Unsure of why you're struggling to get clear skin? Your diet and other habits may be a factor. Turns out, if you map your breakouts you may be able to pinpoint what's causing them. Breakouts are a pain and can be caused by everything from hormones to diet, and even cell phone use. Luckily, We've mapped your acne issue and broken it down to help you find the source of your skin woes.
Breakouts on your forehead tend to be a bit painful. While breakouts in this area are often attributed to stress, you may also have your diet and party girl tendencies to thank for that mountainous bump on your forehead. Try eating a little cleaner. Cut back on alcohol, drop the fast food habit and those late night chips and salsa binges and see if the situation clears up. A breakout between your brows can also be an indication of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food. Watch what you eat, drink more water and cut back on fattening and dehydrating foods and beverages.
Because your cheeks come in contact with so many bacteria, finding the source of your breakout may require a little investigating. Start simple—when was the last time you washed your pillowcase? Do you disinfect your cellphone screen regularly? How about those makeup brushes, have they been introduced to soap since you bought them? Smokers are also more prone to breakouts in this area.
It's also possible that your blush or bronzer has passed it's prime and you need to invest in something a little fresher. For more information on the shelf life of your cosmetics read: Are You Keeping Your Beauty Products Too Long?
If you're experiencing breakouts on your nose, the chances are you aren't that woman who lives by that whole "vitamin a day keeps the doctor away" philosophy. You may need to up your vitamin intake, particularly vitamin B3, which will reduce redness and boost hydration. Vitamin B will also improve your skin's protective barrier by boosting the production of fatty acids. Stepping up your intake of good fats like avocado and omega 3's may also help solve the problem.
If it's time for your cycle, you're likely to breakout around your chin. Hormonal imbalance and fluctuations often cause an increase in sebum production (oil), which can clog pores and lead to breakouts and greasy-looking skin (Thanks, Aunt Flow!)
Breakouts in this area can also be an indication of stress. Take some "me" time, drink some cucumber or rose water and relax for a bit of a detox. You'll feel better and your skin will thank you.
We all love a good burger or slice of pizza, but greasy foods lead to breakouts. Cut back on the fries and reach for an apple instead.
If it's that time of the month, you will generally breakout along your jawline on the side of your face that correlates with the ovary that's ovulating. Hormonal breakouts are tough to dodge, but getting sleep, improving your diet and drinking water never hurt anyone. If you know your regular cycle, show your skin extra love leading up to your period— change your pillow cases, be sure to brush your teeth and gargle twice a day and keep your hair out of your face.
If your breakouts aren't concentrated in a particular area, you may need to make a general lifestyle change, you may suffer from hormonal or adult acne, you may be using old cosmetics or beauty products that simple don't agree with you.
Questions to ask:
Do I wash my face everyday? Not with face wipes— with face wash and water
Am I sleeping with makeup on? This leads to clogged pores and — you guessed it— breakouts.
Is my skincare hypoallergenic? You may have sensitive skin. Check the labels and ingredients on your skincare.
Am I moisturizing? Your skin will produce from sebum if it isn't being hydrating, which will lead to breakouts.
Do I exfoliate everyday? If yes, try exfoliating 2 a week instead of daily.
