6 acne causing habits that you should stop

1. Sleep with makeup

Sleep with makeup is probably the worst habit that will get you into trouble with acne. I’m normally very good with my cleansing and have never slept with makeup even on those very late nights. But occasionally I would take a nap in the afternoon with whatever sunscreen or cc cream I have on that day. And every time, I would break out soon after that.

When you’re asleep, your pores are relaxed and wide open, your skin breathes through the pores. When you have makeup on, those grease, dirt and bacteria on the surface would enter into the pores and cause infection. So the next time you’re feeling can’t be bothered, maybe think again, whether it’s worth it.

2. Not washing your makeup brushes or puffs

Have you ever heard the saying that the amount of bacteria in a makeup brush is more than the toilet seat? I don’t know whether that is true. But if acne is caused by bacteria, keeping all your tools bacteria-free should be a top priority.

Especially for cream applicators, it’s essential that you clean the brush/puff after 2-3 uses or at least twice a week. For powder applicators, I can usually tolerate once a week or two weeks depends on how often I use one.

3. Use harsh and drying skincare products

Harsh skincare products would only damage your skin barrier, making them weak and more susceptible to bacterial infection. Drying products will damage the water-oil balance of your skin, causing it to produce excessive sebum and resulting in clogged pores and acne.

On the contrary, hydrating and soothing products will help your skin to balance and heal that it’ll start to have the strength to battle with the acne bacteria and become less easily irritated and infected.

4. Not cleansing properly (including makeup removal and exfoliation)

Some people can live with just washing with water and that’s fine. But if your skin is compromised, chances are you’ll need to take care of it more stringently. Always remove your makeup with an oil soluble makeup remover then follow with a mild water based second cleanse. Exfoliate gently once a week and apply clay masks once a week as a minimum. These steps will help to keep your pores clean and reduce the chance of acne.

5. Eating a lot of sugar

Overtaking sugar is detrimental to your skin’s health. It increases inflammation, dehydrates and breaks down collagen and elastin, which means it will cause aging, enlarged pores and acne. Limit your sugar intake to 1 cube per day and try to go for more natural options such as fruits and honey.

6. Not having a good bowel movement

Whatever you eat will end up in the bowel and whatever doesn’t come out will be reflected on your skin. Maintaining a good bowel movement will ensure the toxins leave the body before they cause inflammation and reflect on your face as acne. Taking a good amount of fibre through vegetables and fruits is always the best practice to maintain good health. A good 8-hour sleep and regular sleeping pattern also helps your liver to function properly and detoxify. Probiotics in yoghurts, Yakult and kumbucha help bowel movement and maintaining a healthy gut. Black grapes and prunes also have laxative effects that’ll give you quick relief if you feel stuck.