You know the usual drill for avoiding irritated skin: wash your face in the evening and avoid aggressive scrubs. But what about the rest of the skin stuff? Pimples and breakouts are caused by a number of things you’re probably doing on the daily (pizza – I’m looking at you). Here are the six ‘skin sins’ that are causing spots, so you can change your habits for good. Except the pizza-eating.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Skipping moisturiserMany of us with oily or combination skin avoid moisturiser like there’s no tomorrow, ‘surely it’ll make me oilier?’. Wrong. This does more harm than good. When your skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to compensate, which increases the likelihood of blocked pores (if the oil can’t ‘escape’), thus causing pimples. Oil-based products will help to balance the sebum in your skin, just make sure you’ve cleansed first to avoid trapping dirt and bacteria beneath. YES, another skincare product you can justify buying.
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2 Dirty makeup brushes
Makeup brushes are the unsung hero of a great face (in my case, at least), blending products with ease for a somewhat-flawless finish – unless you forget to clean them properly. Though 72% of us admit to not cleaning our brushes regularly, they’re a breeding ground for bacteria, clogging pores and irritating skin with scary germs like MRSA and E Coli lurking between the bristles. This one’s an easy fix. Make time to clean your brushes; a gentle soap, warm water and ten minutes is all you’ll need.
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3 Your wardrobe
Yep, your accessories could be bad news for your skin. Hats, scarves, sunglasses and that loyal sidekick mobile phone of yours are harbouring dirt and bacteria. Sweat and makeup remnants (to name two of the culprits), are transferring germs from your everyday accessories straight to your skin. Shucks. Make sure to keep your clothing clean, and disinfect your phone, headphones and even sunglasses regularly for healthier skin all year round.
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4 Your sleeping position
Urgh, sorry, even your favourite pastime is a pimple-causing culprit. Acne mechanica is caused by materials touching the face (bacteria shifts from your face and hair, to pillow, and back to the skin). Pillowcases made from natural fabrics (which transfer less oil) come recommended, but the real issue lies in cleanliness. If your pillowcase isn’t changed regularly, it’ll stash all that grime, dirt and sweat. Delicious. Wash it regularly, and your face too right before you hop into the land of nod.
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5 Sugar-filled drinks
Alright, I know you hate me by now, but that sweet, syrupy red Coke you love to slurp on is your nemesis (not just the for the sugar slump post-sipping). Soft drinks are loaded with refined sugar. Consuming these high glycemic foods can increase your blood sugar, and to battle these ‘spikes’ your body produces more insulin and testosterone, which can lead to skin inflammation and clogged pores. So while we love a fizzy drink (or Pina Colada) with friends, our skin could pay the price. Keep that diet balanced and your drinks healthier (H20 forever).
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6 Makeup products
Though your makeup products aren’t causing acne, ingredients found within may clog pores or help acne-inducing bacteria to grow. Oil-prone areas like the forehead, nose and chin are particularly susceptible to sebum build up, clogged pores, blackheads and whiteheads when coated in products like power and foundation. Try using products labeled as ‘non-comedogenic’, to reduce bacteria build-up. Mineral makeup is a little kinder on the skin too. Or go bare, you’re beaut as you are, spots and all.
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FAQs
Why can skipping moisturiser cause more pimples?
Avoiding moisturiser can make your skin produce more oil, increasing the chance of blocked pores and pimples. When skin is dehydrated, it overcompensates with excess oil, especially for people with oily or combination skin. Using oil-based products after proper cleansing helps maintain a healthy skin balance.
How often should you clean makeup brushes for healthier skin?
You should clean your makeup brushes regularly to prevent breakouts and irritation. Dirty brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria like MRSA and E Coli, which can clog pores and harm your skin. A gentle soap, warm water and about ten minutes are all you need to keep them hygienic.
What everyday items could be making your skin break out?
Accessories like hats, scarves, sunglasses and mobile phones can collect dirt and bacteria that transfer to your skin. Sweat and makeup on these items harbor germs, causing spots and irritation. Clean your clothing and disinfect items like your phone, headphones and sunglasses often for clearer skin.
How does your sleeping position affect your skin health?
Sleeping with your face against a pillow can cause acne mechanica, as bacteria transfers between your skin and pillowcase. Using natural fabric pillowcases is recommended, but changing them regularly is most important. Always wash your face before bed to reduce grime and bacteria buildup while you sleep.
Can drinking sugary drinks cause more spots on your skin?
Sugary soft drinks can indeed trigger more pimples by raising your blood sugar and causing hormonal spikes. This leads to more insulin and testosterone, which may result in skin inflammation and clogged pores. For healthier skin, try to keep your diet balanced and limit sugar-filled drinks.