Breakouts are universally frustrating and often seem to appear out of nowhere, on the night before your big day. While we all know the usual acne culprits like poor skincare routines, stress and hormonal changes, there are some surprising factors that can contribute to acne that you might not think of and I’ve outlined them in this article.
With no further delays, below are some unusual causes of breakouts that you might not be aware of.
1. Sweating at the Gym:
This one might come as a surprise to gym enthusiasts. We’ve all heard and maybe experienced how regular exercising is great for your health, but while doing so, our bodies can’t help but sweat. This sweat can mix with oils and bacteria on your skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
The solution? Make sure to shower and cleanse your face immediately after a workout as this not only prevents breakouts, but body odor as well.
2. Hair Products:
I have to admit that this factor took me by surprise but I can understand why the girlies don’t really consider it.
Your favorite shampoo, conditioner or hair gel might be the culprit behind those stubborn (and might I add annoying) pimples around your hairline.
The ingredients used in making some of our hair products can transfer to your skin and cause acne. To prevent or reduce this risk, opt for non-comedogenic products.
3. Sunscreen:
Apparently, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays can have its drawbacks due to some sunscreens harboring ingredients that can clog pores.
Some of our favorite sunscreens contain ingredients like oils, silicones, and certain chemical filters which can be comedogenic (have the ability to block pores), so to avoid this, it is advised for you to buy and use sunscreens labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free”, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Additionally, mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often less likely to cause breakouts compared to chemical sunscreens.
4. Facial Hair Growth or Removal:
Beard acne is a common skin issue for individuals who have facial hair, and this condition can be attributed to the dense nature of facial hair which makes it easier for trapped oil and bacteria to accumulate, especially if proper hygiene isn’t maintained.
Similarly, hair removal methods like regular face cleansing (paying special attention to the beard) and maintaining a proper aftercare after shaving or waxing can help prevent this.
Lastly, choose non-comedogenic beard oils and balms to help keep your facial hair soft without the added danger of clogging the pores.
5. Diet:
You’ve probably heard this phrase “What you eat can impact your skin” and it rings true for acne-related skin issues. Foods high in sugar and dairy have been attributed to acne. How?
High sugar intake can be especially problematic for your skin because when you consume sugary foods, your body experiences a surge in insulin levels. These high insulin levels can stimulate oil production, which in turn clogs pores and causes acne.
Dairy products on the other hand, have also been linked to acne (especially those high in sugar and fat). This is because milk contains hormones and growth factors that can affect the skin’s oil production and worsen acne.
Since everyone’s body is different, experts suggest adjusting your diet to see if it makes a difference in your skin’s appearance. For some individuals, reducing or eliminating dairy from their diet can lead to clearer skin.
6. Dirty Pillowcases:
When you sleep, your pillowcase collects oils, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria from your face and hair. Over time, this buildup of impurities can transfer back to your skin, clogging pores and causing acne.
To minimize the risk of breakouts, try changing your pillowcase at least once a week. Then if you’re prone to oily skin or to acne in general, consider changing it even more frequently, such as every few days.
Conclusion
Understanding these unusual causes of breakouts can significantly improve your skin as you’d know the steps to follow in your skincare routine.
By addressing these often-overlooked factors, you can reduce the frequency and severity of your acne.
Always remember though, that achieving clear skin is a combination of good habits and the right products.
