Acne can be an embarrassing situation affecting pre-teens all the way to people in their forties. Unfortunately almost no one is immune to the red bumps caused by overactive oil glands.

Even if adults were never pimple-prone in their younger days, that does not necessarily mean they are off the hook. In fact, according to medical aesthetician Patricia Huckeba with Aesthetica MedSpa, many adult acne patients did not suffer skin problems as adolescents. She says her patients suffer from acne later in life because of hormonal changes, birth control, heredity and even weather.

But not to worry, preventing acne can be relatively easy, provided you take the right steps to stop its onset. One thing Huckeba recommends is to drink a lot of water. The National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases also lists other steps on their Web site, including gentle skin cleansing and avoiding frequent handling of the skin that can cause irritation. Specifically for men, it is important to shave carefully and women are advised to choose cosmetics with their skin type in mind.

Another worthwhile tip is to avoid sunburn and, in some cases, even suntanning. However, if you are deadset on catching those rays, the best way to protect your face is by using an acne-friendly, oil-free sunscreen.

“Patients are sometimes worried that sunscreen will cause breakouts,” Huckeba says. “But it’s just about choosing the right one.”

If acne has already started, there are several options to conquer it, but it is important to see a doctor to get products to restore your complexion. Each case is unique and a dermatologist can recommend the right steps and remedies to specifically treat each patient’s problem. This might include prescription medication such as Retin-A Micro, a topical acne treatment that can begin clearing up skin in as little as two weeks.

Dermatology offices, such as Aesthetica, also host exclusive product lines, including those that treat acne Rosaria to a benzyl peroxide three-step program, which Huckeba says is stronger than other popular acne options on the market.

Huckeba also recommends regular facials as well as microdermabrasions to address any post-acne problems. Microdermabrasions exfoliate the skin without chemicals or lasers and they can lead to tighter and smaller pores, as well as the elimination of blotchiness. If a patient has no active acne, Huckeba also recommends maintenance microdermabrasions to keep skin exfoliated and clear. If there is already active acne, she uses a system that includes extractions, steaming and masks.

So whether you fear its onset or you’ve battled acne for years, be sure to take these precautionary steps or see a dermatologist to explore your best solution.