It's your food or the makeup you use on the skin. These are commonly spouted as the reasons you're breaking out in more and more acne. There is, of course, the truth of your hormonal imbalances causing oil production changes in your skin.
However, did you know that there are other reasons your skin is breaking out? There are unusual suspects and reasons for acne forming on the skin. While some of them you can't remove from your life, there are steps that you can take to reduce the risks of bacteria growth and acne breakouts.
Here's a look at the 8 unusual causes of acne, along with the steps to avoid them creating this annoying problem.
# Your Phone Is Worse Than Your ToiletThere's no doubt about it. Your phone harbors more bacteria than your toilet. You just don't realize it!
Your phone goes everywhere. In fact, you've possibly put it on the back of the toilet while using it as a safe place (because it would fall out of your back pockets and into the water, right?) and while there's nothing wrong with doing this you need to think carefully. You're transferring bacteria from the toilet to your phone!
Not just that but your phone picks up dirt, dust, grime, and bacteria from everywhere else. The kitchen counter tops the desk, the tables, and so many more places.
You won't see the problem, but your face certainly receives the effects of it. You put the phone to your face and the bacteria transfers to your pores. That bacteria grows and multiplies and causes acne breakouts on your skin.
# Think About Your HeadphonesAnother common place for bacteria to grow is on your headphones. It's common to overlook just how bad your headphones get. Think about where you put them! Many of them go into your ears, where the wax grows, but even the ones that go over the ears will be a growing area for bacteria.
While the headphones aren't as bad as your phone, they still cause a problem. The bacteria still get into your pores and will lead to blockages and infections and that's really what the acne is.
Like with the phone, there is a quick fix. Sanitize your headphones on a daily basis. Get rid of the bacteria and keep them clean before you put them anywhere near your ears.
# Not Getting Enough Vitamin DVitamin D is essential for the body, and not just to help you absorb plenty of calcium. Vitamin D affects your immune system. When you donít get enough, your immune system isnít able to fight off bacteria growth within your body. This includes the bacteria growth on your skin.
Many people with a vitamin D deficiency can find that they struggle with cystic acne than those without the deficiency. However, just normal individual breakouts are common on the face, chest, and back.
What can you do to fix this? Well, one of the best things is to get out in the sun. Stick to hours outside the 11am and 2pm window (the hottest and most damaging times of the day) and only get 15 minutes without any sunscreen. One of the best ways to get good levels of vitamin D is to use indoor tanning beds. Theyíre safer because the timing is more controlled and regulated.
# Your Shower Water Is a Major ProblemShower water isn't as good for us as other tap water. This is because of the extra metals that are found in shower water. They oxidize the skin and leave us prone to far more breakouts. The metals also leave behind a residue that affects and blocks your pores, meaning bacteria and dirt are trapped!
But there's nothing you can do about shower water, is there? Well, while you can't forgo your daily showers, there is some hope.
First of all, you want to make sure you get plenty of antioxidants. They will help to fight against the oxidative damage. Another thing you want to do is used distilled or spring water on your face. Yes, this is a pain, but it will help to remove the metals that are causing a problem.
# You Have Too Much CaffeineThe amount of caffeine you drink will throw off your body's pH balance. That means your hormones become imbalanced, your oil production is affected, and your skin starts to break out. It's not just in the skin that the pH balance is thrown off.
Since caffeine is a soluble fiber, it will affect the pH balance within your digestive system. This is where the majority of your immune system is, meaning your body isn't as effective at fighting off bacteria.
You want to limit the amount of caffeine you drink. Coffee is one of the worst offenders because of the amount of caffeine, so switch to tea or decaf coffee. Another option is to add some pH neutralizer to your drink. You won't taste them they're like normal water.
Of course, the best thing to drink is water. Not only will this keep your skin clear but will also help to hydrate and support your whole body.
# You Have the Wrong MakeupIt's not just wearing makeup that causes breakouts. Using the wrong type of makeup will have an effect on your skin. The major issue is when your foundation is far too thick or applied to a layer that is far too thick.
Makeup clogs the pores. There's no doubt about that. It gets deep into the pores and allows bacteria to multiply. You end up creating the perfect home for the bacteria, and that means breakouts.
What can you do? Well, you don't need to remove all makeup. Do cut down on the amount you wear. If you're staying in the home, there's no need for it. When you do wear it, think about the layer of foundation you're putting on. This isn't something you should feel. Your face shouldn't weight down by it!
# You've Used Baby WipesRaise your hand if you use baby wipes to remove makeup. You will not be the only one looking sheepish right now.
Baby wipes do not remove makeup from your face. Sure, they remove the top layer, but there are so many deeper layers that have gotten into your pores. And scrubbing isn't going to help.
The whole point of baby wipes is to wipe a baby's bum. They're gentle cleaners on the very delicate skin. Your face may be delicate but not so delicate that makeup comes off with a wipe or too. Scrubbing will just lead to further damage. Your makeup continues to clog the pores, and you end up with breakouts.
# You Forgot the TonerI know plenty of people who think toners are a waste of time. Well, the truth is toners help to rebalance your hormones and pH levels. They help with the re-balancing of oils after cleansing the skin. If you don't use them, you end up allowing the oil production to intensify, as your skin believes it is dry and in need of the oils.
This just means your pores become blocked. Your skin looks greasy, and you end up dealing with a huge breakout problem.