The first step in keeping acne at bay would be to clean the skin gently and thoroughly. The worst thing you can do to your skin if you have acne is to scrub your skin with harsh detergents and soaps or to use any type of scrub pad. Using such things will not bring an end to the acne and the oil production that is causing the acne. Instead dermatologists recommend that any one that has acne wash their face and any other acne prone body area gently with a mild cleanser morning, evening and after any heavy exercise. Scrubbing will in fact increase the oil production and the acne found on your body. The correct way to wash is from under the jaw to the hairline making sure to rinse thoroughly when finished. Astringents are not recommended contrary to popular belief because the astringent tends to irritate the acne prone skin. You can use astringent but only in the oiliest spots of the skin where the oil needs to be soaked and removed.

Another tip for keeping acne at bay is to not pick at pimples. Squeezing any pimples that you find will do no good for you skin. In fact, squeezing your pimples will only make the acne much worse because you can then develop permanent blemishes and dark spots where you have aggravated the skin from the pimple. This is more of a lasting problem then if you would have left the pimple alone in the first place. You should also avoid touching and rubbing any lesions you may have from the acne itself.

Keeping acne at bay will also require that you shave with care. Men with acne should try electric razors or safety razors to see which type of razor is better for them. Safety razors should have the bristles softened with soap and water before using them to shave so that you don't aggravate acne prone skin. You should always use shaving cream and then shave only when necessary with a light hand.

Using sunscreen will also help keep acne at bay. If you use any type of acne medication it will sensitize the skin and lead to sunburns. Suntans will darken the skin to help hide any blemishes but these advantages are short lived and in the long run excessive exposure to the sun ages the skin at a more rapid pace and you can run the risk of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen is not only good for keeping at acne at bay but it is also good for your health.

Women should choose their cosmetics with care if they have acne prone skin. Women should look at oil free or non-comedogenic products when they have acne prone skin. Both women and men should avoid using oily hair products that tend to drip to the forehead and close the skin pores.

Keeping at acne at bay may also require some diet changes. People with acne prone skin should eat oily and greasy foods as little as possible in order to keep the oil production to a minimum. Having a healthy and well balanced diet is the best way to help keep acne at bay.