Acne is an annoying and persistent condition that affects most people during their teen years and in some cases can persist into adulthood. Acne is caused when the pores get infected with oil, dirt and dead skin cells and then swell up to become the red pustule known as a pimple. It can last a long time and be tough to get rid of, so the best step to take is prevention. There are a variety of acne medications on the market, but they can be expensive and inadvertently damaging to the skin; some of the safest and easiest acne prevention techniques are natural ones.

Wash Your Skin

Make a point of washing your face or any other affected skin as the first step to take in preventing acne. The online health magazine Teen's Health suggests washing your face twice a day with a gentle, oil-free facial soap to remove any excess oil, dead skin or dirt that could clog your pores. It's especially important to wash your skin after exercising, because sweat can clog pores. But be sure not to over-wash; more than twice a day can dry your skin and exacerbate acne.

Eat a Balanced Diet

The relationship between diet and acne is a fairly controversial one. According to the online magazine Acne Talks, many claims, such as the idea that chocolate causes pimples, are typically false, but eating an unbalanced diet can have negative effects. Foods that are high in fat can increase hormone production, which leads to increased oil production. To prevent acne, incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables and lower-glycemic carbohydrates into your diet, and avoid processed food and junk food.

Drink Water

Drinking plenty of water is one of the easiest ways to prevent acne. Getting the recommended 64 oz. of water a day will keep your skin hydrated and clear. Not only does water keep our organs healthy and functioning, but it flushes waste out of our bodies.