Surprising Causes of Breakouts You Should Know About

Have you ever wondered about some of the most common causes of breakouts? Without a doubt, suffering acne is often incredibly frustrating. Plus, in some cases, not knowing how to stop persistent breakouts can actually do a lot of damage to our confidence and self-esteem. 

As it turns out, there are numerous potential causes of acne, and today, we’ll be outlining several of the most surprising causes. Here, we hope to help you find the most effective skincare routines for your needs.

4 Surprising Causes of Breakouts

Learning how to stop breakouts doesn’t need to be majorly difficult – but it’s vital that you know the reason it’s happening. In fact, it’s almost impossible to tackle persistent acne if you’re not quite sure why it’s happening. So, if you’ve already considered the more common causes (such as blocked pores from dirt or pollution or hormonal factors), it may be worth considering the following, more surprising causes of breakouts instead. 

#1 Dirty Pillows or Makeup Brushes

We all know that regular face washing is critical to target acne. But did you know, dirty pillowcases can actually be another surprisingly common cause of breakouts? If you don’t wash your pillowcases regularly, they can build up a relatively substantial amount of bacteria over time. This could lead to acne after a night of resting on a less-than-sparkling pillowcase. 

The same is also true for your makeup brushes. You should always ensure you’ve cleaned everything that touches your face thoroughly, as well as your face itself. Even living in a polluted city with less-than-fresh air can potentially increase the risk of acne, in which case, you might want to consider investing in a face mask or skin block to help protect your pores from contaminants.

#2 Food Allergies

A common cause of acne that very few people consider is food allergies. Of course, breakouts aren’t the only side effect of allergies, but they’re nevertheless worth considering overall. 

#3 High-Sugar Foods

It’s a well-known fact that excessive sugar consumption is bad for your diet. However, did you also know that high-sugar foods can be a leading cause of breakouts? If you’re struggling to pinpoint what’s causing your acne, a high-sugar diet could be the issue.

#4 Hair Removal

A growing number of people have undergone hair removal procedures for their faces; however, this can lead to unexpected consequences, such as the development of acne. This is usually the result of hair removal creams clogging up your pores during and after the treatment. Alternatively, irritation to the hair follicles following waxing, shaving, or plucking may also result in ingrown hairs or transient rashes which can look like acne.

How to Stop Breakouts

Naturally, there’s no single strategy that can help you learn how to stop breakouts without fail. However, the following tips may help to minimize the chances of them occurring. And remember: treating acne is a longer-term goal, so make sure you dedicate time to your routine daily for the best results.

1. Ensure all your skincare products are selected based on your skin type
2. Keep all surfaces that touch your face or skin clean, such as makeup brushes or pillowcases
3. Try to reduce your reliance on makeups and makeup removers which may clog your pores
4. Ensure you’ve got the best skin-cleaning products on the market 
5. Try to avoid stressful situations that could lead to increased risks of acne overall

As explained by Everyday Health, approximately 10% of preteens and 15% of adult women suffer from acne – so, even if it might seem difficult to tackle, it’s worth remembering that you’re absolutely not alone!

Final Thoughts 

There are a huge number of reasons why you might be suffering from less-than-perfect skin – but understanding some of the more surprising causes of breakouts may help you optimize your own skincare routine. Fortunately, there are ways you can overcome these challenges, and these tips may help you enjoy smoother skin and greater self-confidence overall.