10 Common Causes for Acne Breakouts
Acne can happen at any age, and specifically as adults we often wonder why we are experiencing acne. “Acne is for kids”, says adult acne sufferers. Unfortunately that’s not the case, but since prevention is the key it’s best to be aware of the common causes that could lead to your acne breakouts.
1. Have you cleaned your cell phone recently?
Cleaning your cell phone is probably not the first thing you think to do. We are all guilty of skipping this from time to time. Think about it for a second though – you rest your phone right about against the side of your face. Then maybe your arms get tired so you switch it to the other side. You have taken that bacteria-covered cell phone and spread bacteria all over your face potentially causing future breakouts. The oils from makeup and our skin unknowingly accumulate on our cell phones. If you are seeing breakouts happening on your cheek or jaw, your cellphone could be the possible cause.
2. When was the last time you washed your pillowcase?
Just like a cell phone collects your skin oils and dead skin cells so can your pillow case. Regularly washing your pillow case as well as sleeping on your back can help eliminate acne caused during sleep. Specifically sleeping on your back can keep pores open and refreshed, preventing angry breakouts and flare-ups the next day.
3. Are you eating a balanced diet, or is it heavy on the processed food?
Foods that cause your blood sugar to rise quickly boost your insulin levels. Too much insulin can trigger changes in your body that in turn boost the activity of oil producing glands. According to a study by the American Journal of Nutrition, you may have fewer breakouts if you add more whole grains, beans and veggies to your diet while cutting back on the pasta, white rice, white bread and sugar.
4. Do you touch your face a lot?
You may think you don’t touch your face often, but do you ever subconsciously touch it throughout the day? Maybe rest your chin in your hand or rub your hands on your face if you are tired? Take some time throughout your day and try to pay attention to the amount of times you touch your face. Touching your face all day quickly makes it the dirtiest part of your body. It is important to not only wash your hands, but your face.
5. Are you often times stressed out?
Stress not only affects acne flare-up, but also worsens your overall skin health. It is common for stress to cause your skin to produce more oil. The best solution is to find a daily stress reliever that works for you. For some it may be doing yoga or reading a book and for others just getting a relaxing night’s sleep will help reduce those stress levels.
6. Are you washing your face before bed?
Oil on the skin makes for a breeding ground of bacteria, and bacteria will cause blemishes. Sleeping with not only your makeup on, but also the addition of oil, dirt and debris that has built up on the skin during the day, can trigger new acne breakouts.
7. Have you traveled recently?
Whether traveling to a destination with different weather than your hometown, or just flying in an airplane, the change in humidity levels and lack of normal water intake can throw your skin health off balance. Humidity levels can cause skin to get extremely dry. The dry cells cause a buildup resulting in post-travel breakouts.
8. Did you pop a pimple lately?
If you did, then don’t complain if you experience more acne breakouts or even a scar. It’s impossible to pick your own pimple and not make a red mark. When you pop a pimple you run the risk of pushing the bacteria deeper or spreading it around underneath your skin, multiplying your pimples.
9. Are your clothes a little tight?
Have you been wearing a hat or maybe a fitted shirt lately? Anything that can trap sweat and bacteria against your skin can clog your pores and develop pimples. If you must wear a hat or fitted shirt try to pick a material that is moisture wicking to help pull the sweat away from your skin. Ideally though, it is best to wear lose-fitting clothing and regularly wash your skin with a cleansing product.
10. Are you pregnant?
Many women commonly experience acne during the first and second trimesters of their pregnancy. An increase in hormones can cause the glands in your skin to produce more oil and bacteria causing clogged pores. Studies have shown that women who were prone to acne breakouts during their menstrual periods have a greater chance of pregnancy acne. No fear though, your breakouts will most likely clear once your hormones return to normal.
Still Struggling?
Determining and treating the underlying cause to acne breakouts isn’t always as easy one would think. If you, or your child, are struggling from acne the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.