Are You Giving Yourself Acne?

7 simple, skin-saving tips to help you control breakouts

Breakouts are a pain, whether you get them once a month or once a year. You may blame yours on genetics or hormones, but have you ever considered pointing the finger at yourself? The fact is we all do things every day that can cause acne. The good news? There are seven skin-saving steps you can take today to start saving face.

Problem: Not washing your face every night before bed
It is absolutely essential to remove makeup, oil and everyday pollution from your face every night to avoid clogged pores.

Skin-Saver: Face wipes by your bed mean easy access, no-effort makeup removal and leave no excuse for not washing your face (even late at night). Try Garnier Complete Cleansing Cloths, $8, Garnier, garnier.ca.

Problem: Touching your face
Consider how many times a day you touch things and then touch your face. Each time you do something as simple as typing or opening a door, bacteria and dirt get on your hands. Eventually, this find its way to your face when you rub your temples or rest your chin in your hands as you work.

Skin-Saver: Get in the habit of washing your hands often, especially after eating, typing and riding public transit. Also, try to be conscious of how often you touch your face.

Problem: Talking on the phone
As a busy woman, you probably multi-task often, meaning it's not unusual to catch you with your phone wedged between your chin and shoulder with the dirty keypad pressed up against your cheek. This exposes your skin to bacteria that builds up from dialing and texting.

Skin-Saver: Be conscious of how close you hold your phone to your face and make sure to clean and disinfect it regularly.

Problem: Not changing your pillow cases often enough
If you spend the night sleeping on your stomach or side that means your face rest on your pillow all night. Naturally this results in oil and dirt from your face and hair building up on your pillow cases over time.

Skin-Saver: Wash or change your pillowcases at least once week, if not twice.

Problem: Hair on your face
While you probably wash your face every night, you most likely overlook that your hair has also collected dirt and oil throughout the day. As you sleep this can get on your skin (and definitely on your pillow cases – see above).

Skin-Saver: Keep your hair pulled back while you sleep with a bandana, bobby pin or clip.

Problem: Dirty makeup brushes
Cosmeticians often preach the importance of washing makeup brushes to keep them in pristine condition, but it's also important because it cleans dirt and pimple-causing bacteria that builds up over time from repeated use. Clean brushes are especially important if you re-apply or touch up during the day; otherwise it’s like mixing oil and dirt into your makeup and then applying it to your skin.

Skin-Saver: Wash brushes with a dab of clarifying shampoo or specialty makeup brush cleanser at least once per week. Try Mac Brush Cleanser, $13 per 233 ml, MAC, maccosmetics.com. Available at MAC counters nationwide.

Problem: Multi-purpose towels
Most likely you use two towels for post-shower drying – one for your hair and another for your body, and either one for your face. Unfortunately, using hair or body towels can lead to residual soap, skin cells or leftover conditioner transferring onto your face.

Skin-Saver: Keep a towel reserved strictly for drying your face to avoid unnecessary dirt from clogging your freshly washed skin.