For anyone interested in knowing how to prevent acne, it’s time to fess up. There is no fail-safe method for preventing acne, particularly if you’re a teenager. But that doesn’t mean there is no hope. While it’s true that some factors, like genetics, come into play, you can still significantly improve your chances of being acne-free with several simple lifestyle changes.

Acne is nothing more than inflammation inside your pores. The inflammation occurs when sebum, or your natural skin oil, gets trapped with dead skin cells and bacteria. Your body’s defenses then kick into gear to battle the bacteria.

Understanding how your body produces acne points you towards how to prevent it, or at least how to minimize the odds of it occurring in the first place. It gives you two basic goals to strive for: (1) reduce the amount of oil on your skin; and (2) keep your pores from clogging.

Here are 5 simple steps you can take now to help meet these goals and thereby prevent acne:

1. Eat a proper diet

It’s nearly impossible to talk about how to prevent acne without also taking about hormones. Hormones regulate the amount of oil produced by your pores. Even though there are no foods that directly cause acne (like greasy chips or pizza), diet does influence your hormone levels. A healthy diet helps keep your hormones in check, thereby helping to keep oil production from going into overdrive.

2. Exercise

Exercise provides a double benefit. First, it helps lower stress and keeps your organs functioning efficiently, which in turn helps to regulate your hormones. Secondly, it helps keep your pores open and flushed. Who knew that sweating could be so good for you?

3. Manage your stress

Stress is another factor that can wreak havoc on your hormones and lead to excess oil production. The best part about managing your stress is that it will cost you nothing but a few minutes of your time. Find an activity that helps you relax, like meditation, reading a good book, or watching your favorite TV show.

4. Keep your skin clean

Any decent strategy for how to prevent acne must include a good skin regimen. When your pores produce oil, the oil is pushed outward to lubricate your skin (which is what your pores are designed to do).

Washing your face twice a day is generally enough to keep excess oil under control. Be sure to use a cleanser that does not contain soap. Dove (which is not a soap) is one inexpensive option that works quite well, or you can opt for a product specifically designed for fighting acne. Washing your face also helps clear away acne-causing bacteria.

Be sure to use gentle circular motions and pat dry with a clean towel. Don’t rub or scrub, as this will only irritate your skin even more.

5. Exfoliate

As noted, acne flares up when bacteria and oil get trapped in your pores. Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells that clog pores. You can purchase products specially formulated to promote exfoliation or you can try making your own product at home. Simple ingredients found in your kitchen, like baking soda, are inexpensive but effective solutions.

If you’re wanting to know how to prevent acne now, these 5 steps will give you the highest chance of success. And best of all, things like a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management will give you much more than just better skin. You will not only look better, but you’ll feel better, too.

B. A. Mallow is a senior research analyst for Acne TKO and invites you to read the full How to Prevent Acne article now. Find an assortment of other FREE and insightful articles at http://www.AcneTKO.com to help you permanently win your battle against acne and finally get the skin you deserve.