All of a sudden, you have a zit to zap. A pimple to pop. How, you wonder, did it get there? What went so wrong that your once flawless skin is covered with a red spot or two or three? The only thing more frustrating than recurring breakouts is not knowing where they come from. Is it stress? Hormones? Or just terribly bad complexion luck? Worry no more. Instead, clear up your mind- and your skin- with this guide to the causes of breakouts.
Here are the top 10 sneaky causes of pimples:
- HAVING BANGS
If you have oily hair, you’re going to have to wash it often so oil doesn’t spread all across your forehead. And avoid adjusting your pretty fringe with dirty fingers. That’s a big no no and can also cause blemishes!
- CELL PHONE
Bacteria and dirt from your fingers and handbag can build up on your phone, causing breakouts around your chin, cheeks, and mouth. Just think, every time you put your face to your phone, it comes into contact with so many germs and bacteria. To keep your screen gunk-free, give it a daily rubdown with an antibacterial wipe.
- FREQUENT TOUCHING
If you’re noticing zits on your cheek, pay close attention to your hand habits, especially when you’re working on your computer or watching TV. If you have a tendency to lean your head onto your hand, you’re spreading germs directly from your desk right onto your face. Think of all the grubby stuff your hands come in contact with, and then think about rubbing it all on your face. That’ll motivate you to be hands-off. To train yourself out of the habit, try sitting on your hands for a few weeks. If you just can’t seem to hold your own head up, then at the very least, keep your hands clean with regular washings and a tube of antibacterial gel nearby.
READ: Best home remedies to clear pimple >>
- MEDICATIONS
Every drug will affect the body differently, but generally speaking, medications and drug use can cause stress on the nervous system, which elevates hormones (adrenals). This will contribute to the wear and tear of connective tissue resulting in flaccid, loose, sagging skin as well as increased blemishes.
- EATING VERY SPICY FOODS
Spicy foods often contain tomatoes and peppers, which contain acidic lycopene that can be an irritant to some people, throwing off their skin’s pH levels and triggering breakouts. However, it isn’t just spicy foods that can irritate your skin. Some people have an aversion to dairy, bread or other types of foods; how your skin reacts to what you eat just depends on your own personal make-up.
- USING BODY SUNSCREEN ON FACE
Wearing sunscreen every day is the best way to protect your skin from the sun. But what you use allover your body isn’t so great for your face. Body sunscreens are not formulated for the more delicate skin of the face. They often contain mineral oil, which can lead to acne and clogged pores.
- DIRTY BRUSHES
A day’s worth of beauty products can really add up on your makeup brushes. If you don’t wash your brushes enough, you spread dirt and bacteria from your face to your makeup, then back to your face. The cleaner your beauty tools, the cleaner your skin will be.
- MENOPAUSE
Hormones are chemical messengers, created by our bodies to regulate everything from metabolism to cell growth to reproductive cycles and mood. When they fluctuate, they can trigger weight gain, depression, sleeplessness and fatigue in addition to adult acne and breakouts.
- WRONG MAKEUP PRODUCTS
Comedogenic products seep into your pores and clog them. Additionally, those who have oily skin can experience breakouts from oil-based cosmetics. Avoid products that aren’t non-comedogenic. If you have oily skin, use water-based or powder-based foundations, and always keep a pack of blotting papers at hand.
- FOAMING CLEANSER
Almost every skincare brand markets foaming cleansers to those with acne-prone skin but in many cases, these formulas might actually be the cause of your breakouts. Many foaming cleansers contain harsh ingredients that irritate the skin and make acne worse. Switch to a gel or lotion cleanser for sensitive skin. These are not as efficient for removing cosmetics, so use an oil-free makeup wipe prior to cleansing.