Beauty Bag

Acne is hormonal, right? It can be. You might notice your skin breaking out in monthly cycles. It also can be caused by products you are using daily to take care of your skin and hair.

Acne occurs when pores get clogged with oil, dirt, natural secretions, toxins, and waste that builds up and causes inflammation and irritation. Pores need to be open to the air to do their job.

While there are many products to reduce acne and scars, it is better to try to prevent breakouts rather than deal with the consequences. A good first step is to go through your cosmetics and skincare products to see if you find these acne-causing culprits lurking in your beauty bag:

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil sounds healthy (because minerals are good for you), but it actually leaves a film over your skin which keeps your pores from freely breathing and it traps dirt and toxins, even yucky bacteria. Mineral oil is very common in many skincare products, so check the ingredients. Instead of mineral oil, look for products that have tea tree oil or lavender oil. Using natural oils on your face can be very beneficial even if you are prone to oily skin.

Drying Agents

While it may be tempting to use products intended to dry up oily skin, too much dryness will make your skin produce more oil as it attempts to stay balanced. If your skin begins to feel tight and dry, try using these products only a few times per week.

Products can include masks, toners, and salicylic acid (an active ingredient in many acne products). You don’t want to get into a vicious cycle of oily skin, drying it out, then producing even more oil.

Tip: In case your acne-treatment products may be ineffective or even a skin irritant, take a look at a variety of professional and user reviews on brands like ClearPores, Neutrogena and Proactiv skin care products to make sure you’re going with what’s best for your skin.

Dirty Makeup Brushes

Do you use dirty toothbrushes or washcloths? I certainly hope not! Using dirty makeup brushes on your freshly cleaned skin is putting dirt, oil, and toxins right back where they should not be. Keep your makeup brushes clean and replace them when needed. Use mild shampoo and warm water on your brushes and let air dry. Use rubbing alcohol on items like tweezers and lash curlers.

Artificial Colors

There has been a lot of talk about artificial colors in food and the unhealthy side effects they can cause. You might be surprised to know that this applies to your skin as well. Colors are pretty and we are naturally attracted to them.

But artificial colors are made using chemicals and chemicals are not good for your body or your skin. Try to find products that don’t use any color, or that use natural colors from plants or herbs.

Hair Products

You may be wondering what hair products have to do with acne. Thanks to gravity, the products you put in your hair will make their way to your face, especially your forehead area. Also be careful when spraying products to keep them clear of your face.

The same ingredients that can be harmful to your skin are also found in your hair care products. Check your makeup and dispose of what is unhealthy so that you won’t be tempted to use it. Here’s to glowing and naturally healthy skin.