Acne affects nearly 50 million Americans each year. This common skin condition triggers mental and physical problems, such as permanent scars, depression, poor self-image, and low confidence. It affects the skin’s oil glands, causing pimples on the face, neck, chest, and other areas. In severe cases, it may lead to the formation of cysts and nodules.

From kids and teens to adults, anyone can get acne. Treatment aims to prevent scarring, heal pimples, and reduce breakouts. Here are five simple steps to get rid of acne and keep your skin healthy:

Step 1: Stop Damaging Your Skin

Most acne suffers tend to constantly pick and squeeze their pimples, overwash their face, or overuse creams. Touching your face may cause bacteria buildup and increase acne flair ups. In the worst-case scenario, it leads to permanent scarring. The same goes for excessive washing, which affects the skin’s pH balance and triggers breakouts. Appling creams and lotions on your face all day doesn’t help either. These products can clog your pores, causing irritation, dryness, and redness. The first thing you should do to get rid of acne is to stop damaging your skin.

Step 2: Clean Your Skin Gently

Steer clear of harsh soaps, oils, and deep moisturizing creams. When you suffer from acne, your skin produces too much sebum. Applying essential oils and moisturizers only makes things worse. Use a mild cleanser and light creams to keep your skin hydrated. Look for an antioxidant-rich serum designed for acne-prone skin. After cleansing your face, apply sunscreen to lock in moisture.

Step 3: Use Turmeric

Turmeric boasts anti-inflammatory properties and helps sooth irritated skin. Simply crush a few pills and mix the powder with distilled water to form a thick paste. For a strong effect, add a teaspoon of honey. This superfood is rich in antibacterial compounds that kills pathogens and heal flare-ups. Apply onto your face to cleanse the pores and remove dead skin cells. Wait up to 15 minutes to rinse off. Your skin will be softer and more radiant.

Step 4: Apply Ice

Ice helps reduce swelling and redness of the skin. It also improves circulation and tightens your pores. Crushed ice helps remove dirt and debris while fighting inflammation. To reap its benefits, wrap an ice cube or crushed ice in a piece of cloth. Apply it on the affected area for a few seconds. Repeat several times.

Step 5: Eat Clean

Certain foods can trigger breakouts and feed acne-causing bacteria, worsening your symptoms. These include dairy, sugar, bread, soy, chocolate, peanut butter, and most foods with a high glycemic index. For instance, cheese and dairy products contain hormones that increase sebum production, leading to acne. Chocolate and other treats cause inflammation, which makes acne worse. To prevent breakouts, eat foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin C, and retinol.

In addition to the steps listed above, there are many other things you can do for healthy skin. Use natural ingredients, such as honey, lemon, and crushed garlic, to make your own face mask and heal acne naturally. Avoid processed foods, exfoliate your skin regularly, and drink more water to flush out the toxins that cause blemishes.