Acne really can determine what happened to your body and what health problems you may have. But in most cases, it is all caused by very simple lifestyle matters that can easily be changed right away. The thing to do is to figure out what triggered another pimple and what we can do today to prevent it from occurring in the future.
We at Bright Side have checked out the causes and would like to share this useful knowledge with you that’ll change your life from now on. But please keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before you take any action or treatment.
1. Around the mouth
Acne around your mouth can occur if the skin in this area is irritated or frequently touched, like, by a cell phone or some other objects like helmet straps or musical instruments. Different cosmetics and facial products might also be the cause. As well as hormones and genetics.
First of all, if it appears frequently, see a dermatologist who will find a proper treatment that will work for you. But in any case, it’s always better to prevent it rather than to cure it. So make cleaning your skin with a gentle or mild cleanser twice a day a routine. Use makeup labeled as “non-comedogenic” (non-pore-clogging) and oil-free products, and please avoid touching your face.
2. On the nose
Our nose is one of the most common areas of the face to develop acne. It’s because its pores are typically larger, which makes it easier for dirt and bacteria to clog them up. What’s more, the skin here is also oilier and consequently more vulnerable to acne.
Nose acne can be triggered by diet, stress, and certain medications. Sometimes it can be a sign of more serious underlying health issues. But the most common cause is poor hygiene. So it’s always good to add some Tea Tree Oil to your routine, which is a very gentle and effective treatment against acne, or sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur which will prevent bacteria on the skin from multiplying. In very severe cases, consult a dermatologist.
3. On the forehead
The significant factor here is the same — an increase in oil production on your skin. But sometimes, it’s hard to figure out why it happens. Especially if you don’t take certain medications, and it’s not hormones or stress. It is interesting to know that our hair can be the source of forehead acne.
If your hair is oily, the oil can get on your forehead and clog its pores. Different pomades, gels, and waxes also may be the cause as they often contain cocoa butter or coconut oil and can leave your skin extra oily. A gentle cleanser can solve this problem. If it doesn’t help, try to avoid any oily hair products and just wash your hair more often.
4. Jaw and neck
If you think that acne, in general, may be hormonal, there’s good news for you: it’s not all like that. When certain hormone levels change, it can lead to increased androgens — the common contributing factor to adult acne. But there are some areas that are true indicators of hormonal fluctuations, and they include our jaws and neck.
It’s completely okay if fluctuations happen during menstrual cycles. It can also be caused by taking medications like birth control. In severe cases, it may be a medical condition, but most of the time a non-comedogenic cleanser, moisturizer, and acne treatment can solve the issue. Just like basic sun safety and proper sunscreen use.
5. On cheeks
Cheek acne is also a very common problem, especially now that we all have cell phones. Yes, not just touching your face, but even a mere phone conversation can cause some pimples to appear in this area. Phones are great at spreading bacteria. As well as dirty pillowcases and sheets and other objects that come into contact with your skin.
Cheek acne may be hormonal. But it is way more possible that it’s being caused by certain lifestyle habits. So this time, everything can be solved by a few simple changes. Like wiping down your phone before each use and not taking it to any germy places like the bathroom. Changing pillowcases and sheets every week is also a good idea, just like washing your hands regularly.
6. On your back
Back acne can be a mere allergy to sunscreen, moisturizer, body creams, massage oils, and wax. It also may be caused by our sweat, which mixes up with oil and toxins on our skin and clogs the pores. That’s why a quick shower after training is so important. And a proper washing of your back is a must.
Dirty clothes, blankets, and pillows can become a major cause of back acne as well. Clothes that are too tight are also a bad idea. They don’t allow your skin to breathe, which can cause irritation and, consequently, pimples on your back. If there is no obvious outer cause, it is better to pay attention to your diet and check to see whether you are getting sufficient nutrients. Stress could be the cause here too.
7. On legs
Acne is mainly the result of bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells trapped in hair follicles and clogging the pores. It leads to inflammation and, on the legs, is entirely a physical issue. It’s typically caused by some athletic equipment rubbing against your skin or clothing or undergarments that are too tight.
But be cautious. People can often confuse acne on their legs with similar conditions as folliculitis, eczema, or keratosis pilaris. So if it is itchy and painful, it’s better to consult a doctor and use a professional treatment.
8. On your chest
Chest acne develops for pretty much the same reasons as on our backs and legs. For instance, if you have sensitive skin, harsh laundry detergents can clog and irritate your hair follicles. So it is better to choose sulfate- and fragrance-free hypoallergenic products when planning your next washing routine.
Wearing clothing that is too tight, or that doesn’t breathe well during your athletic training also can trap sweat, oil, and bacteria in the pores of your skin. This can also happen as a result of using certain body lotions that contain pore-blocking ingredients. So make sure to look for fragrance- and oil-free versions next time. They are usually labeled as non-comedogenic, which means they don’t clog pores.
What other methods do you use to prevent acne on your face and body? Have you managed to do it by changing only certain lifestyle habits?
Preview photo credit natali_ploskaya / Shutterstock.com, anastas_ / Depositphotos.com
Neighbor Wouldn’t Turn Off His Bright Floodlights at Night, I Deftly Managed the Situation and Maintained Harmony
When my neighbor wouldn’t turn off his bright floodlights at night, my husband and I needed a clever solution to keep the peace.
When the Thompsons moved in next door, they seemed friendly. My wife, Gia, and Susan, the neighbor, quickly bonded while chatting over unpacked boxes. We thought we finally had some neighbors our age to socialize with. Mark, the husband, was often away for work, while Susan stayed home and had a long list of phobias, including fear of the dark, thunderstorms, snakes, clowns, and spiders.
As time passed, Susan’s fear of the dark created an issue that affected Gia and me. Their floodlights, installed soon after they moved in, were excessively bright, like those outside prisons. Gia joked that they could probably be seen from space.
Despite our attempts to address the issue, Susan insisted she needed the lights on for safety when Mark was away. We tried thick curtains and rearranging our bedroom, but nothing helped. After a week of sleepless nights, I approached Susan, asking her to turn off the floodlights after midnight, as they shined directly into our bedroom. She explained her need for safety and refused my suggestion to install a timer.
After several attempts to reason with her and Mark, who felt similarly protective of Susan, we continued to lose sleep. Frustrated, I considered drastic measures, like unscrewing the bulbs or using a pellet gun, but Gia reminded me to stay calm. Instead, she suggested a harmless plan while she and Susan went out for nails.
The next day, I climbed a ladder and slightly unscrewed each bulb to disrupt the connection. That night, when Susan turned on the lights, they flickered and went out. Gia and I finally enjoyed peaceful sleep. Surprisingly, days turned into weeks, and the lights stayed off.
However, one day, I saw Mark fixing the bulbs again. The floodlights blazed back to life that night, and I knew I had to repeat my trick. This cycle continued for months—every time Mark tightened the bulbs, I loosened them.
Then one Saturday, as I trimmed the hedges, Mark approached me. He mentioned his floodlights kept going out, and I managed to keep a straight face while agreeing it might be due to vibrations from the street. I suggested he could leave them off, and he seemed to consider it. After that conversation, Gia and I enjoyed our peaceful, dark evenings once again.
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