Acne is a pretty common problem for many of us. Although younger people are more prone to breakouts, adults can suffer with the embarrassment, annoyance and pain of acne as well. On the horizon are many reasons why breakouts occur, some less obvious than others. Check out these surprising factors that contribute to acne and how you can avoid them!
Hair Products
When it comes to styling your hair, what you’re using and how you’re styling might actually make your skin worse. Pomade acne is a type of acne caused by hair-care products. When the products come in contact with your skin, oil seeps into your pores, traps bacteria there, results in pus, redness and eventually whiteheads and blackheads.
To avoid pomade acne, try styling your hair so it sits away from the face. Use fewer products that contain heavy oils and chemicals. This will prevent clogged pores and improve the quality of your skin. Water based or all natural hair styling products will also help.
Your Partner
Sharing towels, sheets and pillowcases with your partner can expose additional facial oils. This oil is foreign to your skin and can clog your pores, leading to…guess what – breakouts! Unfortunately, kissing can also contribute to the problem. Acne caused by your partner is called consort acne.
To reduce breakouts caused by your partner, avoid sharing towels and pillowcases. Make sure you each have a towel in the bathroom so that you are never tempted to use each other’s. Change sheets and pillowcases frequently and avoid sleeping and cuddling on your partner’s pillow.
Traveling
Whether it’s the change in humidity, the water or the weather, environmental changes can cause acne. Whenever your face is exposed to shifts, it overcompensates and causes a breakout. While you probably don’t want to cancel your vacation and obviously can’t change the weather, there are some things you can do.
Bottle some mineral water from home and take it with you for the sole purpose of washing your face. Never use low-quality hotel soaps or moisturizers that your face is not used to. If you plan to be out of town for an extended period of time, be sure you bring enough of your usual cleanser and moisturizer to last for the duration of the vacation.
Eye wear
Something many people aren’t aware of is “pressure acne,” caused by wearing glasses. Eyewear frames collect dirt and oil, that get forced into the pores when the frames rest against your face.
To resolve this problem, clean your glasses at least once per day. Use warm water and soap when you can, but also keep some makeup wipes with you for those times that you can’t make it home.
Sunscreen
Although sunscreen is intended to protect your skin, it can contribute to acne. Sunscreen contains physical agents that act as a shield against the sun. Unfortunately, these contain titanium oxide or zinc oxide, which promote more sweat. The sweat is often trapped underneath the sunscreen shield, leading to acne flare-ups.
To prevent breakouts due to sunscreen, always read the ingredients label. Look for products that contain oxybenzone, octocylene, or avobenzone, as it will be a better product for your acne-prone skin.
Acne can put a damper on your day and keep you from being the confident person you want to be. Keep in mind that acne isn’t always caused by your diet or hormones, but by many other factors that you can control. If you have made these simple changes and still continue to suffer from acne, professional treatment may be required for relief.
Michelle Day is a writer and web strategist who enjoys living a healthy, balanced lifestyle. As an avid skincare enthusiast, she is also the lead copywriter for University Park Dermatology & Medical Spa, which specializes in skilled skin treatment and management in the Sarasota area.
