It’s common to want to cover up your skin blemishes with makeup, but this can often just make the problem worse. Acne is caused by clogged pores, and by piling on makeup to conceal it, you may just clog pores further. Many liquid foundations can irritate your skin. Some have oils and fragrances, which are problematic for sensitive skin.

If you feel you must wear makeup, try not to wear it all the time, and search for oil free and frangrance free brands. Some makeup is specifically meant for people who have problems with acne, so you may want to look into these brands.

Wash your face with an antibacterial soap meant for people with acne. Don’t scrub or use rough cloths, because these can irritate the skin and cause even more breakouts. Always wash gently. You want to remove excess oils, but scrubbing too hard can actually cause your glands to produce more oil. For some people, masks/facial treatments designed for acne, with gentle, antibacterial agents like honey, may also be helpful.

Additionally, to try to reduce breakouts, you should wash your pillowcase frequently, since it absorbds oilsfrom your face while you sleep. Keep your hair out of your face, because this can cause irritation and oil buildup as well.