Have you suddenly been breaking out after being clear for a while? We know, it’s perplexing and frustrating all at the same time.
Rather than slathering on any spot treatment you can get your hands on, we suggest you pose the question: Why? Why are you breaking out suddenly? Because when you get to the root of the issue, you can figure out the best plan of action — and, even better yet, keep those pimples from popping back up in the future.
New Product Causing Break Outs
If a skin care (or hair care!) product contains comedogenic (pore clogging) or irritating ingredients, your skin will greet you with an array of blemishes. Or maybe you just started using retinol, which will cause a “purge” or an influx of acne. Red flags differ for everyone. You may have to play detective to figure out what the culprit is that is clogging your pores.
Start asking yourself:
Have you started using a new shampoo, conditioner, hair product (gel, hairspray, etc)?
Any new makeup added to your routine?
What about a new makeup wipe? (We don’t recommend wipes).
We recommend starting or keeping a skin care journal to track any new developments when you’re on your clear skin journey.
Environment Changes & Breaking Out
If your break outs tend to come and go with the seasons, your environment may very well be to blame. For example, when the weather heats up, increased sweat and oil production can clog pores and lead to blemishes. (Consequently, winter skin stripped of moisture may produce even more oil to compensate.)
Which brings me to an important factor to point out… One of the most common contributors to body acne is sweaty, tight-fitting clothing. It’s summertime. It’s hot. You’re sweating more. Be conscious of how that contributes to your breakouts.
Clingy fabrics trap sweat and bacteria on the skin, which lead to clogged pores and body breakouts. When acne affects the body, take note that the rubbing of clothing and sports equipment adds to irritation due to the extra heat and sweat.
We aren’t saying stay inside and don’t exercise. We’re just bringing awareness to the fact that your acne from exercising & the weather can be helped with proper attention and care.
Eat an Acne Safe Diet
What you consume shows up on your skin. Whether it’s food or drink or supplement.
Let’s talk about diet…. have you started eating cheese, cream cheese, cottage cheese, pb&j, you know all the forbidden foods you know will break you out?
Diet is an acne trigger for many people. Fill your plate with hydrating, high-fat foods chock-full of antioxidants. (Click here to read more about foods you can eat for supple skin.) If there are certain foods you know don’t sit well with your skin, limit those. Don’t be afraid to cut ties with favorite foods when they’re the reason you can’t get or stay clear.
Another huge reason people break out is their protein powder in those post workout smoothies. Choosing a protein powder that doesn’t cause acne can be tough. It will come down to finding what works for you.
To help you find a good product, we’ve researched & compared some of the best protein supplements on the market right now. Click here to read more about clean acne safe protein powder options!
Two Essential Beach Beauty Bar Break Out Tips
Breakouts can be prevented and treated using products and making lifestyle changes. There are several things you can do to prevent and care for acne breakouts but there are 2 easy no-brainer things you can be doing that will help ward off those pesky spots!
Ice Your Face
Another age-old remedy for shrinking a pimple fast: ice. Ice is another vasoconstrictor, as the cold temperature constricts blood vessels—which effectively dials down the redness and inflammation.
Wrap a cube in a napkin or paper towel and place it on the blemish for a few minutes; you don’t want to place the freezing block directly on the skin, as the intense chill can cause even more redness.
Flip Your Pillowcase
If you sleep on your side or stomach, your face is likely to rub on your pillowcase and leave a mark. This could include makeup, sweat, and oils from your skin. Pillowcases could also hold droplets from your nose or mouth, as well as bacteria, and fungi.
The bottom line is: Regularly washing your pillowcase is a part of acne prevention because it helps keep your face clean.
The Bottom Line
Sudden breakouts are a special kind of sneak attack.
Acne is sneaky. It looks for any way to surface on your skin, so you must be diligent about everything you put on your face and into your body.
Remember: Read all labels! Avoid B12, and algae components. Opt for an organic palm sugar sweetener instead of cane sugar or if you can help it, choose a sugar-free option. And always say no way Jose to soy and whey!
If you’re still not sure which ingredients trigger acne breakouts — schedule an acne consultation, and we will review your lifestyle & diet with you so you can get back on track.
Cheers to Clear!
Rene