Thursday, March 19, 2015

3 ‘Good’ Habits That Are Actually Giving You Breakouts

A.K.A. Why your skin has sucked so much lately

More often than not, you can blame your hormones for your breakouts. Yet, there are other times when pimples randomly appear and don’t quite seem to have a source. Bummer alert: Turns out, that source might be some of your regular habits. Dermatologist Adebola Dele-Michael, M.D., of Radiant Skin Dermatology and Laser describes the surprising culprits.

Whipping Out Your Cleansing Brush
"Using any type of products that are exfoliating too aggressively can cause irritation and inflammation to the skin," says Dele-Michael. When you break them out too often, these trendy brushes over-exfoliate, causing dryness first and acne second. Your skin will try to counteract the dryness by producing an overload of sebum, or natural oils. "If you have sensitive skin or severe acne, it's best to see a board-certified dermatologist to suggest a good skincare regimen," says Dele-Michael.  

 Practicing Yoga
A communal yoga mat may be convenient, but unclean mats carry sweat, dirt, and oil that clog pores. And if you rub your face on the mat (hello, child's pose), you can expect breakouts on your face and body. "Use your own yoga mat and bring a towel with you to class," says Dele-Michael. "After class, wipe down your mat with the towel, and remember to take a shower and wash your face with a gentle cleanser" right when you get home.

Trimming Your Bangs
Styled bangs may be your go-to, but they're also a major cause of forehead acne. "[It] develops when the hair follicles in your forehead become clogged, causing inflammation on the skin," says Dele-Michael. "Styling products that contain ingredients like silicones, sulfates, petroleum, jojoba oil, and shea butter tend to trap the most bacteria and create a breeding ground for acne." So when choosing hair products, consider opting for natural-based formulas.

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