It's no secret that during my young adulthood (not that I'm that old now) I suffered from pretty bad acne. It was all over my face - chin, cheeks and forehead. I tried several products and acne systems - prescription, over the counter and organic - to rid myself of it. Nothing worked until I tried Murad's Acne Complex and changed my overall skin care regimen.

Now that I've been acne free for several years I've stopped using Murad, but have stuck to my skin care routine. And I'm not just talking about the products I used and how to use them, but how I care for my facial skin overall. When I get the occasional pimple I've found it to be helpful in making sure the situation doesn't get any worse.

Here are my 10 tips for keeping pimples at bay

1. Change your pillowcase often

It makes total sense, but many people don't think their pillowcase could be the cause of breakouts. The pillow is where you put your face and head every night. So after a few nights it can be covered in facial oil, oil from your hair and even dead skin. All of which can irritate your face and contribute to a breakout.

I like to change my pillowcase at least once a week and will even switch using sides of the pillow about mid-week. Now if I start seeing or feeling a few pimples form I will change my pillowcase even if it hasn't been a full week yet.

2. Keep your hands off your face

This can be a hard one. I will find myself resting my chin in my hands when sitting at my desk at work. I also will rub sweat off my face when working out or spending time outside.

By touching my face I'm transferring dirt and bacteria from my hands to my face which can cause breakouts. When I find myself touching my face constantly I end up with the starting of a pimple or two in those areas a day or so later.

3. Don't irritate your skin

This is also something that happens without me thinking about it. So many things I do on a regular basis can cause some irritation to my skin. Things such as

• Over cleansing: Washing my face more than twice a day. This can dry out my skin
• Over scrubbing: Using a harsh scrub or scrubbing multiple times a day. I've done this a few times and it immediately resulted in a breakout
• Using hot water: While I love hot water my skin doesn't always love it. When I take long, hot showers I come out with dry skin

4. Wash your hands before touching your face

This really only happens when I'm washing my face. I like to use my hands to apply the cleanser, gels and lotions, but before I do I make sure my hands are clean so I'm not transferring anything that could lead to a breakout.

5. Use facial products formulated for acne

To curb my acne problem I had used Murad Acne Complex. Now I'm using the Mary Kay Clear Proof line. The products don't dry out my skin and are formulated to help with breakouts and pimples.

6. Keep your hair off your face

I've found the oils and fragrances from my hair products can sometimes irritate my skin. So I like to keep my hair away from my face. This is why I don't like hair swoops, will clip my hair up when I wear it down. Since I started wearing my hair up more I've found I get fewer pimples near my hairline and forehead.

7. Ease up on the foundation

When I used to wear liquid foundations I found that after a few days my face would break out. I currently wear foundations that don't clog my pores and feel light on my face allowing my skin to breathe.

I like to have at least one day where I don't wear any foundation and if I'm experiencing a breakout I may go more than one day without foundation just so my pores can breathe.

8. Exercise

The increased blood flow from exercise can be good for the skin and complexion. Exercise can also help from the inside out with the secretion of chemicals and toxins that could lead to breakouts. I can attest that exercise does help as my skin tends to be clearer and glows when I exercise more.

9. Eat and drink healthier

While I do a decent job at this, I'm not always the healthiest eater and drinker. Sometimes I want more salt and sugar than fruits and veggies. When that happens I know I can expect changes in my skin. Those changes don't always lead to breakouts, but when coupled ith other things it can and does. The more healthy foods I eat and water I drink the better my skin looks and feels.

Not to get too sciencey, but there have been studies that show insulin increases can product pore-clogging cells that lead to breakouts. Having too much sugar in your diet can result in increased levels of insulin.

10. Get some sleep

Last, but not least, is getting a good night's sleep. Sleep works wonders for my skin. It helps me feel better, feel less stressed and have more energy for exercising and taking care of my skin.

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It's no secret that during my young adulthood (not that I'm that old now) I suffered from pretty bad acne. IT was all over my face - chin, cheeks and forehead. I tried several products and acne systems - prescription, over the counter and organic - to rid myself of it. Nothing worked until I tried Murad's Acne Complex and changed my overall skin care regimen.


Now that I've been acne free for several years I've stopped using Murad, but have stuck to my skin care routine. And I'm not just talking about the products I used and how to use them, but how I care for my facial skin overall. When I get the occasional pimple I've found it to be helpful in making sure the situation doesn't get any worse.


Here are my 10 tips for keeping pimples at pay

1. Change your pillowcase often

It makes total sense, but many people don't think their pillowcase could be the cause of breakouts. The pillow is where you put your face and head every night. So after a few nights it can be covered in facial oil, oil from your hair and even dead skin. All of which can irritate your face and contribute to a breakout.

I like to change my pillowcase at least once a week and will even switch using sides of the pillow about mid-week. Now if I start seeing or feeling a few pimples form I will change my pillowcase even if it hasn't been a full week yet.

2. Keep your hands off your face

This can be a hard one. I will find myself resting my chin in my hands when sitting at my desk at work. I also will rub sweat off my face when working out or spending time outside.

By touching my face I'm transferring dirt and bacteria from my hands to my face which can cause breakouts. When I find myself touching my face constantly I end up with the starting of a pimple or two in those areas a day or so later.

3. Don't irritate your skin

This is also something that happens without me thinking about it. So many things I do on a regular basis can cause some irritation to my skin. Things such as

• Over cleansing: Washing my face more than twice a day. This can dry out my skin
• Over scrubbing: Using a harsh scrub or scrubbing multiple times a day. I've done this a few times and it immediately resulted in a breakout
• Using hot water: While I love hot water my skin doesn't always love it. When I take long, hot showers I come out with dry skin

4. Wash your hands before touching your face

This really only happens when I'm washing my face. I like to use my hands to apply the cleanser, gels and lotions, but before I do I make sure my hands are clean so I'm not transferring anything that could lead to a breakout.

5. Use facial products formulated for acne

To curb my acne problem I had used Murad Acne Complex. Now I'm using the Mary Kay Clear Proof line. The products don't dry out my skin and are formulated to help with breakouts and pimples.

6. Keep your hair off your face

I've found the oils and fragrances from my hair products can sometimes irritate my skin. So I like to keep my hair away from my face. This is why I don't like hair swoops, will clip my hair up when I wear it down. Since I started wearing my hair up more I've found I get fewer pimples near my hairline and forehead.

7. Ease up on the foundation

When I used to wear liquid foundations I found that after a few days my face would break out. I currently wear foundations that don't clog my pores and feel light on my face allowing my skin to breathe.

I like to have at least one day where I don't wear any foundation and if I'm experiencing a breakout I may go more than one day without foundation just so my pores can breathe.

8. Exercise

The increased blood flow from exercise can be good for the skin and complexion. Exercise can also help from the inside out with the secretion of chemicals and toxins that oculd lead to breakouts. I can attest that exercise does help as my skin tends to be clearer and glows when I exercise more.

9. Eat and drink healthier

While I do a decent job at this, I'm not always the healthiest eater and drinker. Sometimes I want more salt and sugar than fruits and veggies. When that happens I know I can expect changes in my skin. Those changes don't always lead to breakouts, but when coupled ith other things it can and does. The more healthy foods I eat and water I drink the better my skin looks and feels.

Not to get too sciencey, but there have been studies that show insulin increases can product pore-clogging cells that lead to breakouts. Having too much sugar in your diet can result in increased levels of insulin.

10. Get some sleep

Last, but not least, is getting a good night's sleep. Sleep works wonders for my skin. It helps me feel better, feel less stressed and have more energy for exercising and taking care of my skin.

Problems with moisturized skin seem like they should only be a problem in the winter when the cold air sucks the moisture right out of you. But staying moisturized is also a summer issue.

In the summer my skin can take a beating. What with all the exposure to the summer sun, the summer heat, salt and chlorine, air drying after multiple dips in the pool and ocean and air conditioners. All of these things individually do a number to my skin, but when even a couple of them are put together it's even worse.

As a result, I tend to experience dry skin, ashy skin and skin that feels tight and itchy in the summer months. To alleviate this dryness and get that desired summer glow I've employed five techniques.

 1. Use a moisturizing body wash

Just like with your hair, the products you use can set the stage for how moisturized or not your skin feels. I used to shower with cheap bar soaps that dried out my skin. I've now switched to using a moisturizing body wash. The body wash I'm using now is the Olay Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter. After my showers, my skin feels moisturized and smooth. It doesn't feel tight, dry or itchy.

2. Pat dry instead of rub dry

After I shower and even wash my hands I try to pat my skin dry instead of rubbing or even wiping. I've found that patting helps keep moisture instead of taking it away it. Mostly because it leaves my skin damp. Patting dry also doesn't irritate my skin which can cause itching.

3. Apply lotion on damp skin

To make sure I'm keeping moisture in my skin I apply lotion to my damp skin. The lotion helps trap in the moisture from the water. If you've seen any of the in-shower body lotions this is kind of the same thing except the lotion isn't rinsed off after applying it.

I've found the key is to use a lightweight lotion so my skin doesn't feel weighed down or greasy. The lotion I use is cocoa butter based store brand lotion. It does have petroleum jelly which is great for the winter, but for me, it doesn't feel too thick or heavy.

4. Exfoliate

You may think exfoliation would dry out your skin. It can, if not done properly or with the right type of product. I like an exfoliating scrub that isn't harsh but soothing instead. I haven't found a brand I like to use on my body, but I've used some DIY exfoliating scrubs using ingredients like sugar, tea tree oil and coconut oil.

5. Carry a water bottle with me everywhere

Some of the best moisturization happens from the inside out. When I'm not hydrated I feel it in my skin. When I'm hydrated I feel it in my skin. To help me stay hydrated I carry a water bottle with me whenever I go out. That way I have easy access to water and have no excuse to go hours without drinking anything.

Problems with moisturized skin seem like they should only be a problem in the winter when the cold air sucks the moisture right out of you. But staying moisturized is also a summer issue. In the summer my skin can take a beating. What with all the exposure to the summer sun, the summer heat, salt and chlorine, air drying after multiple dips in the pool and ocean and air conditioners. All of these things individually do a number to my skin, but when even a couple of them are put together it's even worse.

As a result I tend to experience dry skin, ashy skin and skin that feels tight and itchy in the summer months. To alleviate this dryness I've employed five techniques.

1. Use a moisturizing body wash

Just like with your hair, the products you use can set the stage for how moisturized or not your skin feels. I used to shower with cheap bar soaps that dried out my skin. I've now switched to using a moisturizing body wash. The body wash I'm using now is the Olay Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter. After my showers my skin feels moisturized and smooth. It doesn't feel tight, dry or itchy.

2. Pat dry instead of rub dry

After I shower and even wash my hands I try to pat my skin dry instead of rubbing or even wiping. I've found that patting helps keep moisture instead of taking it away it. Mostly because it leaves my skin damp. Patting dry also doesn't irritate my skin which can cause itching.

3. Apply lotion on damp skin

To make sure I'm keeping moisture in my skin I apply lotion to my damp skin. The lotion helps trap in the moisture from the water. If you've seen any of the in-shower body lotions this is kind of the same thing except the lotion isn't rinsed off after applying it.

I've found the key is to use a lightweight lotion so my skin doesn't feel weighed down or greasy. The lotion I use is cocoa butter based store brand lotion. It does have petroleum jelly which is great for the winter, but for me it doesn't feel too thick or heavy.

4. Exfoliate

You may think exfoliation would dry out your skin. It can, if not done properly or with the right type of product. I like an exfoliating scrub that isn't harsh, but soothing instead. I haven't found a brand I like to use on my body, but I've used some DIY exfoliating scrubs using ingredients like sugar, tea tree oil and coconut oil.

5. Carry a water bottle with me everywhere

Some of the best moisturization happens from the inside out. When I'm not hydrated I feel it in my skin. When I'm hydrated I feel it in my skin. To help me stay hydrated I carry a water bottle with me whenever I go out. That way I have easy access to water and have no excuse to go hours without drinking anything.