What Causes Acne? 7 Shocking Culprits

Acne is often seen as a teenage rite of passage, but plenty of men still get breakouts well into adulthood. Aside from genetics, these zits can also result from taking personal hygiene for granted and other seemingly innocent habits. Can’t pinpoint the culprit behind your frequent breakouts? Find out what causes acne below.

Do you continue to avoid sunscreen because of its stickiness, or do you simply forget to apply? These actions may have grave consequences. Sunscreen not only prevents sunburn, but it also protects your skin from photoaging, a.k.a. the process of developing premature wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sagging.

As if that’s not alarming enough, not wearing SPF also contributes to adult acne. How? Sun exposure dries out the skin and tricks your oil glands into producing excess sebum, which is the primary cause of breakouts. Hydrating, non-comedogenic sunscreen formulas can help prevent this without clogging your pores. Bonus: these are also non-sticky!

When was the last time you changed your bath towel, pillowcases, and sheets? What about that semi-clean T-shirt that you somehow couldn’t bring yourself to wash? These items harbor dirt, oil, and bacteria that can transfer onto your skin and cause breakouts, so make sure to switch to fresh ones at least once a week!

What causes acne? Pimples may be a skin problem, but hair products may also be to blame. Hair gels, pomades, and waxes can contain alcohol and oils that either irritate the skin or clog your pores, and trigger breakouts when they run down your face with sweat. But don’t give up your dapper look just yet! Just make sure to wash products off your hair before going to bed and then wash your face separately to remove any residue.

For an extra clean slate, use Master Facial Wash Anti Pimple with Dermaclear Formula. It gets rid of deep-seated dirt and oil with antibacterial agents to prevent pimples. Plus, it has cooling ZEROil that keeps your face shine-free for up to eight hours.

Some people who worry about pimples tend to overdo their cleansing to scrub their zits away.TL; DR: that’s not going to work. Scrubbing can irritate your skin and create micro-tears that open it up to bacteria, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It can cause your acne to flare up and appear even worse. Gentle cleansing is key! Try POND'S Men Facial Wash Acne Solution. Formulated for acne-prone skin, its patented Lock & Clear Technology helps beat acne in three days.

Heartbreaking news: you can thank your new-found gorpcore aesthetic for your fresh batch of forehead pimples. Your favorite hat – the one you wear every day – contaminates your skin with dirt and oil. It’s just another item that needs cleaning after use. The best way to do it is by hand using a mild detergent and a toothbrush. After rinsing, air-dry your hat and reshape it.

Did you know your phone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat? Fifty-six studies from 24 countries found bacteria and fungi on mobile phones, calling it a “Trojan horse” of disease transmissions. Imagine putting that against your skin! Luckily for you, it only takes a few minutes to disinfect it. Follow your phone manufacturer’s guidelines or use 70% alcohol-based wipes as the U.S. Center for Disease Control recommends.

Hanging out at the gym is fine, but hanging around in sweaty clothes is a no-no. Here’s a disturbing fact: sweat evaporates faster from dry-fit or moisture-wicking workout clothes, but germs and bacteria don’t evaporate with it. Instead, they get trapped between the fibers, rubbing against your skin as you chat with your gym pals. This triggers body acne and smells pretty bad! So, yes, do shower after working out.

Wondering what causes acne? Check out your personal hygiene routine and other habits that transfer bacteria and oils onto your skin. Addressing these at once, along with an acne-fighting regimen, can help minimize your breakouts. If you continue to get them, talk to a dermatologist who may recommend other treatments.