Buzz
1. Skipping Exfoliation Step
The crucial thing you need to do to shrink pores is to eliminate excess oil and dead skin cells. Skipping exfoliation creates opportunities for sebum and dirt to accumulate on the skin, clogging pores and hindering the development of new skin cells.
If you have oily, acne-prone skin, use gentle exfoliating products that do not cause irritation. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week, then use oil-free moisturizers and apply sunscreen every morning.
When Makeup Meets Exercise
Wearing makeup might make you shine brighter at the gym, but it comes at a cost! Makeup during workouts traps sweat and bacteria, leading to clogged pores, which are the main culprits behind acne, blackheads, and skin irritation. Over time, continuing this habit will result in worsening skin conditions: the emergence of acne, uneven skin tone, and accelerated aging. To break this bad habit, thoroughly remove makeup before hitting the gym, or simply apply a touch of lip color for a radiant look. Makeup remover wipes are a convenient option if you prefer not to carry too many items or engage in extensive cleansing routines.
The Perils of Pimple Popping
Pimple popping can become a never-ending cycle: you squeeze them out, only for more to appear. If done incorrectly, you risk damaging your skin with scratches or irritation. Moreover, bacteria from your hands can lead to more severe inflammation in the pimples. To mitigate this issue, visit reputable clinics or spas to have your pimples extracted using specialized tools by skilled professionals to avoid skin damage.
Unprotected Sun Exposure
Sunlight harbors many risks for skin damage, causing premature aging, damaging skin tissues, and enlarging pores. While some sunscreen lotions may prevent the harmful effects of UV rays, they may contain ingredients that clog pores. Therefore, choose a suitable sunscreen. Ideal sunscreen products for acne-prone skin should be lightweight, typically physical sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These ingredients have the ability to block harmful UVA and UVB rays, as well as being suitable for sensitive skin.
Frequent Phone Usage
This is one of the bad habits that can lead to acne for many of us. If you frequently use your phone, you may notice more pimples, especially on the cheeks. The phone surface is very dirty, accumulating dirt, excess oil on the skin, makeup residue, and bacteria from other surfaces it comes into contact with. To avoid acne, regularly clean your phone, use speakerphone mode, or use headphones when making calls to minimize contact with the skin.
Regularly cleaning pillowcases and bed sheets is crucial.
Dirty pillowcases are a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. Your skin comes into contact with your bed for an average of 6 to 7 hours a night, and during this time, sebum is produced, creating an ideal environment for acne to thrive due to bacteria on your bed sheets and pillows.
Frequent touching of the face can spread various bacteria that clog pores and cause acne.
Regularly touching your face can spread a multitude of bacteria that lead to clogged pores and acne formation. On average, we touch countless items carrying bacteria throughout the day: money, door handles, computer keyboards, phones... then we touch our faces at a rate of 3.6 times per hour. Just imagine with that frequency, how many bacteria, viruses, and dust have been transmitted from your hands to your face?
Smoking increases the likelihood of acne by fourfold compared to non-smokers.
According to a report in the British Journal of Dermatology, smokers are four times more likely to have acne than non-smokers. Among 1,000 women aged 25 to 50 surveyed, 42% of smokers had acne, while only 10% of non-smokers showed signs of acne. Smoking weakens the elasticity of the skin, making it more prone to aging and less capable of recovery. This study also suggests that cigarette smoke can clog pores, contributing to the formation of acne.
