Lifestyle Choices Affecting Acne
LaundryFabric Softener
Do not use this in the washer and/or the dryer (no dryer sheets). The waxy residue gets on your pillowcases, towels, wash cloths, and sheets that have direct contact with the skin. The residue will clog pores of acne-prone individuals. If you want something to stop static cling in your dryer, you can get anti- static balls at Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, or online. Detergent Detergents with fragrance can cause skin irritation. Best to use fragrance-free such as Cheer Free, All Free & Clear, Tide Free, and Arm & Hammer Free. No Water Softeners There is some evidence that water softeners can lead to acne, especially those containing high amounts of potassium chloride. |
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Swimmers
Swimming pool disinfectants contain iodides and chlorine which can remain in the water, causing skin problems for frequent swimmers. We advise applying a thin layer of Vaseline before you get in the pool.
Breakouts Around Your Mouth Area?
Many lip balms, toothpastes, and even facial tissues have comedogenic ingredients in them. So, if you see breakouts around your mouth area, this is possibly why. Many well-known tissue brands are infused with things like coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, and SLS, all of which will clog the pores.
Or, check if you are a foamer when you brush your teeth. Some toothpastes have highly effective whiteners that may irritate the skin. Check, the next few times that you brush, do you have foam around your mouth? Keep the toothpaste inside the mouth or search for a different toothpaste.
Or, check if you are a foamer when you brush your teeth. Some toothpastes have highly effective whiteners that may irritate the skin. Check, the next few times that you brush, do you have foam around your mouth? Keep the toothpaste inside the mouth or search for a different toothpaste.
Beware of Hand Lotions
If you are using a comedogenic hand lotion and then leaning your face on your hands (many do this in front of the computer) or sleeping on your hands, this could contribute to your acne.
No Picking or Squeezing
Instead, rub ice on pustules and pimples for a couple of minutes, twice a day. IMPORTANT: if you pick, squeeze, and break the skin, that scab will leave a red or dark mark that will be there for months, making your skin look WAY worse than if you left it alone.
Birth Control and Hormone Replacements
Avoid low estrogen birth control pills. “Lo” dose pills are higher in androgen hormones that can make acneprone skin worse (see our handout on birth control pills). Norplant, Provera, Depo-Provera shots, most IUDs like Mirena, Skyla and Liletta can be a problem. Also, the Nuvo Ring can cause breakouts. Progesterone hormone replacement Premarin can be problematic. If you have polycystic ovaries, they will cause hormonal changes and breakouts.
Recreational and Prescription Drugs Recreational drugs
Marijuana, cocaine, speed, and steroids used by bodybuilders Prescription drugs – topical and oral steroids, anticonvulsants, Lithium, thyroid meds, Quinine, Isoniazid, Immuran, Danazol, Gonadotrophin, Cyclosporin, Disulfuram, Phentermine, ADD/ADHD drugs can cause acne.
Harsh Chemical Exposure
Regular exposure to these harsh chemicals have a high risk of causing acne on the skin. Coal tars (roofers), grease (mechanics, cooks, waiters), chlorinated industrial chemicals, dioxin.