Not sure what’s causing your adult acne? While it’s common to link the cause of your acne to normal triggers like bacteria, physical stress, and excess skin oil, there are other “shocking” sources that could be at play.
So if you have ruled these triggers out, you might want to consider others, especially those that are not very common. Below, we have put together 6 shocking causes of adult acne. Plus, we included how to tackle it.
1. Hairstyling products that touch your skin
The hair care products you use may be doing more harm than good. In other words, your styling products may contribute to breakouts.
As it is often called, pine acne results from styling products that release oil onto your forehead, trapping acne-causing bacteria in your pores. The blocked pores become inflamed, leading to redness, pus, and eventually blackheads and whiteheads along the hairline and forehead.
Your hairstyle also plays a role: Bangs, for instance, worse acne by bringing skin-clogged hair products right against your forehead.
Solution:
To reduce the chances of developing acne via hairstyling products, try to apply them with your hand and keep them off your hairline. And when you are done applying the product, wipe your skin with facial cleanser to rid of any stray styling product.
2. Facial hair removal
Yes, facial hair removal may help you solve one problem, but it may leave you with another: bumpy skin. The topical products used on your skin before or after a hair removal procedure can be comedogenic (can block pores and promote acne).
Mind you, the itchy numbs you experience after hair removal might not be really acne but an irritation of the hair follicle that results in a transient.
Solution:
You can relieve the rash caused by facial hair removal by applying a warm compress to your face three to four times daily. If this doesn’t yield significant results, visit your doctor. You may require an antibiotic to clear the rash.
3. Stress is accompanied by hormonal changes.
Are you anxious about that big interview? Are family issues giving you sleepless nights? While stress alone cannot trigger a breakout, it can aggravate them.
Stress can exacerbate acne by resulting in the release of inflammatory chemicals called neuropeptides and hormonal changes. Hormonal changes like high testosterone can cause acne, so you should conduct a testosterone level test to know where you stand.
Like high testosterone, low testosterone can also result in health issues. This test doesn’t require a doctor’s visit. It’s fast. And you get your results via email.
Solution:
Use acne products that come with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to get rid of stress-induced breakouts.
4. Using too many skincare products
It’s common to experiment with new skincare products to find the perfect mix for your skin. While such an act is good for the cosmetic industry, we cannot say the same for your skin.
Changing products or adding a new one too early challenges your skin with new preservatives and active ingredients, which can be irritating and result in breakouts.
The surprising aspect is that even anti-acne products can result in blemishes if you use them excessively. Some people develop acne because they switch between four or five different acne creams or use an astringent, facial wash, and spot cream, all having acne-fighting components.
Solution:
It doesn’t matter if you aim to fight wrinkles or zap zits; ensure you select one or two products and be patient with them.
You can stay for about 4 to six weeks before considering your next line of action. Skincare products aren’t magic potions. They don’t work instantly. You need to give them enough time.
For those seeking targeted options, CHOLLEY Skincare also offers a range of acne-focused products formulated to help cleanse pores, reduce breakouts, and rebalance skin gently.
Another reason you should stop jumping from one acne cure to another is that it’ll help you save money at the drugstore and declutter your medical cabinet.
5. Cell phone
It’s great to chat on the go. It helps you keep in touch with family, friends, and loved ones. However, it doesn’t help your complexion, at least not much.
Every day, you expose your mobile phone to surfaces with bacteria on them. And when you receive a phone call, you put this bacteria close to your mouth.
Also, rubbing your cell phone against your face can result in acne mechanica, aka pimples caused by friction. That bacteria transition can also occur when you touch your face after texting on your mobile phone.
Solution:
Clean your phone regularly with an alcohol wipe.
Conclusion
Most times, the cause of your adult acne is things you shrug off; your phone, skincare products, etc. So ensure you are careful of the skincare method and product you use. And don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any questions this post doesn’t answer.
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