Learning Center - Acne - How to Manage Acne Triggers

Here’s a list of common acne triggers – use the acne triggers check list to keep track of what triggers your acne:

Cosmetics/hair care products

Only use non-comedogenic (doesn’t cause acne) and oil-free products. Bangs and sleeping on your hair may also result in intensive acne breakouts. Get rid of all old make-up, which can be a hotbed of pathogenic bacteria.

Environmental irritants

Environmental irritants – including atmospheric pollution, huge temperature and humidity swings, being in poorly ventilated rooms and sweaty gyms are also the culprits of acne triggers. Even working in a restaurant where a lot of foods are fried might trigger. Take a shower as soon as possible after excessive sweating/being in a greasy environment to keep acne at bay.

Certain medications

Certain medications can trigger and aggravate blackheads & acne. Discuss with your doctor how you can minimize the use of antidepressants, oral contraceptives, penicillin and tetracycline antibiotics, steroids, and anti-anxiety drugs to keep your skin healthy.

Skin friction

If you often rub your skin and/or wear tight clothes, helmets, straps or handbags, don’t be surprised if it triggers acne.

Hard water

Hard water is another obstacle to skin health. Unfortunately, almost 85% of all water in America is hard water. It makes most skin cleansers ineffective because, when the water is hard, it leaves a film, which is hard to wash from your face and body.

Harsh cleansers

Harsh cleansers, scrubs, in particular, are not beneficial for your skin at all. They dry out and irritate the skin, worsening acne. In particular, adults have thinner skin than teens, so they are more susceptible to the irritating effects of harsh cleansers.

Stress

Stress contributes to acne outbreaks. How many times has it happened to you that before an important event – acne appears? During stressful periods, more sebum (oil) is produced, triggering acne. There are many stress relieving activities which can help you overcome stress. Physical exercise and meditation are just a few of them.

Smoking

Smoking has a very negative impact on the health of your skin. Beyond overall health concerns, smoking also damages your skin.