I mentioned in my Staff Skincare article that I, like so many people have issues with my acne prone skin. As much as I treat and take care of my skin, I still have mean little spots that like to pop up here and there and ruin my day. It's hard to pin down one or even two causes of acne because (and here's some real bad news), there are so many - especially for those with sensitive skin. I even mentioned in a previous article that dairy consumption can affect your skin! Let's not forget that those dirty makeup brushes we all have can be a place for bacteria to gather and attack your skin too. 

Now - and I hate to add to the list of acne causers - I have 5 things that you may not even know or be thinking about that can cause acne! Here's the silver lining though: once you know what may be causing your acne, you can take steps to eliminate that element from your life and hopefully improve your skin. 


1. Toothpaste
According to some sources, the ingredients in your toothpaste, namely fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate can actually cause irritation, causing acne. If you find after a toothpaste switch that your acne has changed, try a new brand or go back to your old one. 

2. Your Hands
Here's your new mantra chicks: Don't. Touch. My. Face. Keep hands away from your face, especially throughout the day as you go about touching things. Your hands naturally have oil on them and adding dirt and bacteria to that is just bad news bears for your skin. Keep the hands away from the face and if applying makeup with your fingers, just be sure to wash before during and after. 

3. Phones
How often do you clean your phone? If you're like me, the answer is most likely a reluctant and slightly embarrassed, 'never'. It's ok we're in the same boat. In any case, it seems like we should actually start washing it more often since your phone can actually become a place for all that yucky oil, dirt and bacteria to rest and then transfer onto your face. If you are finding that you are getting a lot of pimples around your cheek area near your ear, this could be the case. 
 
4. Pillows and Sheets
Your pillows and sheets come in contact with your face every night and because of this, they can accumulate a lot of acne causing gross stuff (technical, no?). After a while, your bed linens can accumulate all that dirt and your face will cozy up to that come night time! To avoid this, be sure to change your sheets and especially pillow cases often. If you have very oily skin then even more often. 

5. Hair Products
As an avid styling products user, I don't usually give a second thought to what I spray around my face. But all that hair spray, conditioning spray and heat protectant can't exactly be good for your skin. In addition to the sprays, there are the oils or creams which usually touch your face at night and can clog pores and cause acne. To avoid this be careful with your products, tie your hair back or look for oil-free styling products. Your hair products aren't the only ones that can cause skin problems. If you spend some time snuggling with a significant other and their products touch your skin, this can cause problems too. 

Many of these problems can't be or can't be easily avoided. In these cases, your best bet is to just be sure to keep on track with your cleansing! Be sure to use an antibacterial cleanser or acne product too for the best results. 

Do you have any acne causers that you steer clear from? What are your acne busting tips and tricks?