10 Surprising Reasons You Keep Breaking Out

If you're one of the 40 to 50 million Americans that acne affects, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, then you know how badly it sucks.
So, what causes this skin disorder ruiner of first dates? Mainly the overproduction of oil; blocked hair follicles that don't allow the aforementioned oil to leave the pore, which often results in a clogged pore; and the growth of bacteria inside the hair follicles called P. acnes. However, along with the above factors and genetics, which plays a role in how your body reacts to different hormones in your body and can cause acne, there are certain patterns you could be repeating on a daily basis that can cause you to break out or can even exacerbate your already annoying issue. Here are some of the most surprising triggers — take heed, acne-prone people!

1. You're a makeout bandit and your boyfriend has a beard.

 Sure, some dudes look hot with a beard (i.e. Ryan Gosling in The Notebook) or even a five o'clock shadow, but your BF's facial hair isn't doing your pretty face any favors when it comes to breakouts. So what gives? Well, as you and your guy hook up, your smooth face rubs against his hairy one, creating friction, which causes his prickly hair to stimulate oil production on your face, causing blemishes and even beard burn. (Tip via Jeanine Downie, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Image Dermatology in Montclair, New Jersey.)
What you can do differently: Kindly ask him to shave his beard in the name of flawless skin. Or beg him to condition his beard with coconut oil, so it doesn't feel like tiny swords stabbing your face every time you kiss and leave you with acne.

2. You're eating spicy foods. 

Spicy foods often contain tomatoes and peppers, which contain acidic lycopene that can be an irritant to some people, throwing off their skin's pH levels and triggering breakouts. However, it isn't just spicy foods that can irritate your skin. Some people have an aversion to dairy, bread, or other types of foods — how your skin reacts to what you eat just depends on your own personal make-up. (Tip via Dr. Downie.)

What you can do differently: Take a break from eating spicy foods (or whatever you've been eating a lot of that you think could be contributing to your acne — if your skin is irritated by a certain ingredient, you'll recognize tiny whiteheads or even blemishes in a rash-like pattern around your chin or mouth) for a month to see if that's the cause of your issue.

3. You're using products that contain pore-clogging ingredients.

 Mineral oil is a super-heavy moisturizing agent found in some lotions, but it's also known to clog your pores and break you out. Silicones in skin care and cosmetics are also another ingredient on the list to watch out for that can clog your pores. (Tip via Dr. Downie.)
What you can do differently: Make sure all the skin care products you're using are labeled "noncomedogenic," which means your makeup or skin care has been specifically formulated not to clog your pores. That said, even if the product is "noncomedogenic," if you're using it continuously and your breakouts continue to get worse, make an appointment with your dermatologist, as you could be allergic to another ingredient in the product that is causing your issues.

4. You're OD'ing on spot treatments.

 Overusing topical salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulphur over-the-counter treatments can dry out your skin, causing it to produce more oil and possibly blemishes. Those ingredients can actually make the appearance of your pimples look worse, since the active ingredients can slightly burn the top layer of your skin if used too often, making the pimple appear even redder and harder to conceal than if you had just left it alone. (Tip via Samantha Wright, a licensed aesthetician and Skinovator at the Dangene Institute.)

What you can do differently: Instead of dousing your zit with a spot treatment, apply a dab of OTC 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, like Aveeno One Percent Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, onto the spot two to three times during the day to take down the inflammation and redness. Then conceal it by simply covering it up with a concealer, like Clinique Even Better Compact Makeup, which has antibacterial ingredients to keep the formula bacteria-free and your face clear.

5. Your hair products are wreaking havoc on your skin. 

The sulfates (cleansing agents), heavy moisturizing agents, and silicones that your shampoo, conditioner, and stylers contain can seep into your pores, clogging them and resulting in chest acne, bacne, or pesky pimples along your hairline. (Tip via Wright.)
What you can do differently: When washing and conditioning your hair in the shower, tilt your head over to the side to keep the product's residue off your face, chest, and back as you rinse it away. And be sure to wash your face last when you're in the shower to make sure you haven't accidentally gotten any product on your skin that could break you out later.

6. You smoke. 

Every time you light up a cigarette, you decrease the amount of oxygen that goes to your face. This not only predisposes you to cancer, and causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin that leads to wrinkles and increased pore size, but the carcinogens in the smoke also irritates your skin and dries it out, triggering your skin to produce more oil and possibly more breakouts. (Tip via Dr. Downie.)
What you can do differently: Don't smoke. It's as simple as that. You'll live longer and have clear skin.

7. You're scrubbing your skin too hard.

 A lot of people with acne think that the more you scrub your skin with a washcloth, rough exfoliants (like crushed apricot seeds), or cleansing brushes, the smoother your skin will be, but in reality, the problem will only inevitably get worse. What happens when you do that is you scrub the active acne and the blemish bacteria gets spread across the skin, worsening the condition.
What you can do differently: Gently wash and moisturize your face with a gentle yet effective system (cleanser, toner, moisturizer) that contains pore-clearing ingredients, like alpha hydroxy acids and glycolic and lactic acids. That way you keep the scrubbing to a minimum. Wright recommends Obagi Foaming Gel, Toner and Exfoderm Lotion, her favorite system to suggest for Dangene's acne-prone clients.

8. You can't stop picking at your pimples. 

It's tempting in the moment, but it's never a good idea to play dermatologist, because it's impossible to pick your own pimple and not make a red mark that could turn into a scar. Even worse, when you try to press the plug or oil or puss out of your pore, you run the risk of pushing the bacteria deeper or spreading it around underneath your skin, multiplying your pimples.
What you can do differently: Challenge yourself not to pick or even touch your face for unnecessary reasons, since you can transfer bacteria onto your skin that way. Not touching your face works wonders for your complexion and allowing your zits to heal on their own leaves your skin scar-free. (Tip via Wright.)

9. You're not releasing pent-up stress properly.

 Stress triggers acne and acne results in more stress, so it's a very vicious cycle. Basically, when you're under pressure, your skin produces stress hormones, including cortisol, that can stimulate your oil glands to make testosterone that then increases oil production and clogs pores. (Tip via Dr. Downie.)

What you can do differently: Work out regularly, meditate, take time out of your busy schedule to focus on yourself — all of these things will help you release stress, so your body doesn't continue to release hormones that will only harm your skin.

10. You're using the wrong detergent. 

Some chemicals in laundry detergent can be too harsh for your skin, and once you slip on your clothes or lie on your pillow, your skin might react to the residue that's left on the fabric, resulting in breakouts on your face, back, butt, chest, etc. (Tip via Dr. Downie.)

What you can do differently: Choose a detergent that's fragrance- and dye-free and dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin, like Tide Free and Gentle High Efficiency Liquid Laundry Detergent.

Adult Acne: Why It Happens and How To Treat It

I experienced a sense of relief while watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. In this episode, Yolanda Foster (married to the famous Canadian David Foster) expresses dismay at the prospect of having another skin breakout right before her anniversary dinner with her hubby David.
Why did I feel relief after viewing the show? For the past 20 years I have been under the impression that my own adult acne would magically disappear. I had thought by a certain age that there would be no more spots and I would have this beautiful clear mature skin.

Instead, my skin seems to have come to this crossroads of aging, occasional acne and now dark circles under my eyes.

Now that I know I am not alone.. I wanted to find out more tips on how I can minimize the acne and have the freshest skin possible. I spoke with Anca Apostu at Murad skincare to provide the best tips for adults wanting to have smooth harmonious skin. Acna shared with me some of her knowledge.
What causes acne?

Dermatologists have linked acne to several factors that can trigger breakouts:

• Hormones and hormonal balance
• Genes
• Stress
• Environment
• Medication
• Diet
• Cosmetic products
• Allergies

For the most part, genetics and hormones determine your complexion in the long-term, while the other factors are more likely to cause short-term issues.

Adult Acne Myths

MYTH: Acne is curable
As there is no single cause for acne, there is no single cure. Acne is a chronic condition that affects millions of teenagers and adults in the entire world. While it can't be cured, it can be kept under control with proper topical and internal care.

MYTH: Drying out your skin will clear blemishes

Drying your skin and stripping it of its natural oils consistently will not reduce acne. In fact, it weakens skin's ability to repair itself, it can cause irritation and even more breakouts. At the same time, the excessive dryness can accelerate aging and bring out fine lines and wrinkles. Hydration remains vital for affected skin, in any circumstance: for oily skin, it helps balance oil production and for dry skin, it restores moisture levels and optimal functions.

MYTH: Oily skin causes acne

Oily skin is not the root cause of acne. It can however contribute to acne if the skin's ability to shed dead skin cells is reduced (hormonal imbalances, among other factors, can slow down this process as well). When dead skin cells clump together in an oily environment, they can form plugs which block the pores of the hair follicles. In the presence of P.acnes bacteria, the blocked pores get inflamed and appear as breakouts on the surface of the skin.

Usually it's dry skin that has a slower dead-cell shedding process and that's why it is important to maintain optimal moisture levels. For oily complexions, it is essential to exfoliate skin regularly in order to remove the dead skin cells and keep pores clean and clear.

MYTH: Acne is caused by poor hygiene

The major factors associated with acne breakouts are genetics and hormones, and these are things you can't control easily. This doesn't mean you should skip washing your face regularly. While dirt doesn't play a direct role in the formation of acne, it can cause irritation and lead to breakouts once the skin's barrier function is compromised by inflammation. To maintain clean skin, follow a simple daily skincare regimen and wash your face once to twice daily.

MYTH: More product means faster results.

In skincare, the general rule is 'less is more'. Especially with acne products, which in most cases are medicated treatments, the recommended quantity for one application should not be exceeded. Common side effects of excessive use are dryness and irritation, which can slow down the healing process.

Top tips for adult acne:

Follow a skincare regimen that is right for your skin.

There is no cure for acne, but with constant care and medicated topical therapy, it can be kept under control. Consistency is key for getting great results. A simple 3-step regimen with a cleanser, toner and treatment is easy to follow. Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic Acid and Sulfur are the main over-the-counter acne medications approved by FDA. These acne-fighting medicines should always be in your skin care arsenal if you suffer from acne.

An oil-free moisturizer should also be part of everyone's daily routine while a gentle exfoliator is necessary to remove the dead skin cells from the surface.

Get enough sleep

Even if you're using acne treatments, not getting enough sleep can sabotage your efforts to clear breakouts and can eventually exacerbate your acne condition. Lack of sleep can trigger your adrenal glands to get over-productive during the day and this can lead to excess oil production. Coupled with a slow skin cell turnover, this leads to clogged pores and blemishes on your skin.
Don't sleep with makeup on.

Always take off your makeup at night and clean your face thoroughly and moisturize before going to bed. At night, skin loses more water and produces less oil while it repairs itself more intensely than during the daytime. If you sleep with your makeup on, certain ingredients from your makeup can cause irritation or pore clogs and hinder skin's natural cell renewal process.

Moisturize

Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Healthy skin has the ability to repair itself and fight inflammation which is the main culprit behind the unaesthetic look of acne lesions.
Moisturizing is essential for any skin type: oily complexions benefit from added moisture to balance the oil production and dry complexions get the extra moisture then need in order to function properly. For acne prone skin, always use oil-free, water-based moisturizers that absorb easily into the skin. If you have sensitive skin, use a gentle moisturizer without fragrance.
Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Skin uses the nutrients from your diet to repair and rebuild itself in order to function properly. That's why what you eat shows on your skin. While you increase your intake of fruit and vegetables and healthy fats (omega fatty acids) to support your skin's functions, it is also recommended that you avoid consuming high-fat, high-carb and processes foods as much as you can.

Junk food, chocolate and fried foods have long been believed to trigger acne. The explanation, as proven by recent studies, is that the high-glycemic load foods like the ones mentioned above aggravate acne by causing internal inflammation and imbalances which can ultimately lead to excess oil production on your skin.

Another culprit for internal inflammation is represented by food sensitivities and allergies, subsequently triggering acne breakouts. Food sensitivities and allergies can be detected by specialized blood tests.

Wash pillowcases, makeup brushes, and hats.

Dirt and bacteria can build up on your pillowcases and other fashion accessories that come into close contact with your face every day. This can trigger inflammation and acne breakouts. It is recommended that you wash and clean your pillowcases, sheets and other accessories like hats and headbands at least once a week. As for makeup brushes and sponges, these need to be washed and cleaned properly every day or every other day and replaced completely every 4 weeks.
Protect your skin

Wear sunscreen every time you go out and avoid sun burns and extreme temperatures that can cause skin imbalance and slow down skin's proper functions. Sun exposure and getting a tan is known to exacerbate acne by damaging skin and causing irritation in the upper layers.
You are invited to share your experiences in the comments section below and if you have a question, I will do my best to get an expert answer for you.

What does it mean to have hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne is exactly what it sounds like — acne tied to fluctuations in your hormones.
Although it’s typically associated with hormone fluctuations during puberty, hormonal acne can affect adults of any age. It’s especially common in women. A number of factors may contribute to this, including menstruation and menopause.

It’s estimated that 50 percent of women ages 20 to 29 have acne. It affects about 25 percent of women ages 40 to 49.

Expert opinions are mixed when it comes to hormonal acne. Although the Mayo Clinic says hormones generally aren’t a factor in adult acne, hormonal imbalances may contribute to acne in adults with underlying medical conditions.

In other cases, adults with acne may not have any “measurable” hormone issues. This can make diagnosis and treatment challenging.

Keep reading to learn what hormonal acne looks like, what causes it, and how to clear up breakouts.
Hormonal acne is exactly what it sounds like — acne tied to fluctuations in your hormones.
Although it’s typically associated with hormone fluctuations during puberty, hormonal acne can affect adults of any age. It’s especially common in women. A number of factors may contribute to this, including menstruation and menopause.

It’s estimated that 50 percent of women ages 20 to 29 have acne. It affects about 25 percent of women ages 40 to 49.
Expert opinions are mixed when it comes to hormonal acne. Although the Mayo Clinic says hormones generally aren’t a factor in adult acne, hormonal imbalances may contribute to acne in adults with underlying medical conditions.

In other cases, adults with acne may not have any “measurable” hormone issues. This can make diagnosis and treatment challenging.

Keep reading to learn what hormonal acne looks like, what causes it, and how to clear up breakouts.
Many women begin to experience menopause in their 40s and 50s. This causes a natural decline in your reproductive hormones, resulting in an end to menstruation.

Some women experience acne during menopause. This is likely due to a drop in estrogen levels or an increase in androgen hormones like testosterone.

You may still experience menopausal acne even if you’re using hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) to ease your menopause symptoms. This is because some HRTs use an influx of the hormone progestin to replace the estrogen and progesterone your body loses. Introducing this hormone to your system can cause your skin to break out.

In most cases, prescription medication can clear up menopausal acne. Some women may find success using natural treatment methods. Talk to your doctor about which options may be right for you.

Unbeatable Acne Breakouts In The Same Spot? Find Out Why!

Acne can be a real pain in the neck, chest, back, cheeks, forehead, chin—and the list goes on. Many times, people with blemish-prone skin can feel like the moment one pimple heals another one crops up in the same area to take its place. But why does this happen?

Popping pimples is one of the main causes of continued breakouts since doing so helps spread bacteria under the surface of the skin. When you manually extract blemishes with your fingers, you can actually spread the germs that can lead to more redness and irritation (and more acne).
To lessen the chances of related breakouts, it’s important to arm yourself with knowledge! Your best plan of action?

1. Use a cleanser with Salicylic Acid, like our Acne Facial Cleanser, which is the first step to deep clean and help soothe acne-erupted skin.

Enhance your anti-acne regimen by using a product like our Glycolic Foaming Cleansertwice a week in place of your normal cleanser. This will gently exfoliate the skin’s surface, eliminating the dry flakes that can keep your natural oils trapped inside the pores, creating a breeding ground for the p.acnes bacteria.

2. Follow this step with a toner appropriate for your skin type and condition. Special Cucumber Lotion is one of our best toners for acne-prone skin but, as always, be mindful of your skin type when choosing products.

3. Hydrate your skin with oil-free moisture to avoid clogged pores.

4. Treat your skin as needed with appropriate products like our Drying Lotion (for whiteheads), Drying Cream, Drying Mask (all acne), Silver Powder (blackheads) or Buffering Lotion (cystic acne), depending on the type of breakouts you’re dealing with.

Remember to always use clean hands and makeup tools when caring for your skin.
What are your favorite products for battling breakouts?

Why Acne Always Chooses Me?

Five habits Lead Acne Prone Skin

We are all too familiar with those little evil pimples popping up at the worst time. It feels as if they are plotting against us and watching for our most important life events to pay a visit. But what if this is not the case? What if those little things are just an innocent outcome of what we do on a regular basis? Maybe it is us, not them the little pimple things, that cause this mayhem. Here are five habits we all have that eventually result in an unwanted pimple and an acne prone skin.


Way Too Dry, Sweetie

Now it’s one thing to say that acne prone skin is unwanted and another actually to do something about the problem at hand. But the thing is, sometimes trying to solve the problem makes things even worse. Yes, I’m talking about anti-acne cleansing products that we all use to protect our skin against possible pimples.

These cleaning products, especially products for face, target oily skin. But as the target is oily skin, they tend to have an over-drying effect and eventually clog the pores. Alcohol-based formulas used in some cleansing foams also have the same effect. The best solution is either to use a product which does not over-dry your skin or to apply a balanced moisturizer after cleansing.

Messy Make-Up Brushes

Brushes are a girl’s best friend. We all use them. From foundation to eye shadowing, you can apply all those colors with only the right brush, and without it, those colors mean nothing. But using your brush this frequently and applying makeup products on your skin may cause some bacteria form in brushes. Even if it’s not bacteria, a frequently-used brush will be too dirty to use after two weeks of daily make-up.

Using the same brush without cleaning it at least once every week will undoubtedly increase your chances of getting acne all over your face.

Don’t Touch It
Another bad habit that welcomes all the pimples underneath your skin to come out is frequently touching your skin. Maybe you are just checking your make-up, or an itching spot doesn’t matter. Your hands may not always be clean enough and bringing up unseen bacteria or dirt from elsewhere to your skin will inevitably clog those pores.

So just control yourself and leave your face alone for a change!

Choose Wisely: Foundation

When your skin acts weird, most of us go for a life-saver superhero: concealers. Yes, these superheroes can conceal, but do not try to cover up a bad-looking pimple. Most concealers and foundations have titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and silica in them and these are very bad for your pores. But there is also the issue of a horrible-looking pimple, what to do? Surely, skipping the foundation all together and going for a light make-up with a focus on the eyes can always work miracles and your skin can breath in some air. If the pimple problem is a disaster, you can apply a minimum amount of organic concealer on the area with acne by avoiding to covering all of it and only applying the concealer in circles.

Breaking News: Milk Is Bad For You

Your parents have probably raised you up with lots of dairy products, and doctors kept saying these were good for your bones. They may be good for bones, but also they call for acne. Some components in milk are relating to testosterone hormones and these influence oil glands. As we all know, oil glands mean more acne. Maybe you should lessen the amount of milk? Or maybe you can go veggie for a few days every week? Your bones got enough milk, give your skin a break.

Why Its Important To Know How To Care For Your Acne

Acne is caused by the clogging of the follicle of a skin gland causing a pimple to grow.

Nearly 80 percent of people from ages 11 to 30 years have acne, most often on the face, chest and back. While almost all young people experience acne at least once, it's been reported that 47% of those in their 20s and 30% of those in their 30s had acne.

Acne is one of most common skin conditions in the world, affecting more than 40 million people.

Acne is the most common skin disease. Acne vulgaris is most commonly experienced around puberty, typically of the face, shoulders and chest.

Understanding that hormones may have some influence on the cause of acne needs to be considered. The cause of acne is really unknown. As time goes by, more research may help determine just how male and female hormones influence acne and the role diet plays.

Experts just can't agree on what causes acne. 

Popping pimples can cause infection and scarring. For a good acne treatment, that has worked for many, try applying virgin coconut oil daily, but on a small test area first.

It's easy to treat acne cheaply, simply, naturally, yet effective, at home. Try not to touch your skin to eliminate possible contamination. A new treatment using red light and blue light together has been extremely successful on severe acne.

Coconut oil is very inexpensive, therefore, a good, cheap home remedy. You want to be good to your skin and never pop or squeeze a pimple no matter how tempting.

See your skin doctor, dermatologist or dermatological surgeon for the best acne scar treatment for you. Healed acne leaves scars in some people however, and it isn't easy to predict who will end up with scars after an acne outbreak and who won't.

A number of treatments are currently available to remove or improve acne scars.

When you change your diet, your lesions should be getting better within 30 days. Some alternative doctors recommend eating raw cloves of garlic daily for acne.

The liver sluffs off toxins from bad foods, drinks, drugs and chemicals and sends them through your skin resulting in skin eruptions, acne, pimples and other skin disorders.

Besides external acne treatment it's best to work from the inside out too.

Concentrating on a diet of LOTS of fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement within 30 days. Good skin is often a reflection of a good digestive system.

Eat high-fiber snacks like raw nuts, raw seeds, and dried fruit, such as dates, and figs.

Functions of the skin are disturbed when it's dirty; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases and dirty skin is more prone to develop infections. Many skin conditions can be converted into healthy skin using natural home remedies.

In any case, try not to panic about your acne and take it day by day. When it comes to acne, acne prevention is always a better choice than searching for a cure. Be assured, scientists are constantly looking at new non-invasive ways to treat acne.

What is the right diet for you?

As I mentioned in an earlier post, there is a Horizon special, “What’s the Right Diet for You” going out this week on BBC2; click on the above link and it takes you to the Horizon home page where you can watch the programme and do an online test to see what sort of dieter you are. Sadly this is only available to people based in the UK, but I think that even if you are not based here you can still see the added content.
For those who haven’t seen  the programme, in the film a team of scientists from Oxford and Cambridge use a range of tests to divide 75 overweight volunteers into 3 “tribes”.

THE TRIBES:

The Constant Cravers: those who have genes (such as the FTO gene) which put them at greater risk of becoming obese
The Feasters: people whose bodies produce low amounts of a gut hormone called GLP-1 in response to food. GLP-1 tells the brain “you have eaten enough”. Feasters go on eating because their gut takes that much longer to say to the brain, “you’re full”. In the Horizon film they are the ones who eat the most at a buffet.
The third group are the Emotional Eaters. They were selected on the basis of responses to a psychological questionnaire and are typically the sort of people who turn to food when stressed.

THE DIETS:

Each tribe is then given a different diet to try; Emotional Eaters get a standard low calorie diet with psychological support. Constant cravers are put on 5:2 intermittent fasting and “Feasters” go on a high protein, low GI diet. If you go to the website you can get lots more information and helpful recipes.
I was pleased that Professor Susan Jebb, one of the UK’s foremost diet experts, had chosen 5:2 intermittent fasting as a solution for the Constant Cravers. They are probably the toughest group to help since their genetics make them particularly susceptible to over-eating.

MY REACTION:

I think it is a novel way of approaching dieting and the dieters do impressively well on their allocated programmes. The reality, of course, is that most of us are a mixture of the three tribes (I am mainly Constant Craver, with some Feaster and Emotional Eater thrown in). I also think that most of us would benefit from all 3 solutions.

A diet high in protein and in low glycaemic carbohydrates, the advice given to the “Feasters” will keep you fuller for longer, whatever your tribe. And I, naturally enough, think most people would benefit from doing the Fast Diet, whether they are Constant Cravers or not.
As for the Emotional Eaters, well most of us would relate to that. Losing weight is tough and we need all the psychological support we can get, whether it is family, colleagues, or people they meet on a site like this one. One of the purposes of this website is to bring people together to help each other and I have been delighted by the atmosphere and the helpful comments made by many people.
Best, Michael