Breakouts are a nuisance to say the least, and discovering the cause of them is no easy feat. From stressing over an essay to a diet full of junk food, there are plenty of reasons for that sudden spot or a regular crop of zits.
Below is a list of possible causes of the problem and some treatments that can help you tackle the pesky culprits.
Using the wrong beauty products
If you have oily or combination skin, then you should stick to oil-free skincare formulas and non-irritating products. A gentle foaming or water-based cleanser is a good investment for those with acne-prone skin. Avoid heavy, scented moisturisers and lotions for the face.
Rich hair products like serum and pomade can also be the culprit behind your acne woes. The greasy formulas can often lead to spots on the forehead, back and shoulders – which is known as pomade acne. If you’re breaking out in these areas, try to avoid haircare products with oily ingredients.
Scrubbing too hard
Over-exfoliating and vigorous scrubbing can lead to hypersensitivity in the skin, causing acne. Regular exfoliating can help keep pores from becoming clogged, but once or twice a week is usually plenty. Work in circular motions across the face to gently remove dead skin cells.
Those with acne-prone skin should avoid physical exfoliators like brushes and cloths and use mild scrubs from non-acnegenic brands like Vichy and Clinique.
Hormonal imbalance
Due to increased estrogen levels, women tend to get a flare-up of acne before and during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy. The hormonal fluctuations cause excess oil, which in turn leads to clogged pores and spots.
The areas most vulnerable to hormonal acne are the jaw line and chin. To prevent worsening this type of breakout, it’s important to keep the skin clean from any extra bacteria. So avoid touching your face, exercising on dirty mats and be sure to clean your phone regularly.
Stress
One of the most common causes of breakouts, stress produces high levels of cortisol in your system that lead to sudden spots.
Managing stress may be easier said than done, but giving yourself a breather every now and then can be beneficial to your skin. Try doing some yoga, going for a walk or catching up with friends to de-stress.
Your bed linen
Dirty linen can be the breeding ground of bacteria, so it’s important to change your sheets and pillowcases regularly.
Scented laundry detergent can be too harsh for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Switch to a fragrance-free washing liquid and fabric softener to clean your bedding instead.
Not cleansing after a workout
Leaving sweat and bacteria on your skin after a workout can clog up pores and lead to breakouts on the face and body. Once you’ve finished up in the gym, gently wash your face and take a shower to keep pesky pimples at bay and follow with a light moisturiser to prevent dryness. If you are particularly flushed, then thermal water can help calm the skin down.
Cleaning your face before a hearty gym session is also essential if you are acne-prone. Use a mild cleanser to remove dirt, oil and makeup and then a toner to help close pores.
Food intolerance
If you are getting breakouts on your chin, neck and jaw line, then you might be sensitive to dairy, gluten or sugar.
Acne from food intolerance may take a few days to show up after eating certain foods. Once you know which food could be triggering the problem, try cutting it out from your diet for up to six weeks and see if your skin improves. Reintroduce the food and see if symptoms reappear.
Read more here: nhs.uk
Sleeping with makeup on
A beauty sin that most girls have committed at some point. After a big night out, the last thing you want to think about is cleansing your face before you hit the sack, but sleeping with a full face of slap can result in blocked pores and then angry spots.
Try using a gentle face wash like Clinique’s Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam to remove debris, oil and impurities before you crash out.
If you’ve tried everything and are still struggling to manage your breakouts, then seeking help from a professional such as a doctor or dermatologist is a good idea.
There are also plenty of quick-fix products on the market to visibly reduce the appearance of those sudden spots. Here are some tried-and-true treatments worth investing in.
1. Indie Lee Blemish Lotion
From raging hormonal spots to pigmentation blemishes, this all-natural treatment is designed to work fast against the trickiest of skin problems. Its cocktail of salicylic acid, mineral clay and camphor helps to unclog blocked pores and soothe redness and swelling. Apply to affected areas using a cotton swab right before bed. It might sting a little if you have sensitive skin, but the results are totally worth it.
£24.50, Cult Beauty, Buy it now
2. Origins Super Spot Remover
A soothing blend of anti-spot technology and salicylic acid, which is typically used in most acne products. Enriched with fruit extracts and essential oils, the gel formula is designed to reduce the look of blemishes and prevent scarring.
£15, Boots, Buy it now
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Targeted Breakout Corrector
La Roche-Posay is well-known in the skincare world as one of the best acne treatment brands in Europe. This gentle oil-free formula contains benzoyl peroxide to kill the bacteria that causes acne and soothing thermal spring water to reduce redness. It can also be worn under makeup.
£9.50, Boots, Buy it now
4. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions All Over Clearing Treatment
Part of Clinique’s Anti-Blemish Solutions 3-step system, this lightweight treatment works to gently exfoliate clogged up pores, illuminating acne-causing bacteria. Unlike many acne products, the lotion lightly hydrates to prevent dryness and peeling. Apply twice a day.
£18, John Lewis, Buy it now
5. Dr. Nick Lowe Acclenz Advanced Action Spot Gel
The acclenz Anti Blemish skincare range comes from renowned dermatologist, Dr Nick Lowe. This powerful gel treatment from the line, created with niacinamide, chamomile and eucalyptus leaf extract, is not only formed to tackle the acne forming, but also to calm the skin and assist with the healing process.
£18.40, Look Fantastic, Buy it now
6. Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot Treatment
Vichy’s Hyaluspot is a fast-acting treatment designed to minimise blemishes in two days. It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid, which leaves a secret barrier on the skin to ward off blemishes and is ideal for highly-sensitive skin.
£7, Escentual, Buy it now
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