We know the most common causes of acne: hormones, the wrong skincare, bad diet. But as with many skin issues, acne is complex and varies from person to person. Find out other surprising things that could be linked to your breakouts.

Think you thought of everything that could be the cause of your acne?

9 Surprising Causes of Acne

1. We all know sleeping with makeup on is a beauty no-no. Just one night won’t hurt anything, right? If you consider the makeup left on your pillowcase, it is definitely more than a one night makeup stand. Too lazy, tired, or tipsy to do a thorough removal? Keep cleansing wipes on hand for quick and easy cleaning, RMS Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes.

2. Going fat-free can not only be bad for your digestive system, it can cause breakouts, too. Getting your essential fatty acids helps skin to stay lubricated and supple. And we all know flaky, dried-out skin can lead to clogged pores and zits. So eat your avocados and ghee, please.

3. Taking a piping hot soak seems luxurious. But overdoing it can lead to dry skin and pimples. Keep your super hot showers and baths to a once in a while treat, and get out before skin turns red or begins to itch.

4. Women who battle breakouts often experiment with a variety of products. While it is a good idea to switch out products seasonally as needed and stay on top of new skin issues, product overload can throw your skin into a state of confusion. Skin that is exposed to too many different products may attempt to balance things out by producing more oil, which then (you know it!) leads to further breakouts. Mario Badescu has a great skin analysis tool. Even if you don’t purchase the products, it can show you which types of products would benefit your skin.

5. Do you take note of everything that touches your face? We all know it is important to keep our hands off of our skin. But what about your cell phone, sunglasses, or pillow case? Make sure anything that comes into contact with your face gets a regular cleaning.

6. While we are on the subject of stuff that touches your skin…are your hair care products making their way onto your face? Hair products that are spritzed and sprayed on can cause breakouts if they dry on your face, so make sure to cover your skin when applying or wipe off right away. And when showering, always wash your face after conditioning your hair.

7. Another hair/zit dilemma? If you are dealing with breakouts on forehead and sides of cheeks, it could be due to hair touching these areas. Pull hair back with headbands and hair ties on second day hair days if you think this could be an issue.

8. Too much of a good thing? Yep, that spot control product that has been saving your life could also be your skin’s enemy. Zit zappers work by soaking up excess oil. Overuse means skin dries out, becomes flaky, traps that oil, and gives you a big honking zit. Save the spot treatment for reducing the appearance of an existing blemish, not as a preventative.

9. Love enlisting the help of a good mantra for problem solving? Author and metaphysical teacher, Louise Hay, says the emo link to acne is not enough self-love, and offers these words for some spiritual skin healing: I love and accept myself where I am right now.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon:

Are Your pH Levels Causing Acne or Wrinkles?

5 Breakout-Banishing All Natural Remedies For Acne: Beat the Endless Zit Battle

5 Common Skin Conditions, 5 Natural Healing Alternatives

Image of girl in glasses via Shutterstock

The post 9 Surprising Causes of Acne You May Be Overlooking appeared first on EcoSalon.

Fresh, clear, glowing skin. Is this what you think of when dreaming of summer? Or do breakouts and grease slick sound more familiar? Learn how to get rid of zits and prevent further breakouts this season.

Summer weather has a way of sneaking up on skin. Just when you get your complexion used to the cooler weather skin care lineup, humidity and warmer temps throw a curve ball. The most common skin problem in summer months? Zits.

While there are several reasons blemishes crop up, they do not have to be a part of your summer look. Excess oil, sweat, and spending more time outdoors can all lead to trouble skin. Breakouts can be banished and future pimples prevented before they even have a chance to rear their ugly heads.

If you tend to run to harsh or drying treatments in attempt to clear congested or pimply skin, stop. Strong, drying ingredients zap skin of moisture, causing irritation and flaky buildup. And nothing spells zit breeding ground like flaky skin.

When it becomes overly dry, the skin naturally produces more oil in an attempt to balance itself. All of this excess oil becomes trapped under the flaky top layer, created by these harsh treatments, and you end up with even more zits. Yikes!

Natural is where it’s at when treating breakouts. Follow these tips and product recommendations to getting rid of zits and enjoy clear skin all summer long.

First trick to clear skin this season? Keep it clean. This may mean switching up your daily cleanser. A mild foaming cleanser is perfect for removing dirt and oil without stripping skin. 100% Pure Jasmine Green Tea Facial Cleansing Foam is made with coconut cleanser, ultra mild but effective in removing impurities and makeup. Don’t let summer fun stop you from cleaning your face before turning in for the night. For cleansing in a pinch, Acure Organics Argan Cleansing Towelettes are your new BFF.

Second most important step in warding off breakouts? Exfoliate. If you feel exfolitation is a luxury treatment or just not that important, think again. Exfoliation is absolutely critical to keeping zits at bay. Exfoliating done once to twice weekly will make sure dead skin cells don’t have a chance to build up. This step also clears pores and readies skin for serums and moisturizer. 100% Pure Brightening Scrub + Mask contains tiny jojoba beads and natural fruit acids to gently slough dry, dead skin cells.

And yes, your skin does need moisturizer even in the humid months. Lack of hydration is another common mistake those looking to prevent breakouts make. Switch to a light moisturizer that offers oil balancing and anti-aging protection. Acure Organics Oil Control Facial Moisturizer is non-greasy, balances oil and heals blemishes all in one product.

Heavy makeup can clog pores and cause eruptions this time of year. Ditch the foundation and opt for a self-tanner for the face. True Natural Perfect Tan Face Self Tanner + Moisturizer 2-in1 offers light hydration and builds a gradual, natural-looking tan via sugars extracted from fruits and vegetables. Use this every three days or so to maintain a healthy glow.

Overdoing dairy and carbs can also lead to acne. Choose a diet high in organic fruits and veggies, and drink plenty of water to keep system clear. A few simple lifestyle and product switches and your skin will be clear and bright all season.

Related on EcoSalon

Smooth Skin with 5 Summer Soothers: Get Quenched, Feel Sexier

7 Top Facial Mist Picks to Maintain Your Summer Glow

Is a Facial Cleansing Brush Worth the Time and Money?

Image of woman pulling hat over face via Shutterstock

The post How to Get Rid of Zits and Keep Skin Clear This Summer appeared first on EcoSalon.