So you've invested in the latest must-have zit-ridding products, you've cleansed, toned and moisturised religiously, and you've even managed to avoid popping pimples, yet somehow, breakouts keep appearing on your face. Here we reveal some unknown blemish causes.
Pimple causer: bacteria lurking on your mobile
"Make-up, oil, grease and dirt can build up on your phone, which then spreads the germs to your face each time you come in contact with it," explains Clearasil medical marketing manager, Helenne Masters. Regularly clean your phone to nip this problem in the bud. If you use cleansing wipes such as Clearasil Stayclear Deep Cleansing Wipes $7.99, give your mobile a once-over with them as well.
Pimple causer: unclean pillow slips
"Regularly washing your pillow slip and your bed sheets is essential to help control pimples," says Masters. "The build-up of oils and bacteria on dirty pillow slips and sheets can cause the pores to block and cause pimples or make your breakout worse."
Pimple causer: (unwashed) make-up brushes and sponges
"Bacteria love make-up brushes and sponges," exclaims Masters. They hold both the make-up itself and your dead skin cells. Keep them clean by regularly washing them in warm, soapy water, or a brush cleaner. "Also, give your face a break from make-up at least one day a week and go au naturelle," she suggests.
Pimple causer: touching your face
It may sound simple, but touching your face transfers excess oils and germs from your hands, which could lead to the worsening of a breakout and could clog your pores resulting in a pimple.
Pimple causer: squeezing other pimples
Yep, you've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: squeezing pimples can easily transfer germs from one part of your face to another. "Squeezing can also increase the depth and severity of inflammation, worsening acne and increasing the risk of permanent scars," says Masters.
Pimple causer: stress
"Until a couple of years ago, the medical field was divided on the issue of whether stress causes acne, but there have been clinical studies which show that stress can worsen acne," explains Masters. "What we know is that stress can play havoc with our hormones and hormonal changes can lead to a breakout or worsening of existing pimples."
Pimple causer: over-washing your face
"Your skin needs its natural oils so if you continue to wash these away your skin will go into overdrive and produce more oil," says Masters. And more oil can lead to breakouts. Stick to washing your face no more than twice a day, using lukewarm water, and avoid vigorously scrubbing your skin with abrasive products and items, as this "can certainly irritate your skin and can make pimples worse". Masters recommends: Clearasil Stayclear Skin Perfecting Wash, $9.99.
Pimple causer: staying in your workout gear
The sooner you can shower and wash off sweat and oil build-ups after exercising, the better. Remember to wash workout clothes in-between bouts of exercise, and don't forget to wash caps and towels as well — sweaty fabrics harbor bacteria, and certainly won't help in the war against breakouts.
Pimple causer: your hot new fringe
So you've asked your hairdresser for a full fringe and suddenly your forehead has broken out. What the? It's because natural oils and styling products build up on your fringe, which then rubs against your forehead. Our tip: keep your fringe clean, and wear it pulled back with bobby pins or a headband on occasions.
Prices and packaging correct as at November 18, 2008.
