We once thought acne was only for teenagers, but as we grew older, we realized this was nothing but a myth. It turns out that there are a lot of factors that can trigger breakouts, even if you're way past puberty. Learning the most common causes of acne can help you assemble a powerful anti-acne skincare routine, plus healthy skin habits. To get schooled, read on!
The Most Common Causes Of Acne, Plus The Best Treatments
Pollution
Newsflash: Air pollution piles up a layer of unseen dirt on your face. The excess gunk on your skin can obviously result in clogged pores and breakouts. So, it's important to have a consistent and effective cleansing routine as soon as you get you home.
Prevent and treat: A gentle foaming cleanser
Excessive Sun Exposure
Here's a major reason to wear sunscreen every day: When the skin is exposed to UV Rays for too long, there is a high chance that the complexion dries out. This leads to excessive sebum production that results in acne. If you're worried about the sunscreen's formula feeling sticky, there are sheer lightweight formulas available.
Prevent: A lightweight, non-comedogenic broad spectrum sunscreen
Wrong skincare and makeup products
Not being acquianted with makeup and skincare products is a possible cause of acne. Some formulas are comedogenic, aka they may clog the pores. There are also cases when moisturizers and serums are too heavy for the skin.
Look for the words "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" whenever you're shopping for your beauty stash. These formulas are made for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Prevent: Read product labels!
Dirty makeup tools
Be honest, when was the last time you washed your makeup brushes and sponge? These tools can be breeding grounds for bacteria which spells a skin nightmare. Take time to wash them once a week. Store them in a clean, dry place or away from dust and dirt.
Prevent: Wash your makeup tools
Hormones
Remember when you would get a zit before or during your period? Your hormones are to blame. Progesterone is linked to an increase in sebum production, and androgens can have the same effect.
Most hormonal acne has cysts which make them harder to heal with topical treatments. The best thing you could do is get a KI injection, more commonly known as pimple injection. This in-clinic procedure zaps the zit at its source and can lessen the chances of scarring.
Treatment: Pimple injections
Diet
Sad news for those who love sugary treats. Foods with a high glycemic index have been linked to acne. The idea is that sugar can cause inflammation. Dairy foods are also said to produce the same effect on the skin.
Prevent: Go for low-sugar and dairy-free foods
Stress
Surprise! Getting breakouts when you're stressed and puyat is more likely to happen than the opposite. Hormones act up when you are stressed, which leads to overproduction of sebum. Stress-induced pimples come in the form of painful cystic acne.
Prevent: Practice mindfulness in stressful situations
Treat: A visit to the dermatologist. You can get a KI injection or a prescription topical treatment
Genetics
If you have relatives who dealt with adult acne, there are higher chances that you'll encounter it, too. Genetics can indeed be hard to control, but you can counteract this with an effective skincare regimen.
This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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