Achieving clear, glowing skin is a social media phenomenon that is, honestly, easier said than done. And for anyone that has experienced consistent breakouts, there’s nothing more annoying than experiencing yet another breakout just when you think you have found the perfect skincare routine that works for you.
The big thing you need to understand about breakouts is that they tend to appear on the part of our skin that has the most oil glands. This means that, aside from the face, breakouts can also appear on other parts of the body like the chest, the upper back, and the shoulders. So what do you do if you keep experiencing breakouts on your face (or other parts of your body)? First thing first, identify the cause.
What Causes Acne Or Breakouts On the Face
There are several things that can trigger breakouts, sometimes it’s one factor and other times it’s multiple, but knowing what your triggers are, is the first step in preventing them from happening.
Stress
Stress itself doesn’t cause breakouts, however, research has shown that stress is linked to an increase in hormones that cause severe breakouts. Here’s how it works: When we undergo stress, our bodies release corticotropin-releasing hormones (CRH). The CRH then stimulates the release of inflammatory cytokines and promotes excess production of oil. Excess oil, as we know, clogs pores and once inflamed, can lead to breakouts.
Hair Products
Richard Fried, MD, MPH., a director at Yardley Dermatology Associates adds that hair styling products are one of the big causes of breakouts. Think about how frequently you use them. These products can seep oil onto the forehead, which can trap acne-causing bacteria in yours adds Freid. Breakouts caused by hair care products are called pomade acne. Many times the hair product we used for our hair ends up on the face, which can lead to pomade acne. Now we’re not saying don’t oil your hair ladies, but you should develop a healthy hair wash routine and keep your hands out of your face.
Skin-Care Products
Switching many products on the go, or experimenting with new products without giving them the chance to work can cause challenges with the skin. Including oil-based products in your skincare routine can also result in breakouts all over.
Makeup
Oil-based makeup, silicones, and liquid foundation clog pores and can lead to annoying breakouts says Dr Sharleen Surin-lord, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, DC. When picking out your makeup products, pay attention to the ingredients and make sure you’re purchasing products that will not clog your pores.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can trigger stress which, as we mentioned earlier, also triggers the production of excess oil (keep up). When we sleep our body goes into a healing process, energy is restored, cells are regenerated, blood supply increases, and our immune system strengthens. Sleeping less doesn’t just trigger breakouts. It makes them harder to heal.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Because our bodies need water to maintain physiological balance, dehydration can lead to an increase in oil production and can trigger breakouts. Water, when combined with a good skincare moisturizer, helps prevent acne by keeping the skin hydrated. If you hate drinking bland water, check out our recipes on detox water for clear skin.
Diet
Scientific Research states that a diet high in refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, pasta pastries, and soda may lead to acne. Excess intake of dairy products can also cause excessive breakouts. If you find that you’re breaking out often, first check your diet and try minimizing these things to see if there are any changes.
Why Do I Keep Breaking Out
There are a gazillion reasons why you could possibly be breaking out. Maybe you haven’t wiped your phone screen in the last year, or you haven’t changed your pillowcase in over a month. It’s possible you leave makeup on too long or you’re constantly touching your face. It could even be your hair products or you’ve probably skipped washing your face at night, one too many times.
Puberty is the most common reason for acne. But if you’re past the age of puberty and you are constantly you could be experiencing excess production of oil. The main cause of ‘excess production of oil’ is hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance can lead to increments of surplus oil production in the skin, which clogs your pores causing breakouts. Your skin is as unique as you are, so hormonal imbalance will affect you differently than it affects, the next person. What this means is that no one routine will work for everyone.
Pay attention to the triggers mentioned earlier, as one or more of those lifestyle choices might be the biggest culprits. Then plan a consultation with your dermatologist can help you determine the possible factors that contribute to your case, as well as set up a custom plan for managing your acne.
Home Remedies for Breakouts
Before you begin acne treatment, it is advisable to visit a dermatologist to determine the kind of treatment that will be suitable for your skin type. These remedies can also help you treat acne at home.
- Eat food rich in vitamin A, E, and zinc.
- Reduce the intake of processed carbs.
- Include tea tree-infused products in your skincare routine.
- Try benzoyl peroxide.
- Use less oil-based makeup and skincare products.
- Try topical retinoids.
- Stop using so much face scrub.
- Stop and/or reduce how much you smoke
- Reduce your intake of dairy products.
- Try topical antibiotics
- Routinely used moisturizer and SPF products.
How to Prevent Breakouts
Preventing acne is nearly impossible during hormonal changes, these steps, however, should help keep things at bay.
- Ensure to have your bath two times a day or wash your face with warm water.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Allow your face to breathe by not applying makeup regularly.
- Get enough sleep.
- Consider an exercise that will help you relieve stress.
- Get enough sleep.