SOMETIMES it may seem like your skin is impossible to manage, especially when you wake up and find a huge zit on your nose or a cold sore at the corner of your mouth. The good news is that there are ways to prevent and treat common skin problems

Here are some tips to help prevent breakouts and clear them up as fast as possible:

Wash your face twice a day (no more) with warm water and a mild soap made for people with acne. Gently massage your face with circular motions. Don’t scrub. Over washing and scrubbing can cause skin to become irritated.

Don’t pop pimples. It’s tempting, but here’s why you shouldn’t: Popping pimples can push infected material further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring.

Avoid touching your face with your fingers or leaning your face on objects that collect sebum and skin residue like the telephone receiver.

If you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose.

Remove your makeup before you go to sleep. When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” on the label. Throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it.

Keep hair clean and out of your face to prevent additional dirt and oil from clogging your pores.
Protect your skin from the sun. A tan can cause damage to skin that will eventually lead to wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer.