Lifestyle Choices Affecting Acne
Essential Tips for Acne-Prone Skin: Avoiding Common Triggers
Achieving clear skin often involves looking beyond just your face wash. Many everyday items and habits can contribute to breakouts. Use this guide to identify and eliminate potential acne triggers in your daily life.
Fabric Softener & Dryer Sheets
Do not use these in the washer or the dryer.Fabric softeners and dryer sheets leave a waxy residue that coats your pillowcases, towels, washcloths, and sheets. Because these fabrics have direct contact with your skin, that residue can easily transfer and clog the pores of acne-prone individuals.
- Solution: If you want to stop static cling, use anti-static dryer balls
Laundry Detergent
Detergents with heavy fragrances and dyes can cause significant skin irritation. It is best to use fragrance-free and dye-free options.
- Recommended Brands: Cheer Free, All Free & Clear, Tide Free, and Arm & Hammer Free.
Water Softeners
There is evidence suggesting that water softeners can lead to acne, particularly those containing high amounts of potassium chloride. If you notice your skin acting up after installing a system, this may be the culprit.
Tips for Swimmers
Swimming pool disinfectants contain iodides and chlorine, which remain in the water and can cause skin problems for frequent swimmers.
- Pro Tip: We advise applying a thin layer of Vaseline (petrolatum) to your face before entering the pool to create a protective barrier.
Sun Exposure and Acne
Although sun exposure causes a temporary (and often desirable) drying and scaling effect, it is damaging in the long run. The sun damages the follicles, exacerbates dark spots (hyperpigmentation), and increases the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
- Always wear your sunscreen, even if it is overcast or raining!
Beware of Hand Lotions
If you use a comedogenic (pore-clogging) hand lotion and then lean your face on your hands—a common habit while working at a computer—or sleep on your hands, you may be contributing to your acne. Always be mindful of what touches your face.
Breakouts Around the Mouth Area?
Many lip balms, toothpastes, and even facial tissues contain pore-clogging ingredients. If you see persistent breakouts around your mouth, check your labels.
- Recommendations: Use Vaseline or Aquaphor for lip balm and a toothpaste without SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).
- Note: Many well-known tissue brands are infused with coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, and SLS, all of which will clog pores.
No Picking or Squeezing!
Picking at your skin is one of the most damaging things you can do. Instead, rub ice on pustules and pimples for a couple of minutes, twice a day.
- IMPORTANT: If you pick, squeeze, or break the skin, that scab will often leave a red or dark mark that can last for months. This makes your skin look significantly worse than if you had simply left it alone.
Birth Control and Hormone Replacement
Forms of birth control with low doses of estrogen can be higher in androgen hormones, which may aggravate acne-prone skin. Conversely, certain forms of birth control are FDA-approved specifically to treat acne.
- Action Step: Please speak with your doctor about the birth control method that is best for you and familiarize yourself with the risks and benefits.
- Hormonal Notes: Progesterone hormone replacements can be problematic. Additionally, if you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal changes can frequently lead to breakouts.
Recreational and Prescription Drugs
Certain substances are known to trigger or worsen acne:
- Recreational: Marijuana, cocaine, “speed,” and steroids used by bodybuilders.
- Prescription: Topical and oral steroids, anticonvulsants, Lithium, thyroid medications, Quinine, Isoniazid, Imuran, Danazol, Gonadotrophin, Cyclosporin, Disulfuram, Phentermine, and various ADD/ADHD medications.
Chemical Exposure
Be aware of industrial chemicals that may affect your skin if you work in certain trades:
- Coal tars (roofing)
- Grease (mechanics, cooks, waiters)
- Chlorinated industrial chemicals and dioxins.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Face Reality does not offer medical advice or endorse specific prescription drugs. Please seek professional medical advice before starting, changing, or terminating any medical treatment.
