Acne is the bane of every teenager’s existence. However, did you know that acne can still pop up even after you are well past puberty? It can be embarrassing to see a huge pimple pop up when you’re in your mid-twenties or thirties, but don’t worry—you’re not the only one with adult acne.

Let’s take a look at the 10 surprising reasons you’re getting breakouts as an adult.

　　　　　

1. You’re Using a Lot of Hair Products

Ironically, the first reason on the list doesn’t involve your skin at all—rather, it’s the hair products like sprays and aerosols you’re applying to your hair that then get caught on your skin. This condition is so common there’s a specific term for it: pomade acne. It’s more commonly found on people with bangs.

When hair product is applied, some of it can land on the skin and seep into the pores. This clogs the pores and traps bad bacteria within. Then, the pores become inflamed, causing pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads along the forehead or sides of your face.

To prevent this, keep hair products away from the hairline. After every hair treatment, wash your face thoroughly.

　　　　　

2. You Remove Facial Hair Regularly

Despite its naturalness, body hair gets a bad reputation. Women, in particular, can spend a ton of money threading their eyebrows and shaving or waving unwanted facial hair. When you remove hair, the clogs open up and allow bad bacteria to come in. Not only does this cause bumpy, sometimes itchy skin, but also adult acne!

Before a facial, make sure to wash your face thoroughly to reduce bacteria on the skin. If you’re experiencing a bad rash afterward, apply a warm compress or apply some antibiotic creams to help clear it up.

　　　　　　　

3. You Use Too Many Skincare Products

We all know that taking care of your skin with skincare products like toners, serums, and moisturizers prevents signs of early aging, but did you know that using too many of them is bad too? Switching stuff around without giving your skin time to get used to it (e.g., switching toners every day) is bad. So is using a mix of products that are too aggressive on the skin. This can lead to irritated skin.

With skincare, you always want to experiment monthly. It’ll take a few weeks for your skin to get used to new products. You’re not always going to see results within a few days. Have a reasonable adjustment period before deciding if that new product stays or goes in the trash.

　　　　　　　

4. You Don’t Take Off Your Makeup Well Enough

Listen. We know you look absolutely stunning in your makeup, but you must take it off properly every night. Thick and heavy makeup not only clogs the pores but lets bacteria stick to your skin. Trust us, you really don’t want to go to bed with an entire day’s worth of oil, bacteria, and dirt on your skin!

Practice proper makeup hygiene. Remove makeup by washing your entire face. If you’re still seeing residue on your cotton pad or ball when applying toner, then it’s not clean enough. Additionally, be gentle when applying makeup and clean your makeup applicators regularly.

　　　　　　　

5. You Travel a Lot

When you’re in an environment you’re not used to, such as when you’re traveling, it can take a toll on your skin. For example, as someone who grew up in a tropical environment, both my skin and lips get super dry in colder environments. In the same way, people used to cooler temperatures that suddenly go somewhere sunny might have a hard time coping with the heat and humidity.

Now, you can’t exactly control the weather. However, you can be extra gentle on your skin by using familiar, non-abrasive products and plenty of sunblocks.

　　　　　　　

6. You Use the Wrong Sunscreen

Speaking of sunscreen, make sure you’re using the right one! Not a lot of people know there are two types of sunscreens—chemical agents and physical agents.

Chemical agents absorb into the pores, creating sun protection that’s skin-deep. They’re lightweight and invisible but are usually only recommended to those with non-sensitive skin because of the chemicals.

Physical agents, on the other hand, sit on the epidermis and can be taken off easily. However, they’re a lot thicker and might clog the pores and cause breakouts.

Like other skincare products, you need to experiment until you find the perfect sunscreen. You also need to clean it off properly before bedtime.

　　　　　　

7. You Eat Certain Foods

Research suggests that diets loaded with refined and processed carbohydrates leave you prone to adult acne and other skin conditions. These foods include chips, cookies, cake, white pasta, and white bread. These are all foods that scale high on the glycemic index and can spike blood sugar levels.

Dairy has also been suggested as a factor. Some dairy products contain a lot of sugar and can trigger adult acne and other skin conditions.

You don’t have to give up these foods altogether, but mind your portions if you want to maintain a clear, smooth face. Also, eat a lot of fruits and veggies that can counteract the effects of these junk foods.

　　　　　　　　

8. You Are Super Stressed

Been having a lot of stressful days at work recently? Did you fight with your partner? Are you planning something big, like a wedding or a birthday?

All these can raise your stress levels. This leads to poor hygiene (Understandable, who has the time to care about skincare when your life is in shambles?) and can exacerbate any skin conditions that were previously under control.

As much as possible, continue your skincare routine even when you’re stressed. This can actually help you wind down as it’s something familiar and comfortable to you. At the very least, you should wash your face thoroughly every night. Additionally, lower your stress by doing calm things like massages, yoga and meditation.

　　　　　　

9. You Don’t Clean Your Cellphone

Almost everybody these days has a cellphone. It’s a powerful gadget that lets you connect with loved ones, watch informative and entertaining content, shop online, play games, and so much more! However, the downside is that it’s another carrier of acne-causing bacteria. When you press your phone against your face, you’re transferring bacteria.

The solution? Clean your phone once in a while—wiping it down with alcohol will do. Also, get off the phone! You don’t need to be calling people the whole day!

　　　　　　　

10. Your Skin is Too Dry

Adult acne may be typically associated with oily skin, but it happens just as frequently with dry skin. Dry skin opens up pores and minor fissions in your skin that bad bacteria can pass through. When this happens, you got to make sure you’re applying hydrating skin products and also supplying your body with plenty of water. Also, exfoliate thoroughly every few weeks to get rid of dead skin.