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.

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Image of girl in glasses via Shutterstock

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Instead of cowering under your covers or rocking a baseball cap and enormous Olsen twins-style sunnies every day, check out these breakout-banishing all natural remedies for acne. Your skin will give you a glowing ovation for sure!

It’s a major bummer when you’ve reached your 20s and 30s and all of a sudden your skin decides to take a walk down preteen memory lane. The age-old myth is that every seven years your hormones change which is usually code for “get ready because your skin is about to freak the f&^% out!” These all natural remedies for acne can help.

1. Honey

Honey in its purest form is hands down the champion constituent in natural methods of zapping acne and blasting those unsightly blemishes. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties are endless and you will save many pretty pennies by switching to this sweet stuff than opting for drug store solutions that usually fail.

When picking out honey for cleansing or masking, you must be label-alert. Look for raw, unheated, and unfiltered honey. This type consists of all of the essential nutrients needed. If there is propolis (“bee glue” that holds the honeycombs together) present in the jar, even better. Propolis reduces breakouts due to its antibacterial quality. Raw honey contains glycolic acid, which aids in balancing skin’s natural pH making it amazing at helping to heal skin and brighten the complexion. It will gently remove impurities and daily grime from yucky, clogged pores, but won’t strip the skin’s natural oils. Throw in a dash of cinnamon for its killer antimicrobial properties or squeeze some lemon in it for a little exfoliation. Whether cleansing or masking, you can leave your honey-mix on for 10-15 minutes twice a day for maximized results. Get a ton of sweet honey facts right here.

2. Papaya

The worst and hardest type of acne to battle is cystic. For lack of a better description, they are deeply rooted, hard pustules that are full of trapped bacteria and oil, sore to the touch, and a major bitch to fight off. Don’t give up just yet because there’s a very simple and easily attainable remedy. Papayas aren’t just for fruity cocktails and health-conscious smoothies. After rinsing your face with some H2O, try mashing some papaya up and spread it all over your face, letting it sit for about 15-20 minutes before washing clean. Papaya possesses the ability to remove dead skin cells and excess lipids and even has an enzyme called papain, which in my opinion, is the best feature because that will vanquish pus before it can begin to form. Say goodbye to that cystic crap! Another tip: as per the norm when purchasing produce, choosing organic if possible is always most beneficial.

3. Banana Peel

They’re delicious and nutritious… for your skin! Eat a banana then rub the inside of the peel all over the surface of your face until you’ve reached the desired coverage and leave it on for 30 minutes or so. It sounds silly, but this fruit packs serious acne ass-kicking skills. Lutein, an antioxidant found in bananas, has the capability to decrease redness, inflammation, and swelling of the skin. It can also help generate new cell growth. This is likely the most effortless of all natural remedies for acne out there… You can literally eat a banana in your car on the way home from work and smear it on your face to reduce and regenerate, paying no mind to those who may look at you like you’ve totally lost it.

4. Willow Bark Extract

This is an all natural alternative to the harsh drug store version of salicylic acid. Willow bark is anti-inflammatory and an awesome exfoliant. It clears out clogged pores and aids in shedding dead skin cells that would otherwise end up being the cause of the cursed clogging. Willow bark is the perfect spot treatment so you can stop going to bed with Colgate toothpaste spots sprinkled all over your face at night. You’re welcome.

5. Potato

Oh yeah, you’re totally reading that correctly. Potato. Believe it or not (I almost didn’t), potatoes are a great source for all natural remedies for acne. They’re teaming with brilliant elements such as potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, and chloride. All of those mentioned assist in decreasing those pesky pimples while the antioxidants also found in ‘taters speed up the birth of new cells. The task of application is another simple one, it’s actually almost stupid-easy. Grate a potato and take its shreds and juices and rub generously on your face using circular motions. Allow it to dry for 15-30 minutes and then rinse it all the way off with tepid water.

Now get in your kitchen and start concocting!

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Tea time is over and you’re left with an empty cup and a wet tea bag. You might want to throw it away, but don’t! Here are benefits of green tea that extend far beyond internal health.

From getting rid of under-eye bags to cleaning pots and pans, recycling tea bags are the way to go. Applying these unusual benefits of green tea will be useful around the house and will guarantee some money and time saved!
 
Before listing the ways to recycle tea bags, let’s recap the general benefits of green tea: Some research has shown that when ingested, teas high in the antioxidants polyphenols may help to reduce certain cancer risks as well as the risk of stroke. A critical part of reducing inflammation is also hinged on increased polyphenol intake. Green teas are exceptionally high in these antioxidants. Its active polyphenol, EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), has been shown to be 25 to 100 times more potent than vitamins C and E in terms of antioxidant activity.

Here are seven unusual benefits of green tea that put that potency to work around the house. 

1. Feed Plants
 
To keep your plants moisturized and stimulate growth, add green tea bags to soil under and around the plant. The tea bags retain moisture in the soil and infuse the roots with nutrients. Commercial fertilizer can be high in chemicals and salt, ultimately destroying soil structure in the long-term. You can also empty the tea bags ground leaves into the soil and mix them together before planting flowers or trees. The effect works quite the same.
 
2. Get Rid of Eye Puffiness
 
Whether from a lack of sleep, dehydration, too much salt intake, or an allergic reaction, we’ve all suffered from under-eye puffiness. To remedy this and put our best face forward, use cool tea bags. The tannins found in green tea constrict blood vessels and tame under-eye bags. Place saturated, but not dripping wet, tea bags in the refrigerator until cool. Then, place them under over the eyes and let sit for 5 minutes. They will both cool, soothe redness, and reduce inflammation.
 
3. Prevent Odors

Tea bags are highly absorbent and will take in both liquids and odors. Place dry tea bags in your sock drawer, shoe closet, or locker to get rid of stink and odor-carrying moisture left behind from sweat or heat.
 
4. Clean Pot and Pans

Fill hard-to-remove gunked-on pots and pans to the top with water and a few green tea bags, and soak overnight. The tannins in the tea will help to remove the grease and other residues. The next day, use the tea bags to rub away the gunk. The abrasion is added help in removing the mess without harsh chemicals.
 
5. Flavor Meat
 
Infuse meat with unique flavors by adding tea bags to a marinade. The tea adds a sweet overtone to meat. You can also add it to a vegetable marinades.
 
6. Treat Acne
 
Because of green tea’s antioxidant content, it has a tannic bite and astringency that makes it a natural remedy for acne. Take a few water-saturated tea bags and rub them across skin affected by acne to reduce inflammation, tighten the pores and reveal a smoother, younger complexion.
 
7. Turn Photos Vintage
 
Tea can act as a homemade dye. If you want to give your photographs a vintage look, take a saturated, but not dripping wet, green tea bag and rub it lightly over the surface of the picture a few times. Let it dry and, voila, you have yourself a homemade vintage photo. 

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Image Credit: Selma90

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