Skin breakouts are difficult to keep under control, but not impossible. Prevention is now one step closer to you thanks to these useful tips granted by experts in the domain of skincare.

The Internet is filled to the brink with articles and guides that detail all the numerous ways through which you can get rid of acne and every unpleasant thing associated with it. But the thing is, no cure will ever be as effective as prevention. So, if you’re seeking to uncover the best way to keep a skin breakout from evolving into something more troublesome, open your ears and listen to the insight of these experts.

5 Experts Tell You How to Keep Skin Breakouts under Control

#1 Snack on Nuts

Mixed nuts, to be exact. It seems that Brazilian nuts in particular have the ability to increase skin elasticity thanks to their high levels of selenium.

Molly Morgan, author of The Skinny Rules and Board Certified Sports Specialist Dietitian explored the benefits of a diet like this. “Throw in walnuts—which are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids—to lower inflammation and put the brakes on breakouts,” says Morgan.

#2 Always Clean Your Brushes

We don’t clean makeup brushes as often as we should – if ever. This is a primary factor that contributes to the destruction of your skin, creating an environment perfect for fostering bacteria that causes breakouts.

Jessica Wu, an LA dermatologist and author of Feed Your Face says, “You should wash loose powder brushes every two to three weeks, and those used to apply foundation once a week.” For a simple how-to on makeup brush cleaning, check out this guide.

#3 Use Retinol Treatments

If you’re going to use various treatments to try and improve your skin’s health, might as well make sure that they contain retinol.

“Everyone should use retinol. It has decades of clinical data to support its efficacy, helps skin cell turnover, and boosts collagen production to keep skin firm and youthful,” explains Doris Day, a New York based dermatologist.

#4 Don’t Forget to Exfoliate

Pores can become real troublemakers. Many dermatologists stress the importance of exfoliation, with Syed Amiry being one of them.

“Pores appear larger when they’re filled with dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and keratin, a protein that lives on the surface of the skin,” explains Amiry. “Remove those plugs, and they seem to shrink.”

#5 Have a Balanced Sleep Schedule

Sometimes the best kind of health comes from the inside. This theory is supported by Amy Wechsler, one of the only two physicians with a board-certification in both psychiatry and dermatology.

“Sleep deprivation lowers circulation, which is why you look pale and washed out if you only get a few hours,” explains Wechsler. “Your body’s cellular renewal team has the night shift, so this is when you want to equip your skin with as many nutrients and hydrating ingredients it needs to do a fine job.”

Wrapping Up

So, ready to keep skin breakouts under control from now on? Then just keep these aforementioned tips as close as you keep your toners and anti-acne products.