Five ways to minimize acne breakouts

1. Take diet advice with a grain of salt.

While some studies do now suggest a sugary, starchy ("high glycemic load") diet might make acne worse, there's no evidence that chocolate or pizza or french fries are special culprits — unless you get that pizza grease on your face. And rest assured: It's very unlikely that a couple pieces of Halloween candy will cause an outbreak. That said, it's always wise to eat your fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean protein. "Eat well, and your skin will be grateful," Parsons says.

2. Don't touch!

Popping and picking at pimples isn't just an unattractive habit. It can make breakouts and scarring worse. So resist.

3. Keep it clean.

But don't overdo it. Wash once in the morning, once at night and "when your skin gets sticky or sweaty," Parsons says. The nighttime cleanse is especially crucial: "You need to wash away the oil, the makeup and the sunscreen before you go to sleep," Parsons says. What to use? Try a few mild soaps and cleansers to find one that works. But stay away from rubbing alcohol and products with scrubbing particles. Those irritate skin and can make breakouts worse, Farris says. "You can't wash acne away. If you could, dermatologists would be out of business."

4. Keep it light.

It is OK to wear makeup, and everyone should wear sunscreen (because skin cancer is worse than acne, and sun damage may deepen acne scars). But choose formulas labeled "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic."

5. Watch your hair care.

The hairline is a prime acne spot. And many people make the problem worse by using hair products that can irritate the skin or clog pores, Farris says. Oils, heavy pomades and leave-in conditioners that drip onto the face can be especially unhelpful. One trick: Shield your face with a file folder when you apply a spray or other product. And when you wash up, "make sure you are cleansing your face to the hairline," Parsons says.

                                                                                                        By Kim Painter, USA TODAY