Top 10 Pimple Triggers You Didn't Know About

Do you suffer from breakouts and don't really know how to control them? Does this leave you frustrated and bored? We understand your frustration: treating breakouts can be tricky. Quite simply because there are as many factors at play as there are stars in the sky. The path to clear skin – and especially keeping it that way – is often more complex than it seems.

But have no fear! We've researched this topic for you and compiled the top 10 pimple triggers that could be responsible for your breakouts. We analyzed everything from beauty products to diet to lifestyle to sleep. And of course, we will also tell you how to fix it. So, if you are looking for solutions for clear skin, keep reading.

TYPES OF ACNE

How can I control my breakouts instead of them controlling me?!

How can I control my breakouts rather than letting them control me?

You will have the answer to this question at the end of this article. But first, let's understand why your skin develops pimples.

There are two main culprits for breakouts: hormonal changes and overproduction of sebum. Often, hormones increase the production of sebum, which causes the hair follicles to become blocked, thus promoting the proliferation of the P.acnes bacteria responsible for spots. However, every skin is unique, and genetics influence how your body responds to acne-triggering hormones. This clearly shows that one size does not fit all.

That being said, seeing a dermatologist is always a good idea. Getting expert advice on your specific situation, potential triggers and suitable products is the best way to start your quest to perfect skin. In the meantime, let's observe your daily skin care habits. Because some of them might be contributing to your breakouts.

The top 10 pimple triggers and how to counter them:

#1 Your face mask causes maskne

Have you noticed more breakouts on your chin, jawline and cheeks? Do you think your face mask is the cause? Indeed, maskné is very real. Sweat, oil, bacteria, and moisture under your mask create an acne-prone environment.

How to fix it: Wash your face regularly, simplify your skincare routine, and always make sure to wear a clean mask. Opt for a breathable sheet mask and avoid makeup for a while. If you want to know more, our detailed article on maskné will enlighten you.

#2 Your facial hygiene and that of your pillows leave something to be desired

Do you wash your face every evening? If not, it would be a good idea to start. During the day, the skin accumulates dirt, oil, makeup, etc. If you don't clean it, that residue ends up on your pillowcase and then back on your face. This buildup, combined with skin rubbing against the pillow, can cause inflammation and breakouts.

How to fix it: Wash your face before sleeping and change your pillowcase every week.

#3 Too much acne cream can dry out your face

Do you apply an anti-pimple cream as soon as a pimple appears? If you use too much, you could make the situation worse. Common treatments containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur can dry out the skin. Dry skin can then produce more oil, which ironically causes more breakouts.

How to fix it: Avoid applying acne cream all over your face unless recommended by a healthcare professional. Use it only on the affected areas and make sure to moisturize your skin well.

 

#4 You are overdoing it with the facial scrub

Yes, not exfoliating your skin regularly can cause acne, but if you're scrubbing more to prevent acne, you're doing yourself a disservice. No matter what you use – a washcloth, facial scrubs, loofahs or brushes, the “the gentler, the less acne you have” formula doesn't work. The point of exfoliating your skin is to repair its protective barrier to prevent bacteria from entering and not stress it further.

How to fix it : We recommend washing and exfoliating your skin with a gentle but effective product that contains chemical exfoliants and does not require scrubbing. Also be gentle and as above: less is more.

#5 You are using the wrong skincare products

Even if you already take care of your skin, it could also be the products you use that trigger your acne. Some products contain ingredients like mineral oil which is a powerful moisturizing agent that can clog your pores if you already tend to have blurry skin. Already using natural oil? Well, even coconut oil is known to clog your pores. Additionally, fragrance and sodium lauryl sulfate (a degreasing surfactant) are often found in many products and can also contribute to your breakouts.

How to fix it : Reading labels can be tedious, especially if you don't know what to look out for. However, a good place to start is to get rid of all products containing the common irritants mentioned above. Also opt for products without perfume or sulfate. If you're still unsure, look for products labeled as non-comedogenic. Have you tried all of the above but without success? In this case, it's best to consult your dermatologist and dig a little deeper - perhaps allergies play a role here.

#6 You are using too many products

Do you like trying new products several times a year? Well, it's great for the beauty industry, but not so much for your skin. Changing skin products frequently without giving them enough time to work stresses your skin. New preservatives and active ingredients can be irritating and thus cause skin rashes.

How to fix it: It's best to stick to one or two products and give them at least 1-1.5 months to work their magic. Experts say it takes a long time for your skin to change, so being patient is key. Plus, buying fewer beauty products is not only cost-effective, but also helps you save space in your bathroom.

#7 You are eating the wrong foods

Are you stuffing yourself with highly processed, sugary, or fried foods? Well, this could all be linked to your rash because these foods are very inflammatory in nature. Additionally, other foods like dairy, gluten or refined carbohydrates can also play an important role here. But it's not just the "classics" that you should be wary of, but also vegetables like tomatoes or spices like pepper, both of which contain acidic lycopene, a common irritant that can disrupt your skin's pH and thus trigger acne around the mouth. However, the diet factor is quite complex because the effect of diet on the skin depends entirely on the person himself.

How to fix it: Replace carby, sugary snacks like chips or ice cream with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plenty of protein. If that doesn't help, see a doctor to see if there's anything going on in your gastrointestinal tract or if any of the foods you're eating are causing anything unusual.

#8 Your stress level is too high

Simply put: stress triggers acne and acne triggers even more stress – it's a downward spiral, let us tell you. When stressed, the skin produces more stress hormones like cortisol, which in turn stimulate your oil glands to produce testosterone. This leads to higher sebum production, clogging your pores and voilà, leading to more breakouts.

How to fix it: Choose a balanced lifestyle – regular exercise, meditation, time spent with loved ones and in nature. Make sure you take enough time to nourish your soul and release those stress hormones to prevent them from ruining your skin. Whatever your time, make sure you take it as seriously as your other daily tasks.

#9 You sleep too little

Talking about stress already brings us to the next one. During sleep, our bodies rest and repair, which means our cortisol levels also decrease. Not getting enough sleep means we're continually exposed to high levels of cortisol, which could trigger breakouts.

How to fix it: If everything were that simple, *sigh*. Turn on your snooze, turn off that phone and make sure you get your 8 hours.

#10 Your medications are damaging your skin

You're almost successful, but one more thing to consider if you're still looking for your breakout trigger. Certain medications like steroids, hormonal pills, anticonvulsants or lithium can also cause pimples and acne.

How to fix it: In this case, it is best to consult a professional doctor to assess whether your medication is really necessary or whether it is also possible to switch to another product. Perhaps there is even a natural alternative that would work and thus provide some relief to your skin.

The only beauty product that fights spots overnight

If you are not only looking for the cause that triggers your acne, but also something that fights it, the AND SHINE Beautiful Skin Patch is the ideal solution for you. The innovative non-drying patch fights breakouts and reduces redness while you sleep. Each patch contains highly effective active ingredients that are dissolved in the top layer of your skin using microstructure technology. The application is super simple and safe and clinical studies prove a significant reduction in pimples after 3-6 days of daily use. If it's not worth trying, what else can you do?

 

Sources: Health Harvard , NDTV , Every Day Health , Cosmopolitan