Five things that cause summer breakouts and how to prevent them.
Breakouts are no fun, and they often happen at the most inconvenient times. There’s a number of reasons for those annoying little spots.
Here’s why breakouts occur, and how to stop them in their tracks.
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The wrong diet
While the occasional treat of foods such as white bread, chips, soft drink and milk chocolate should be consumed to hit that 80/20 lifestyle, it’s also important to remember that these are the foods that are known to cause breakouts.
A 2017 nutrition study conducted in New York revealed that adults who ate carbohydrate-rich, high-glycaemic foods, had higher levels of acne. This was due to an increased level of blood sugar and insulin levels, which causes inflammation throughout the body – leading to breakouts.
SOLUTION: Stick to whole foods such as quinoa, oatmeal and veggies, and reach for foods high in antioxidants when that sweet tooth kicks in, such as dark chocolate and blueberries.
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Maximum stress, minimal relaxation
Stress is often an unavoidable part of life, but unfortunately, it can also trigger acne, says a study conducted by Stanford University. Being under stress produces hormones that stimulate oil production, which in turn clogs pores and can lead to breakouts.
SOLUTION: Relax, take a deep breath, and turn to meditation or working out to release built up pressure.
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Bacteria – everywhere
Phones, keyboards, cars: bacteria is everywhere. Constantly touching the face easily transfers these harmful germs to the skin’s surface, causing breakouts and irritation.
SOLUTION: Use hand sanitiser, routinely wipe down places fingers frequent with wipes, and minimise the time hands are in contact with the face.
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A harsh skincare routine
It’s a common misconception that scrubbing the face with rough exfoliants, wash clothes or harsh brushes will remove blemishes and smoothen the skin.
Doing so actually spreads the bacteria from the blemishes and drys out the skin, making the condition worse and more wide spread.
SOLUTION: Instead of harsh exfoliants, use gentle cleanses and moisturisers and avoid scrubbing.
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Don’t pick the pimples
Now is not the time to play Dr Pimple Popper. As satisfying as it can be, popping pimples can often make them worse, not to mention the potential for a red, angry scar.
It can also lead to pushing the bacteria further under the skin, leading to even more blemishes.
SOLUTION: Step back from the mirror, wear anti-bacterial concealer if you wish and let them be.
