There’s no shortage of confusion when it comes to acne, but we’re here to help. Our skin health experts break down why most people break out – and how to avoid the most common acne triggers:
You’re growing bacteria.
That “dirt” in your blackheads? It’s not dirt. In fact, those aren’t even blackheads. They’re whiteheads filled with a cocktail of bacteria, excess oil and dead skin cells that build up and get trapped under the surface of your skin. To get rid of them, Double Cleanse daily – it removes excess buildup – and exfoliate dead skin cells away with Daily Microfoliant®.
You’re eating too much sugar.
If you’re eating lots of sugary, refined foods, they could be contributing to your breakouts. They don’t directly cause acne but they do exacerbate oil production on the face. You can control excess oil with Salicylic Acid products like Sebum Clearing Masque and Clearing Mattifier.
Your hair is in your face.
Certain makeup, hair and skin care products contain acnegenic ingredients, which can cause or exacerbate acne. Avoid products made with Lanolin, petroleum-derived Mineral Oil, artificial colors like D&C red pigments, and artificial fragrance.
You can’t stop picking.
The fingernails are notorious for harboring bacteria. If you pick at a breakout, you risk adding new bacteria to the area, which could result in even more breakouts! Instead, apply Concealing Spot Treatment to the area and wait it out. Seriously.
Your environment is polluted.
UV rays and seasonal changes can stimulate cell production, sebum and blood flow, and exacerbate acne symptoms. It’s especially worse for people who work in areas with high heat and humidity like kitchens and industrial settings. To help remove all the grime and pollution on your skin, Double Cleanse your face every night.
It’s your fabric softener!
Yep, your laundry could be triggering breakouts. Try not using fabric softeners on your sheets and pillowcases. Fabric softeners are known to contain common irritants like beef lard and fragrances.
OK, so what if you’ve taken measures to curb all of the above and you’re still breaking out? See a professional skin therapist to figure out what the culprit is and get a personalized product prescription.
