Acne is frustrating. You try different cleansers, cut out junk food, and follow a skincare routine religiously—yet those stubborn breakouts still appear. It’s easy to blame it on oily skin or hormones, but what if something else is triggering your acne?
There are plenty of lesser-known culprits that could be sabotaging your skin without you realising it. If you’re doing everything “right” and still struggling, it might be time to look beyond the obvious.
Could It Be Hormonal?
Even if you have the best skincare routine, hormones could still be the reason for persistent breakouts. Hormonal acne often appears along the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks, flaring up in sync with menstrual cycles or other hormonal shifts.
Signs your acne might be hormone-related:
- Breakouts worsen around your period.
- Acne is concentrated on the lower face and jawline.
- Other symptoms, like irregular periods, fatigue, or excess facial hair, are present.
If you suspect hormonal imbalances, it might be worth discussing with a physician, such as Dr Anil, to explore potential solutions, from dietary changes to skin rejuvenation. This is the best way to get acne treatment that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Your Hair Products Could Be Sabotaging Your Skin
Many people focus solely on their skincare routine while completely overlooking how their hair products might be affecting their skin. Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can leave a residue that clogs pores, especially around the forehead, temples, and jawline.
Certain ingredients can be particularly problematic:
- Silicones create a film over the skin, trapping oil and bacteria.
- Heavy oils like coconut or argan oil can be comedogenic, meaning they clog pores.
- Sulfates strip the skin’s natural oils, causing irritation and excess oil production.
If you notice breakouts along your hairline, try switching to lightweight, non-comedogenic hair products. Also, ensure you’re rinsing thoroughly and keeping hair off your face, especially overnight.
The Pillowcase Problem
You spend hours with your face pressed against your pillow each night. If you’re not changing your pillowcase regularly, you’re sleeping on a buildup of oil, bacteria, and leftover hair products that can contribute to breakouts.
A simple fix? Change your pillowcase at least twice a week and consider using a silk or satin one, which reduces friction and irritation. Also, be mindful of what detergent you use—heavily fragranced options can leave pore-clogging residues behind.
Is Your Skincare Routine Too Harsh?
It might seem logical to fight acne with strong cleansers, drying treatments, and frequent exfoliation. But over-cleansing and over-exfoliating can strip the skin, leading to more oil production and irritation—essentially making the problem worse.
If your skin feels tight, dry, or irritated after washing, it’s a sign you might be doing too much. Instead of harsh scrubs and high-strength acids every day, opt for a gentle cleanser, exfoliate no more than twice a week, and always follow up with a moisturiser that hydrates without clogging pores.
The Role of Diet: More Than Just Junk Food
Diet isn’t the sole cause of acne, but certain foods can definitely trigger inflammation and excess oil production.
For some people, dairy is a major culprit. Milk contains hormones that can throw off your body’s balance, leading to stubborn jawline and chin acne. High-glycaemic foods—like white bread, pasta, and sweets—cause blood sugar spikes that can stimulate oil production. Meanwhile, processed and fried foods may contribute to inflammation that worsens breakouts.
If you suspect your diet might be affecting your skin, try reducing dairy and high-sugar foods for a few weeks and see if you notice a difference. Adding more anti-inflammatory foods, like leafy greens, berries, and omega-3-rich fish, can also support healthier skin.
Stress & Lack of Sleep: A Hidden Acne Trigger
You might not think stress and sleep have much to do with acne, but they play a significant role. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that increases oil production. Combine that with lack of sleep—when your skin is supposed to repair itself—and you’ve got a recipe for breakouts.
Simple ways to help:
- Prioritise at least 7–9 hours of sleep per night.
- Manage stress through exercise, meditation, or activities that help you relax.
- Keep a regular sleep schedule—even on weekends.
Small lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in keeping your skin clear.
Your Phone Is Dirtier Than You Think
Your phone screen is a magnet for bacteria, oil, and makeup. Every time you take a call, you press that grime against your cheek, potentially leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
To reduce the risk, wipe your phone down daily with an antibacterial wipe and consider using headphones or the speaker function when making calls. Also, avoid resting your chin in your hands—another habit that transfers bacteria directly to your skin.
The Fabric You Wear Matters
Your clothes might not seem like an acne trigger, but synthetic fabrics can trap sweat and bacteria against your skin, leading to breakouts—especially on the back, shoulders, and chest. Workout gear is a common offender if it isn’t washed frequently or if you don’t change out of sweaty clothes right away.
Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, shower after sweating, and make sure you’re washing workout gear regularly to keep bacteria buildup at bay.
When Was the Last Time You Washed Your Makeup Brushes?
Makeup tools collect dirt, oil, and bacteria over time. If you’re not cleaning them regularly, you’re spreading all that buildup back onto your skin, increasing the risk of breakouts.
Wash makeup brushes weekly with gentle soap. Replace sponges regularly, especially if they start to smell or change texture. Also, store brushes in a dry, clean space to prevent bacterial growth.
It’s a small step that can make a noticeable difference in skin clarity.
The Environment Around You Matters
Pollution, smoke, and even dry indoor air can take a toll on your skin, clogging pores and triggering irritation. If you live in a city or spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s essential to cleanse thoroughly at the end of the day to remove pollutants.
Using an antioxidant serum can also help protect against environmental stressors, while a humidifier at home can keep skin from drying out—especially in colder months when indoor heating zaps moisture from the air.
Small Changes, Big Improvements
Acne isn’t just about skincare—it’s a combination of lifestyle, environment, and daily habits. If you’ve been battling stubborn breakouts despite your best efforts, one of these hidden triggers might be the missing piece of the puzzle. Making small adjustments—like switching hair products, cleaning your phone, or getting better sleep—can lead to noticeable improvements.
