Beware These Lesser-Known Causes of Skin Issues
It’s great to be selective about the skin care formulas you use to keep your skin healthy and glowing! But caring for your skin means more than simply using the right products. Our skin reacts to the environment around us and the things we put on, and into, our bodies. There are many factors in our daily lives that can contribute to an increase in blemishes and other skin conditions. To help your skin stay problem-free, be aware of these lesser-known culprits!
Wrong Hair Care Products
Skin care is highly personalized, so it’s no surprise that some beauty products won’t be a match for you. But did you know that using the wrong hair care products can trigger skin issues? Many daily-use products like shampoos and conditioners contain ingredients that can potentially cause skin irritation or dryness for some people. For example, it’s possible to be allergic to propylene glycol – a very common ingredient in cosmetics, including hair care products – which can lead to a skin flareup. Those with eczema may be particularly sensitive to it. If your skin gets irritated in areas exposed to hair product residue from rinsing in the shower, you may want to try an all-natural shampoo and conditioner to see if it makes a difference.
Things That Touch Your Face
Anything that comes into contact with your face can leave its mark. Just think about where you put your phone down, and how many times a day you touch your screen with your fingers. Now think about how often your screen touches your face. Yikes! The buildup of bacteria and dirt that ends up on your skin can clog pores and cause breakouts. Try wiping your phone down daily with an antibacterial wipe or alcohol to minimize exposure – and be more careful about planting your screen on your cheek!
Another common culprit these days is the face mask, which can cause acne—or as it’s come to be known, “mascne.” This is because face masks trap moisture, which is an environment preferred by bacteria. To minimize the risk of mascne, make sure to wash your reusable face mask regularly and don’t reuse disposable surgical masks. Apply a protection lotion daily to help prevent the skin from getting irritated, and use an AHA exfoliating product two times a week.
Keep in mind, this advice goes for anything that touches your face, including beauty tools like your jade roller or makeup brush. Clean is key! Try using dish washing liquid, rinse well, then use alcohol and rinse again to maximize your chances that the tools you put on your face are bacteria-free.
Stress and Isolation
Feeling stressed and lonely can have physical side effects, including on your skin. The link might not be straightforward, but people who are under emotional strain are more likely to neglect self-care.
You can be falling into a pattern of bad habits, like eating greasy comfort foods or sleeping too late or too little. These habits are known to increase the stress hormone, cortisol, which makes the oil glands overly active. As a result, your skin is more prone to breakouts. The solution is not as simple as switching out your shampoo—you need to find healthy ways to manage your stress, like connecting with loved ones or speaking to a therapist, even if it’s virtually. We also suggest trying daily breathing exercises—you may be surprised by the difference it makes!
Sweaty Workouts
We all love the endorphin rush from a good workout. And getting your blood flowing can do wonders for the overall look and feel of your skin. But there are some potential negative impacts. For example, exercise may cause a rosacea flareup for people with the condition. And working out with makeup could clog your pores and lead to acne. Additionally, if your skin is dehydrated, sweat can get trapped in the pores, causing breakouts.
However, dropping your exercise routine altogether is not the solution. Instead, find the exercise dosage that’s right for you, and be mindful of caring for your skin before and after workouts. For example, people with rosacea may want to skip high-intensity workouts to avoid aggravating the condition. Removing your makeup before working out and hitting the showers after are musts to free up the pores. And don’t forget to exfoliate regularly!
Now that you’re aware that certain day-to-day routines and habits can cause skin issues, be on the lookout for what may cause yours! If you’re not sure how to solve it, get advice from one of our estheticians on staff by emailing [email protected]!
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