You cleanse, you moisturize, and you even slap on a mask(semi) regularly. So what the heck is causing your acne? Get to the bottom of baffling breakouts with this list of unexpected acne triggers.
1. Air travel
Whether you fly coach or spring for first class, there’s no escaping the dry air on a plane. When your skin is parched, the dehydrated cells build up and retain oil, which can leave you with an unwanted souvenir—acne. To prevent a post-flight breakout, apply a hydrating serum before you board, and use a mild exfoliator after you land. The serum will bring moisture deep into the skin, and the scrub will remove the surface cells that accumulated during your flight.
2. Your cellphone
Here’s one thing Siri won’t tell you: Bacteria and dirt from your fingers and handbag can build up on your phone, causing breakouts around your chin, cheeks, and mouth. To keep your screen gunk-free, give it a daily rubdown with an antibacterial wipe.
3. Over-scrubbing your face
A common mistake is overuse of a cleansing brush. People see initial improvement, then they start using it every day—or even twice a day. Their skin gets worse because excess exfoliation causes inflammation and swelling of clogged pores. The safest strategy: Limit exfoliation (with a gadget or a manual scrub) to no more than twice per week.
4. Your sunscreen
No doubt the importance of using sunscreen has been deeply ingrained into your brain by now, but there’s just one little problem: Some sunscreens can clog your pores. The solution is simple: Switch to a nongreasy, noncomedogenic formula.
5. Your makeup brushes
Gross but true: Bristles are a magnet for bacteria, dirt, and oil. Unless you clean your brushes religiously, that mix of icky stuff can cause a zitty situation. After every use, wipe the brush down with a makeup remover wipe. Then wash your makeup brushes weekly—this includes the little ones in your compacts.
6. Your yoga mat
Even if you bring your own yoga mat to class, there’s a good chance it’s harboring bacteria, oil, and sweat. And we don’t have to tell you that rubbing your face against a dirty surface is likely to bring on a bumpfest. Try swiping your mat with a cleansing wipe and always bring a clean towel as a barrier between your face and the mat.
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