and processed foods, and of course lots of foods that are high in sugar.

Consume Less Dairy

A lot of evidence points toward a direct link between dairy products and acne. Nearly all dairy is loaded with hormones, even if it comes from free-range cows. Of course, milk comes from pregnant and nursing cows whose hormones are already insane because they’re producing food for their young. These excess hormones can pile on top of your other hormones to trigger hormonal imbalances and acne.

Cow’s milk is intended for baby cows, and not humans. The human body has a tough time digesting cow’s milk because it simply isn’t intended for human consumption. Any toxins from milk that your body cannot digest may certainly contribute to acne.

The solution? Consume less cow’s milk, and try drinking more almond milk or coconut milk. Your skin will thank you for it!

Drink More Water

Too much caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate your body and skin. Sugary drinks like sodas and juice boxes are linked to higher blood sugar levels, hormonal imbalance, and acne breakouts. Water keeps your skin healthy and hydrated, and flushes toxins and waste from your body. Consider swapping out all your usual daily beverages for water.

Get More Sleep

If you’re sleep-deprived, your chances of experiencing acne breakouts are even higher. Sleep deprivation can lead to both physical and mental stress. When you’re stressed, your body’s adrenal glands produce more cortisol, which makes your skin more oily and prone to acne.

Sleep reduces stress, and is your body’s ideal time for healing and repairing itself. Do whatever it takes to get more sleep, whether it involves buying a white noise machine or rearranging your bedroom. I use this classic white noise machine by Yogasleep—it’s super easy to use, and you can adjust its tone and volume.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise makes you sweat, and sweat cleans out your pores. Exercise also reduces stress, regulates hormones, and increases your metabolism—all of which can eliminate and prevent acne.

If you’re not breaking a sweat and elevating your heart rate during your workout routine, pick up the pace and challenge yourself more. It’ll be worth it—your skin will develop a natural glow and you could get probably get away with a lot less makeup!

Wear Less Makeup

Speaking of which—makeup is a top contributor to acne. Products including foundation, powder, and blush can clog your pores if you apply too much, don’t remove it at night, or use heavy formulations laden with harmful ingredients.

If you eat clean and exercise on a regular basis, your skin will look so great you probably won’t need too much makeup or blush. I wore more makeup during my teens and 20s than I do in my later years, thanks to a healthier lifestyle.

If you’ve tried all these things and are still dealing with pimples, I’d recommend seeing your healthcare provider or a dermatologist who can uncover the root cause. Then, you could really nip it in the bud!

What natural methods do you have for preventing pimples? Share your comments below — I’d love to hear your feedback!

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Content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical treatment.