There is no cure for acne, and most of us will experience a breakout from time to time. But there are some steps you can take to prevent pimples, or at least minimize their effect on your skin. Here are a few tip 19Try not to touch your skin. While dirt does not cause acne, it is still important to keep skin clean. If you have been sweating from heat or exercise or if you work in an environment where there may be oil in the air, like a kitchen, wash up as soon as possible. Use gentle non-soap facial cleansers to clean acne-prone areas. But don't overdo it, not more than twice a day. Washing too much can dry out skin. You'll also want to stay away from rubbing alcohol and abrasive scrubs that can cause irritation. It's better to use water-based products that won't clog your pores. This is good advice when selecting any skin product, including sunscreens, lotions and makeup. Look for brands that are labeled non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic. These products typically don't cause breakouts. Some products, like concealers, are now made with the popular acne-fighting ingredients, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Tinted benzoyl peroxide creams can help hide pimples while treating them. Again, don't overdo it. Too much of a good thing can lead to over dry skin, irritation, and more pimples. Even with non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic products, it's possible to experience skin irritation or acne breakouts. So if you do, stop using them. Your doctor may recommend avoiding cosmetics entirely or using only certain brands. Keep hair spray and styling gels away from your face as much as possible, too. Many of them contain oils that can clog pores. If you develop acne on your chest, neck, or back, avoid tight-fitting clothes that can irritate your skin. Another way to prevent or reduce acne is to avoid the sun. It can make your skin dry and irritated, leading to more breakouts. Contrary to a common myth, there is no link between sun exposure and acne prevention. If you are going to be out in the sun, use a non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. The role of diet continues to be controversial, but studies now show that dairy products --perhaps because of hormones that are in milk - and high glycemic index foods may lead to acne. High glycemic index foods are typically junk foods, like candy, cookies, pies, and cakes, as well as white bread and pasta, potatoes and white rice. These foods are all high in simple sugars, and raise blood sugar levels quickly. That blood sugar spike can lead to increased hormone production, and therefore more oil on the skin. So, try to limit high glycemic index foods. These prevention steps can help, but if you're experiencing multiple episodes or severe acne it may be time to see your doctor or dermatologist.