It’s extremely frustrating to wake up with a cluster of zits on your face without any sort of warning or explanation — but there might be more surprising reasons you’re breaking out.
Why? Keep reading to discover what might be the mysterious source of your blemishes.
Your makeup
Even if your makeup is labeled noncomedogenic, it could still be breaking you out. While some people are sensitive to certain ingredients, Dr. Lamees Hamdan, founder and CEO of skincare brand Shiffa, said you should only try new ingredients one at a time. Once you start to figure out which products are causing your acne, you can look at ingredient labels and try to find a pattern.
Your birth control
Dr. Hamdan explains that while some birth control can help get rid of acne, some can make it worse. “Generally speaking, birth control helps alleviate acne for the majority of women,” he said. “However, androgenic pills meaning those that contain testosterone or androsterone —can actually promote acne.”
There’s good news, though. If you’re using a pill that contains both progesterone and estrogen, it can actually decrease the severity and frequency of your pimples. “These pills help decrease the amount of androgen (the male sex hormones) in the body. The less androgens, the less sebum is produced by the body. The less sebum produced, the less chance of it combining with bacteria and dead cells from the skin and causing a pimple,” Dr. Hamdan said.
Your pillows
When’s the last time you changed your pillowcase? If it’s been a while, that might be the source of the breakout on your cheek, especially if you sleep on your side. We all sweat a little in our sleep, creating a moist environment for bacteria to grow. Make sure to swap your pillowcases regularly to prevent breakouts.
Your cell phone
According to a study at Arizona State University, your cell phone contains up to 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. If you’re constantly talking on the phone, or even texting and then touching your face, you’re transmitting a lot of bacteria onto your skin and potentially causing some zits. It might be time to invest in a phone sanitizer like Phone Soap ($60).
Your diet
You may have heard that junk food can make you break out, but it’s not that simple. Different foods make different individuals break out, and there are a variety of food groups that might be breaking you out. “Too much sugar and white carbs can be a problem,” Dr. Hamdan said. “Dairy can also be a causing factor.”
Your hair products
While you’re in the shower, make sure to wash your face with cleanser after shampooing your hair. Any leftover shampoo or conditioner residue can lead to breakouts. If you’re breaking out around your hairline, consider the styling products you’re using and make sure not to spray them too close to your face.
There are however, many other reasons you can break out as an adult. Stress or changes in your hormone levels, like menopause or switching or stopping birth control pills, are two possibilities. Some medications, including lithium, antiseizure drugs, and corticosteroids, can cause acne. A dermatologist can help you figure out why your acne is happening. In some cases, it may be related to another condition.
Here are simple things you should do to avoid breakouts.
- Wash your face no more than twice a day.
- Use cool or warm water and a gentle cleanser.
- Use your hands, a baby washcloth (it’s gentler than a regular one), or a cleansing brush for 30 seconds.
- Pat (don’t rub) your skin dry.