Though good skin care and paying careful attention to personal hygiene and health means most of us will never suffer the pain of acne, there are other lifestyle changes we can all make to safeguard against ever suffering acne, and many techniques exist to help cure the problem even in its advanced stages. Such as:

1. The skin must be kept clean and oil free to prevent flare ups. Careful cleansing with perfume and oil free cleaners will benefit most acne sufferers. Sweating and overheating can also exacerbate acne and the sufferer should compensate by keeping their body heat low using deodorants and anti-perspirants and not getting too close to open fires and radiators and by not wearing several layers of clothing.

2. Acne sufferers keen on sport should shower after participating to prevent sweat and overheating exacerbating their acne.

3. Cotton and other light natural fibres next to the body allow the skin to breath and remain cool, unlike thick man made fibres and heavy fabrics which can cause the body to overheat and become sweaty. Avoid clothes made from lycra or plastic and most synthetic fabrics and nylons which can cause the skin to sweat and cause acne to flare up. Choose loose over tight clothing to prevent sweating and friction on the skin. Wash sports headbands between uses.

4. Use natural cleaners for skin and clothes and avoid any that are heavily perfumed or with high chemical content.

5. Use gloves when washing up and doing housework and avoid heavily perfumed or high chemical content household cleaners and spray.

6. Stress can worsen acne and many sufferers find relief from medidation and gentle exercising such as walking and listening to soothing music.

7. Change all clothing daily and clean sports gear after use and keep clothing in a cool area between uses.

8. Hair should be kept well away from the face where it can cause itching and sweating and worsening existing acne conditions.

9. Avoid thick skin creams and make up which can clog the pores and cause or worsen an acne condition. Oily make up is also known to cause the pores to clog. A light make up or no make up at all is best for acne sufferers. Keep make up and hair brushes spotlessly clean always.

10. Some studies say a diet rich in fat can cause or worsen acne, some studies suggest otherwise. Nonetheless if 'we are what we eat' it still makes sense to avoid too much fat and sweet foods in our diet and to drink plenty of fresh water and avoid too much alcohol.

11. Keep personal hygiene permanently in mind and shower at least once a day especially after energetic activity. Sweat causes pores to block which also cause acne to flare up.

12. Wash your hands several times each day and avoid them coming into contact with acne affected areas of your body.

13. Do not pinch or prod affected areas which can force the infection deeper into the skin and cause flare ups and possible scarring.