We’ve all been there. You wake up, ready to take on the day, look in the mirror and there it is. An unwelcome zit just glaring back at you.

Maybe this is a daily occurrence for you. Or maybe it only happens once in a blue moon. Either way, it is never fun to have acne.

If you find yourself fighting off acne, here are some simple do’s and don’ts to help you keep those unruly zits at bay.

DO use ice. It will not only soothe your skin, but it will help reduce the swelling around the zit — just remember not to leave the ice on for too long, as too much cold can irritate your skin.

DON’T squeeze your zits. Ever. This will only increase your risk of infection and scarring and take longer to heal. As tempting as it may be, resist the urge. You’ll be happy you did in the long run.

DO keep your hands away from your face. Just think about all of the things you touch throughout the day. Even if you wash your hands, there are still plenty of bacteria on there that can irritate your skin. The less you touch your face, the better.

DON’T wash your face too much. While it may seem counterintuitive, washing too much can further irritate or dry out your skin, leaving it cracked and open for bacteria to sneak in. Washing your face twice a day is a good amount to aim for.

DO moisturize every day. Keeping your skin from drying out will help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. The healthier your skin is, the less likely you will be susceptible to breakouts.

DON’T get too much sun. Regardless of whether or not you have acne, this is just a good rule to follow. Too much sun exposure can further damage your skin and sometimes make acne worse.

DO check with your dermatologist first, especially if you have particularly bad acne or are suffering from cystic acne. Your dermatologist will be able to provide you with a skincare regime that is designed specifically for you.

Schedule your appointment with Charleston Dermatology today to get started!