Pimples, also called acne, occur when your skin’s oil glands are overactive and pores become inflamed. Some types of skin bacteria may make pimples worse. Pimples can appear anywhere on the skin, but they most often occur on the face. Because pimples are usually triggered by androgen hormones and, in some cases, genetics, there’s no surefire way to prevent them. Still, there are many methods to reduce their severity and keep them in check. Here are 14 of them. Wash your face 1. Properly wash your face To help prevent pimples, it’s important to remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat daily. Washing your face more than twice a day may make acne worse, however. Don’t wash your face with harsh cleansers that dry skin. Use an alcohol-free cleanser. To wash your face: Wet your face with warm, not hot, water. Apply a mild cleanser in a gentle, circular motion using your fingers, not a washcloth. Rinse thoroughly, and pat dry. 2...