Could your skin care routine be causing breakouts" Image: Imaxtree
When we’re faced with a breakout, one of the first things we do is cover that honking zit with an effective acne treatment and concealer. Treating and concealing is good, but it’s also important to try to figure out what’s causing the pimples. This can sometimes take a bit of detective work because adult acne can be caused by a number of things. Think hormone fluctuations, stress, certain foods and even pollution. The ingredients in some of our favorite skin care products could also be a contributing factor.
It’s ironic to think that the products we slather on to improve our complexions could actually be making skin look worse. The reality is that there are many ingredients out there and some are more suitable for certain skin types than others. If you’ve ruled out some of the other acne causes and are still dealing with spots, it’s time to scan your product labels for ingredients known to trigger breakouts. Ingredients That Can Cause Acne
We asked the experts to tell us which ingredients are the biggest culprits. Heather Wilson, licensed esthetician and director of brand development at InstaNatural, says oil-based or highly emollient products and ingredients should be avoided by people with acne-prone skin. Heavier oils can exacerbate acne because anything that provides a barrier on skin could trap bacteria in pores, creating an ideal place for P. acnes bacteria to...