Acne breakouts can be difficult to deal with, but preventing future breakouts is even more complex. It is common for teenagers and adults to search, “what is causing my acne” in a search engine. Finding the products, foods, or situations that are causing your acne can be a time-consuming process, but finding a cause will help you enact a more effective solution. In this blog, we will share some common causes of acne and how these problems can be remedied.
Hormone Imbalances
Fluctuations in your hormones during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, or changes in medication can affect your skin. These hormonal changes can increase your oil production and lead to breakouts. Different bacteria and build-up can occur during these different stages and also affect how your skin care products treat your acne and skin type.
Cosmetic Products
Using too many skincare products or makeup products can cause build-up which leads to acne. Too many active ingredients can cause your skin to become irritated and develop breakouts. Even using a large amount of anti-acne products can cause more breakouts.
When you start using new products, choose one or two to start with and allow them to work on your skin for 4 to 6 weeks before adding more products. Chemicals, cleansers, or anti-aging products can all cause skin to break down when you use too many of them together. Allow your skin to reset or adapt to these products.
Hair Products
Hair care products can cause breakouts along your forehead or hairline. Many hair products contain oils that build up on the skin and your pores trap this oil and form bacteria. Clogged pores then become inflamed which leads to redness, pus, and whiteheads across your face or back.
To help prevent these breakouts, after styling your hair, use a cleanser or facial towel to wipe away stray products from your face. You can also apply hair products with your hands, rather than spraying them or running them through with a brush.
Your Makeup Removal Method
Removing your makeup before bed is important, but the proper removal methods can help prevent even more breakouts. Dirt, oil, and makeup build up as you go about your day, so washing your face daily can remove the build-up and acne-causing bacteria. Using a cleanser that is gentle but thorough enough to remove stubborn makeup is the best way to prevent acne. Use a clean towel to pat dry your face or face towels.
Travel
Traveling to a different climate or environment can introduce new free radicals and bacteria to your skin. While you can’t control the weather, humidity, or the air in the places you visit, you can take some steps to provide your skin with extra protection. Wear proper sunscreen while traveling, limit the amount of makeup you wear, and don’t try new products while in an unfamiliar environment.
Your Diet
Eating processed foods, high amounts of sugar, or refined carbs can contribute to your acne. High-carb diets have been shown to predispose you to acne and some dairy products can irritate your already inflamed skin. Cutting back on some snacks like chips, cake, and ice cream could help reduce the number of breakouts you experience.
High-protein foods and vegetables also help improve the look and texture of your skin, so switch out some of your processed options for these foods.
Stress
Too much stress can cause physical reactions to our bodies. One of these reactions is acne. Stress acne usually occurs in areas that were already inflamed or blocked that now have become worse. Hormones that are released when we are stressed can cause an increase in oil production, this is typically why your acne flares up during stressful times. Even those who take great care of their skin and use topical acne treatments daily can see breakouts from stress.
Cell Phones
Our cell phones can harbor a lot of bacteria. Since they travel with us everywhere, they can carry every germ and oil we come in contact with throughout the day. Putting your cell phone up to your ear can cause acne on this side of your face. Touching your phone and then touching your face can also cause breakouts to occur.
To prevent breakouts, clean your phone regularly and wash your hands. Avoid touching your face as much as possible throughout the day.
Skin Treatment From The Skin Institute
At The Skin Institute, we are training future estheticians with the skills they need to work in any environment and with clients of all skin types. Our facials and other skin services can help those with stubborn acne. We work with clients of all ages and skin types to provide you with tips and products that will work best for you. Read more about our services and how they can help you feel more confident in your own skin.
