That lone zit appears at the most unwanted times. And if you suffer from regular breakouts, you know how painful that can be. From the layers of make-up to hide them to cancelling the first dates, acne has played a role in everyone’s life.
So what causes acne?
Lots of things, from overproduction of oil, clogged pores, your periods, genetics and more. It’s a myth that it’s only during periods that acne acts up, causing breakouts and making your skin look dull and sallow.
The truth is - there is more to acne than just periods!
Here are seven things that can cause breakouts:
Too caught up to read? Listen to the story:
Eating the Wrong Food
Love your spices? Then you need to know that spices love to trouble your skin! Spicy food can be a major irritant that can upset your skin’s pH levels and trigger breakouts.
While spicy food can be a reason, there are other underlying reasons when it comes to food. If you are allergic to certain foods, keep away from them.
What can you do? Remember that your skin reacts according to what you eat. Make a list of foods that you are allergic to and avoid them completely in your diet. Oh yes, and switch to moderately spicy food.
Don’t Use the Scrub Too Much
You're scrubbing your skin too hard! Yes, sadly that is a reality.
If you assume that a scrub, no matter how mild it is, will exfoliate the oil and the dead skin causing it to look smooth and glowing, you are wrong. A scrub spreads the acne bacteria and causes more breakout.
What can you do? Opt for DIY remedies! They work the best. Make your own mask to protect your skin.
Un-Love the Smokes!
Every single time that you smoke, you are depriving your skin some much needed oxygen. Since your face literally faces the brunt of the smoke, it is but natural for it to get affected that 25 percent more.
Smoking not just lowers your immunity, but also breaks down the collagen and elastin levels of the skin causing it to look more wrinkled and aged. Plus the smoke dries out your skin causing your skin to break into a frenzy!
Dry skin = your skin producing more oil = more breakouts!
What can you do? Just don’t smoke! You’ll end up with better skin, better health and better immunity levels.
Using the Wrong Products
Check the ingredients in the products. Does it have anything that can clog the pores? Did you know that mineral oil, an ingredient in most beauty products is a very heavy moisturiser?
It can cause your pores to get blocked leading to breakouts and acne. Ditto for silicone that is another ingredient used in cosmetics that doesn’t treat your skin very kindly.
What can you do? Read the labels of the products you use and understand what each of the ingredients does for your skin. If it gets worse, don’t hesitate to meet a dermatologist.
Need a really, really simple face mask to get that glow? Apply a thin layer of honey on the face and let it stay for 10 – 15 minutes. Wash off with cool water and pat dry with a soft towel.
Rinsing Well in the Shower
Did you know that not rinsing yourself completely in the shower can cause breakouts too? Not just on the face, but your whole body. Most shampoos, body-washes and conditioners contain minerals oils (this may not apply to you if you are using 100 percent chemical-free products) that can seep into the pores and clog them.
Look out for telltale signs of back acne, chest acne or those annoying breakouts along the hairline.
What can you do? Ensure that you rinse out the shampoo and conditioner or any soapy products you use on your skin and hair really well. Ensure that there are no product residues left on your skin or hair. Tilt up your face and wash it to ensure there is nothing on the face that can cause a breakout.
Don’t Break That Zit!
Yes! I know, we’ve all popped that pimple to make it go away, but the ugly truth is that the infection just smears around the affected areas causing some more breakouts. It's tempting, no doubt. But what you will end up with is acne marks and blemishes that will affect your skin.
What can you do? Resisting the temptation works the best, really. Let the acne and breakouts dry on their own. This way you won’t leave any acne marks or blemishes on the skin.
Clean Yourself Properly After a Workout
All of us love that brisk walk or a run. And the sweat after the gym is an indication that you have worked out well to maintain your body. But are you cleaning yourself really well after a workout?
Go for that shower as soon as you can after your workout. The sweat, mixed with the grime, makeup, pollutants and bacteria isn’t really the concoction your skin needs.
What can you do? Carry organic face wipes to get the sweat and grime off your face and any exposed part of the body. This will at least minimise the risk of clogged pores and breakouts.
Other things to keep in mind are to NOT touch your skin often, walk out in the sun with complete protection for your face, using preferably chemical-free, natural and organic products, and indulging in a whole lot of DIY options so that you are aware of what you use.
What are some of the things that cause acne for you? Tell us in the comments section below.
(Pratibha Pal spent her childhood in idyllic places only fauji kids would have heard of. She grew up reading a variety of books that let her imagination wander and still hopes to come across the Magic Faraway Tree. When she's not rooting for eco-living or whipping up some DIY recipes to share with her readers, Pratibha is creating magic with social media. You can view her blog at www.pratsmusings.com or reach to her on Twitter at @myepica.)
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