As someone who has struggled with acne for as long as I can remember, I know how hard it is to feel comfortable in your own skin. I've strived to have the perfect complexion that all of the models in popular magazines have, but for some reason, my twice-a-day acne medication wasn't cutting it. Awesome.

After using all of the medications known to mankind on my face (without success), I wondered if there was something I could be doing on the side to help clear my acne, and it made all the difference. So, if you're in my boat, you're also desperate for new tips, and I am here to share my wisdom.

1. Spicy foods are not your friend

Foods like salsa, hot peppers, and anything buffalo-flavored can negatively affect your complexion. Of course, everything is good in moderation, but it may be best to avoid spicy foods if it impacts your skin's look and feel in an undesirable way.

2. If it touches your face, it needs to be washed often

Pillowcases are one of the most obvious examples, but many people aren't thinking about their makeup brushes, beauty blenders, and other beauty products that are absorbing the oil on their faces. It is much more important than you think to keep these things clean.

3. Try foundations that cater to your skin type

I would never have guessed that certain makeup brands have products with ingredients to help fight acne. After using them, I would totally recommend them.

4. Bring a towel to the gym

Sweat is another enemy when it comes to fighting off acne. If you plan to stay at the gym for over an hour, I would strongly suggest you bring a towel or some face wipes to the gym so that sweat isn't drying on your face.

5. Let your skin breathe

If you're like me, you wear more makeup when your face is breaking out. The downside to this, however, is that covering acne up with too much makeup will only delay the healing process. I can't stand not wearing my makeup for a day, but your skin will thank you if you let it breathe.

6. Don't borrow anyone else's acne medication

You may think that all medication serves the same purpose, but nothing could be more false. I learned this the hard way when I practically fried my face by using someone else's products. We all have different skin types, and this is the one time that sharing is NOT caring.

7. Stop. Touching. It.

I promise that it will not get up and walk away, you don't need to keep touching it to make sure. Be aware of how many different things you touch with your hands, and note that you are in turn putting those oils and germs on your face.

I'm sure that some of these may just seem like common knowledge, but if you were surprised by anything, you are not alone. I learned each of these the hard way, and hopefully I spared you some trouble.

Also worth noting: do not let ANYONE make you feel like you are any less beautiful for having acne. I struggled with that for years before realizing I have every reason to be confident. Acne is a natural thing and while it is tedious, it does not deter from beauty.