Millions of people suffer from acne. It’s not just a ‘teen’ thing. Adult acne exists, and it can take a toll on one’s self-esteem. Covering it up with makeup is never a good idea, as it doesn’t address the main issue. If you wish to learn more about the most popular acne triggers, continue reading. They may surprise you!
Some foods can trigger your acne
Did you know that certain foods can aggregate your skin? Dairy, for example, has been linked to possibly causing acne.
Most dairy products are laden with hormones. Dairy products also contain a considerable amount of fat, which can harm your skin over time. If you wish to clear your skin and rid your face of acne, consider cutting out foods like ice cream, milk, sugary cereals, fast food, and chocolate.
If you eat a lot of frozen foods because you don’t have time to cook, then ensure you’re selecting foods with high nutritional value. Instead of a frozen burger, opt for something with veggies!
Your skincare routine can be the cause of your acne
This is another surprising trigger. The products that you thought were helping your acne can be making your skin worse! However, this only applies if you’re using the wrong products. For instance, heavily fragranced products can irritate your skin and cause you to break out. Read the ingredients on your face wash, toner, and treatment.
If they contain perfume, consider swapping these products out for non-fragranced items.
Pay attention to what your skin needs. If your skin is oily, look for a foaming cleanser. If your skin is dry, opt for an oil-based wash instead.
Skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of deal. As soon as you realize that, you’ll be able to create the perfect routine for your skin and its unique issues.
Furthermore, popular acne products that worked for your friends may not work for you. Don’t get discouraged if your skin doesn’t clear up overnight. Keep trying!
Not using a product enough
Usually, when trying a new product, your skin will purge. This means that as your skin is adapting to a new acne treatment, it will bring all the acne underneath your skin to the surface.
You may think that a certain product is not compatible with your skin because of this initial break out. However, remain patient, and it may clear up your skin after this purging period!
Washing your face too often
Washing your face too often can also cause your skin to get worse. If you’re washing your face more than twice a day, you will be stripping your face of all the essential oils it needs to thrive. Consider cutting back. Simply wash your face once or twice a day, and you’ll be surprised at the difference this makes.
Stress can affect your skin
Stress is another huge factor when it comes to acne. Some of these stressful jobs may be affecting you on a deeper level than you even realize. Read on to discover some of the more stressful jobs in the workforce that can be contributing to problematic skin.
Freelancing
If you’re freelancing, ensure you’re using the right servers to store your data. Losing your client’s work can be stressful and take a severe toll on your skin.
Web design job
If you’ve taken on too many clients at your web design job, then consider cutting back on your hours! Take a vacation! The stress can be manifesting itself in different ways. This may be the reason you’re breaking out!
Your contracting job
Your contracting job can also cause you stress! Contractors are some of the hardest working people on the workforce. They spend a lot of time outdoors. Try to counteract this by finding a proper skin regime. Additionally, attempt to de-stress by finding a new hobby or seeking professional help!
Outdoor landscaping
Landscaping jobs can also be quite stressful. If business is slow, consider offering a mower package deal if you’re in the business. This can boost your business, so you don’t have to worry about finding new and prospective clients.
Counteracting the stress
Learning how to manage your stress for the sake of your skin is easier said than done! There are few ways that you can learn to cope with a demanding job. Hit up a cannabis dispensary in your area. Cannabis has been known to help calm stress and anxiety. You can also take up yoga or meditation.
Working out consistently can also help improve your skin and manage your stress levels!
Washing your face with hot water
Many people believe that if they wash their face with hot water, the steam will open up their pores and kill bacteria. But it’s advisable to avoid scalding hot water as it can do more harm than good. You can irritate your skin and cause it to look red the entire day. If you want to steam your face, invest in a steamer made specifically for your skin. Only use this steamer when you need to extract blackheads and pimples. Temperature controllers in the shower can ensure that the water is perfect before stepping in!
Doing too many face cleansing masks
Doing too many face masks is another way to ruin your skin! You may think that the more often you apply the face mask, the better. But this is not the case at all. You will strip your skin of its natural oils. This, in turn, can cause the skin to produce even more sebum. This sebum can clog your pores and break you out!
Clay masks, in particular, are especially potent and can have adverse effects if you leave them on for too long.
Your hair can be causing your breakouts
If you like to wear your hair in your face, this can also cause your skin to break out! For example, if you have long hair that is constantly touching your face, the oils from your hair can transfer to your skin and cause irritation.
If you think this is contributing to your skin’s flair up, tie it back or wear a headband!
Talking on your telephone can cause breakouts
Your cellphone is covered in germs and bacteria. When you put the phone next to your mouth to speak, this bacteria will transfer onto your face and cause skin blemishes. Ensure you’re wiping your phone down with an antibacterial wipe often.
Wearing a face mask may cause breakouts
Wearing a face mask can also cause your skin — specifically your chin and cheeks — to break out. Throw in in the wash often, or wear a new and clean mask every day.
Coconut oil can also cause acne
Avoid skincare products that have coconut oil. While many people have hailed this substance for containing antibacterial properties, it’s also a comedogenic oil. This means that it can clog your pores and aggravate breakouts.
If you wish to use a facial oil to combat oily dry skin, consider using rosehip oil or jojoba instead! These oils mimic your face’s natural oils. They’ll moisturize and soothe, without making your skin feel overly greasy and sticky.
Using a dirty towel to dry your face can cause acne
Using a dirty towel when washing your face can also increase the likelihood of acne. Make sure you are using a clean towel every night or allow your face to air dry.
Over exfoliating your face can lead to acne
Exfoliating your face is a great way to bring new skin cells to the surface. Your skin can glow when you exfoliate on a daily basis. However, if you use the wrong products or exfoliate too often, you can cause long term damage and scarring.
Throw those beaded exfoliates away. Avoid anything that contains walnut or apricot shells, as these exfoliators tend to be too rough on the skin! They can even cause microtears on your face that make your skin more susceptible to the sun’s UV rays.
Use a gentle chemical exfoliator, one to two times a week.
Not changing your pillowcase can cause acne
Your pillowcase can also collect a lot of bacteria and dirt over time. If you wish to banish acne, invest in a silk pillowcase. These will not attract as much bacteria as cotton cases. They will also allow your skin to breathe. Likewise, you can also change or wash your pillowcase often to prevent blemishes.
Touching your face can cause trigger acne
Touching your face can also contribute to acne. Much like your hair, your hands can contain oil and bacteria. When this lands on your face, it can disrupt the balance and trigger a bad breakout. If you have a bad habit of picking at your skin or rubbing your face, keep this in mind. Getting rid of your acne may be as easy as quitting this bad habit.
You can also purchase pimple patches at the store if you find that you can’t stop touching your face.
These patches contain a substance that can help diminish the look of the pimple. It will also work as a barrier, so you can’t pick at the blemish.
Ways to improve your skin when battling these triggers
After taking these triggers into account, try to manage them. Your skin may not clear up right away, as there are a variety of other considerations you need to take into account. For starters, once you have cleaned up your diet by eating healthier cast iron skillet meals, ensure you pair this with a consistent skincare system.
Take these things into consideration if you wear makeup
If you wear makeup, ensure you’re taking it off each night. Wearing makeup to bed can clog your pores and cause breakouts! It can also prevent your skin from healing while you sleep.
Wash your brushes often and make sure the air in your home is purified. Ensure your residential HVAC system is running properly.
Drink plenty of water
It’s also essential to stay hydrated. Drink a sufficient amount of water. The standard eight glasses a day is fine!
Get a professional facial
Getting a professional facial every month or so can also help clear your skin. Speak with a highly trained esthetician about your skincare needs. They can address your specific problems and offer a solution that will leave your skin glowing.
For example, if you have acne scars and marks, they may suggest a chemical peel. These peels are quite strong, as they take off the first layer of skin.
Your esthetician will advise you to stay out of the sun, but within a few days, your skin will be noticeably softer and clearer.
If you’d rather address your acne, they’ll likely have an extraction treatment for that as well.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many triggers that can cause and inflame acne. If you’re struggling with your skin, eliminate these triggers. If your condition persists, make an appointment with your local cosmetologist or dermatologist. They can help you get back on the path of clear skin so that you can feel like yourself again!
