5 Unexpected Reasons Your Skin Could Be Breaking Out
ASHLEIGH JENSEN
There’s nothing worse than having acne, particularly when you’re an adult. Surely the embarrassing days of puberty were meant to have passed years ago.
Acne can be painful, embarrassing and can really take its toll on our overall self-esteem.
Do you feel like you’ve been trying everything? Spending money on expensive creams and gels, going to the spa for weekly facials, making your own DIY face masks, yet just when you thought your pimples were going away more come to the surface?
According to the American Journal of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States with over 50 million Americans seeking treatment annually.
What Exactly Is Acne?
Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which usually presents as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and cysts; and it mainly affects the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms.
Most acne begins during puberty but it can occur at any stage of life.
On average, 85% of young people aged between 12 and 24 years old experience at least minor acne.
What Causes Acne?
There is a long list of acne causes with the most common ones being genetics, hormones, menstruation, stress and medications.
Oily foods and foods with a high glycemic index such as white bread and pasta have also been associated with causing acne.
Are There Any Other Causes Of Acne?
Definitely.
So you realize you’re not stressed, acne doesn’t appear to run in your family, you’re not hormonal and you’re not taking any medications. This is where things can get frustrating. Trying to get to what is causing your acne may be different to what is causing it for a friend or family member, so let’s look at some other potential acne hazards.
1. Not Getting Enough Sleep
You’ve probably heard it said a thousand times over by now but sleep is so important to our overall health, particularly our skin. Not getting enough sleep can cause your glands to overproduce sebum (the oil that comes out of your skin), which can lead to acne only getting worse. Make sure you get an average of 8 hours of sleep per night to prevent oily skin.
2. Dirty Makeup Brushes
When was the last time you gave your makeup brushes a good clean? By a good clean I don’t mean shaking the excess powder out and then putting it back in your makeup bag, I mean thoroughly washing your brushes. Dead skin and bacteria love to live in your makeup brushes. Give them a weekly rinse with warm, soapy water to prevent a buildup of unwanted nasties.
3. A Below-Average Diet
Do you find yourself constantly eating on the go, grabbing whatever you can from a fast food or convenience store? Even if it’s only a couple of times per week, eating processed foods loaded with poor quality oils, salt, additives and preservatives can wreak havoc on your skin. Take some time out to prepare your meals in advance. Your skin will thank you for it.
4. Time Spent In The Sun
We have been told to get out in the sun. It’s good for us. As much as too little sun exposure can be harmful, too much sun exposure can also upset our skin. Not only can overexposure to the sun cause skin damage and potential skin cancer, irritation and breakouts can often follow your days of tanning at the beach.
5. Your Workout Is Causing Your Breakouts
If you’re experiencing pimples on your back, forehead or hairline, your workout might play a big part in determining why. Typically, gyms are not the cleanest places where we can spend our time. With hundreds of sweaty bodies sharing the same equipment, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Always use a towel and disinfect equipment before you use it. If you wear a cap or train with hair over your forehead, try pinning your hair back or removing your hat to avoid forehead and hairline pimples.
Have You Made Any Small Changes That Have Shown Big Results For Your Skin? Share Your Tips In The Comments Below!
Do you have a passion for nutrition & natural healing?. Learn more about the Food Matters Nutrition Certification Program here.
Ashleigh is an integral part of the Food Matters communications team. A holistic Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Bachelor of Health Promotion student and all round communications superstar. When she's not sharing health and wellness inspiration for us, you can find her down by the beach or in the kitchen creating vegan delights!