Acne pimples are impossible to completely avoid, at some point or another they make their way onto our skin. There is a common misconception that acne is simply genetic and there’s nothing you can do to prevent it. However, there are many things you may be doing that provoke acne breakouts. Some are obvious but others may not be so apparent therefore it is important that you are developing habits that are conducive to preventing acne breakouts rather than creating a hospitable environment for acne to emerge.
Sweat
Unfortunately, we can’t avoid sweating especially as summer approaches the weather becomes more and more humid. As soon as we sweat it’s a natural reaction to want to wipe the moisture from our face. However, it is important to remove any sweat with a clean towel or cloth and instead of wiping you should dab gently. Dabbing instead of wiping will decrease the chances of getting acne breakouts by not forcing the sweat into your pores. Additionally, if you foresee yourself engaging in activity that will cause you to sweat such as exercising it important to remove any makeup to reduce the chances of it seeping into your pores.
Diet
There is plenty of research that associates acne with foods that are rich in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. Food alone doesn’t cause acne or prevent it; however, sugary and processed foods are more likely to cause a reaction in your skin that provokes acne breakouts. Additionally, there is research that suggests that milk, specifically skim milk, is likely to cause acne. This may be because the hormones that cows produce when they’re pregnant ends up in the milk. Foods that are heavy in carbs such as soda and white bread are a contributing factor in your oil production which ultimately clog your pores.
Pore Clogging Ingredients
There are many products on the market that promise you radiant and glowing skin. However, it is important to be aware of the ingredients that these products contain. Some products are deceiving and have phrases such as “Won’t Clog Pores, or “Non-Comedogenic” on their label. There is no official government agency that is ensuring that the product delivers on its promises. Therefore, it is crucial that you learn some common pore clogging ingredients that are often used in skin care products. Some of these ingredients include: acetylated lanolin, butyl stearate, carrageenan, cetyl acetate, algin, and algae extract.
Cell Phone
Bacteria exists everywhere and often time we’re so busy and consumed in our daily lives that we forget to sanitize our products. We can’t be constantly disinfecting everything we touch, however one product that we touch that is dirtier than a toilet seat according to a recent study conducted in 2017 is our phone. The average American spends more than three hours on their cellphone per day, which means that the bacteria then gets transferred to our faces and hands. Most people don’t think about where they place their cellphone and the germs that are spreading. Taking a second to disinfect your phone can make a real difference especially if you have a habit of touching your face.
