7 Little Things You Probably Do All the Time That Could be Causing Acne
Are you aware of all these sneaky little acne-triggers?
Even though you’re double cleansing day and night, sheet masking every day, applying serums and spot treatments religiously, you can still break out. Genetics and certain foods are two of the most common causes of acne, but these little everyday mistakes could also be causing it:
Mistake #1: You’re not cleaning your phone screen
Admit it, you bring your phone around everywhere, sometimes even into the bathroom. Just imagine the amount of bacteria that hides on that surface, and then picture that phone resting on your face for hours while you talk to your BFF!
Use a paper towel with some alcohol to clean your phone screen at the end of the day and get rid of all that built up junk on your screen. It’s also a good idea to swipe your cheek with a bit of cleansing water like the Klavuu Pure Pearlsation Marine Collagen Micro Cleansing Water to freshen up your skin, prevent breakouts and clear away any bacteria that may have transferred from your phone.
Mistake #2: You’re not changing your pillowcase regularly
Noticed some raised bumps appearing on just one side of your cheeks? And this side also happens to be the side you sleep on? It’s time to start changing your pillowcase more often (at least one to two times a week) to protect your face from any built-up dead skin cells, oil, dirt and bacteria on your pillowcase.
Mistake #3: You’re not cleaning your sunglasses
Sunglasses are a summer essential to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays, but the built up sweat they create can also cause you to get clogged pores or breakouts along the bridge of your nose, the front and back of your ears, or where your lenses rest on your cheeks!
To avoid any breakouts, make sure to clean your glasses on a regular basis, especially the areas that are in contact with your face. If you’ve had an especially sweaty day in your sunglasses, it’s also a good idea to pay bit of extra attention to your skin to prevent blackheads and breakouts from popping up. Try exfoliating with the Neogen Canadian Clay Pore Cleanser, especially around your nose area to clarify the pores and draw out any impurities that may have built up under your glasses.
Mistake #4: You touch your face a lot
From resting on our hands when we’re tired to touching our cheeks when applying makeup, our faces are frequently in contact with our bacteria-ridden hands. Not only does it cause breakouts, those with sensitive skin who are prone to redness should also avoid touching your face to reduce any random flare ups. If your face turns itchy in the middle of the day, reach out for a soothing mist like the Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner for an instant fix—no hands needed!
Mistake #5: You let your hair constantly touch your face and body
If you suffer from clusters of acne along your hairline it might be a sign that your hair products are affecting your skin. Be careful when applying your hair products near your scalp or skin, and try to put your hair up especially on humid days to keep your hair off your face.
In the case of acne on your back (or bacne), make sure to cleanse your body thoroughly after washing out your shampoo and conditioner. The residue from your shampoo or conditioner can cause you to break out if not washed off properly.
Mistake #6: You don’t moisturise enough
Moisturisers are important for all skin types, even for oily skin. When you avoid moisturisers, the skin dehydrates and becomes the perfect breeding ground for acne. Use a lightweight, oil-free, water-soluble moisturiser (see our COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion) to help keep your skin hydrated and balanced with less blemishes.
Mistake #7: You’re not getting enough sleep
This is one of the hardest habits to avoid, but not getting enough sleep really does affect your skin. When we sleep our cortisol levels decrease, helping to rejuvenate your skin, but without proper sleep those levels can stay elevated which could lead to acne breakouts.
We know, sometimes a late night is necessary, so make sure to keep your skin care routine consistent. Reach for a leave-on treatment like the COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask on days when you need an overnight pick-me-up. This overnight mask helps to protect and nourish your skin while you sleep to keep acne breakouts at bay with the calming properties of honey and propolis.
