Acne is a chronic skin inflammation condition which most frequently affects the face, but it can also cause patches and pimples on the shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms. There are various reasons behind an acne breakout. If you are a teenager, this phase is a rite of passage for you. But if there is a possibility that you are getting breakouts on one side of your face, that can be due to some bacteria and dirt around you. Here are some ways to prevent acne!
According to popular dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad, different bacteria or dirt can cause acne on your skin. In a recent Instagram post, she explains how to prevent acne by keeping your gadgets and surroundings clean!
Tips to prevent acne on one side of your face
1. Keep your cell phone clean
A cell phone harbours lots of bacteria and virus. Their constant pressure and contact with the skin, along with the bacteria they contain on their surfaces, can irritate the skin and exacerbate acne breakouts. Thus, holding your mobile phone to your face and talking for a longer period can trap sweat, dirt and bacteria in the skin pores and clog them.
2. Keep pillow covers clean
Your face rests on the pillow for 6-8 hours every night. Not only do the pillow covers accumulate micro dust on them, they also receive all the pore-clogging oils from your face as well as your skin care products if you haven’t cleaned your face before sleep. A cotton pillowcase also traps bacteria, grime and allergies in addition to oil. Unless you wash or replace the pillowcase every few of days, a cotton pillowcase might aggravate acne-prone skin. Thus, it is advisable to change your pillow covers in every two days.
Your pillow can be a hotbed of bacteria. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
3. Don’t touch your face with dirty hands
Touching your face frequently without washing your hands can transfer dirt, grime and bacteria from your hands on the face. This is the best way to kickstart an acne breakout as you tend to introduce bacteria to your skin and exerting pressure on it. Most of us do this unknowingly, so beware!
4. Keep your hair tied
When open hair, especially when they are greasy, come in contact with the face, it can sometimes clog the pores. Sometimes, hair products including hairspray, mousse, oils and gels can cause skin sensitivity and an overproduction of oil in the hairline. Wear caps, bandanas, helmets, and headbands which can collect sweat and oil in the hairline. Due to the accumulation of sweat and oil, the hairline may develop acne or pimples as a result.
Therefore, if you are troubled by breakouts on one side of your face, it is best to do the above to avoid acne. If the breakouts are severe, you should see a dermatologist since it can also be due to allergic reaction to some skin care product.
