How to Analyze Your Breakouts and Improve Your Skincare Routine

Do you ever feel like your skin is trying to tell you something? Breakouts are one of the ways our skin speak to us. They can be a frustrating and sometimes painful experience, but understanding the cause can be the key to preventing future flare-ups. By analyzing a few key factors, you can uncover what may be triggering your breakouts and take steps to prevent further inflammation.

Becoming a "face detective" can help you gain a better understanding of what's going on with your skin. In this article, we'll walk you through how to properly analyze your face and identify potential causes of breakouts. Armed with this knowledge, you can take proactive steps to keep your skin healthy and glowing. So grab a mirror and let's get started!

Step 1: Determine what type of acne you have

Fungal Acne

Trying to figure out if you have fungal acne? Look out for small clusters of breakouts, which are often caused by an overproduction of yeast in the hair follicles. If you suspect fungal acne, you'll need antifungal ingredients to effectively treat it alongside any bacterial acne that may be present.

Bacterial Acne

Wondering if your breakouts are caused by bacterial acne? This type of acne is typically caused by a buildup of debris such as dead skin cells, oils, pollutants, and other foreign particles in the pores. There are seven types of bacterial acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. While the first four types can usually be identified and treated at home, nodules and cysts require professional dermatological treatment.

Step 2: Investigate your breakouts by zone

Breakouts on the forehead are often caused by oils and sweat that get trapped from hair or hats. Hats, du-rags, and bonnets that have not been properly washed can also contribute to these breakouts. Sweat from your scalp can also bring oils down to your forehead, leading to irritation and acne. It's also important to take a closer look at the hair care products you use, such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair sprays, as they can end up seeping onto your forehead and exacerbating breakouts.

The T-Zone is often the first area to get exposed to dirt and debris, as it is the part of your face that sticks out into the environment. Additionally, this area has more surface area with creases and folds that can trap grime, sebum, and bacteria. To make matters worse, the skin in this area is thinner than in other parts of the face, which means it's more prone to blockages and breakouts.

To prevent breakouts on your nose and T-Zone, it's important to focus on cleaning and clearing the skin effectively. Pay special attention to those creases and use gentle manipulation techniques to loosen and remove any blockages or debris. Additionally, using an exfoliating mask like our AHAA AHA Algae Treatment once a week, specifically targeting the nose and T-Zone, can be an effective way to keep your pores clear and prevent future breakouts.

The skin around the mouth can be a tricky area to manage, as it's particularly tender and has a lot of topography that's perfectly shaped to trap anything that comes from your nose or lips. Additionally, this area doesn't get as much exposure to the environment as the forehead or nose, which means that anything that lands on it can sometimes stay there for longer periods of time. This can lead to clogged pores and painful little pimples, especially if heavy lipglosses or lipstick are not properly removed.

One of the best ways to prevent breakouts in this area is to make sure that you're thoroughly cleansing your face and properly removing any makeup or lip products at the end of the day. Paying special attention to the area around the mouth with gentle cleansing techniques can help to keep your pores clear and prevent blockages. Additionally, using non-comedogenic lip products can help to prevent breakouts caused by heavy, pore-clogging formulas.

It's also important to note that breakouts in this area can sometimes be a sign of hormonal imbalances or digestive issues. If you're experiencing persistent breakouts around the mouth, it may be worth cleaning up the lymphatic system and cleansing the liver of excess toxins so that the hormones can better flow throughout the body.

The chin is a prime spot for breakouts due to its unique contours and shape, which easily trap bacteria and debris. Furthermore, if you have more pronounced chin or natural creases, the area can be even more susceptible to blockages. To make matters worse, many of us have a habit of touching our chin throughout the day, introducing even more bacteria onto the skin. In order to effectively combat breakouts in this area, it's crucial to establish a thorough cleansing routine and to resist the urge to touch your face as much as possible. By doing so, you can help keep your chin clear and healthy.

The area around your eyes and cheeks is particularly sensitive and can be easily irritated, leading to breakouts. One common culprit is eyeglasses, which can trap dirt and bacteria against your skin, especially if they're not cleaned regularly. The material of the frames can also cause irritation, so consider switching to hypoallergenic glasses made of high-quality metals or acetates to reduce the risk of breakouts.

Another thing to keep in mind is the expiration date of your makeup. Old and expired products can harbor bacteria, which can lead to irritation and breakouts. Make sure to toss out any expired makeup and thoroughly cleanse your face every time you wear makeup to keep your skin clear and healthy. And if you're using bronzer or any other powder-based product, make sure to wash your brushes regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.

Our cheeks are one of the most exposed areas of our face and as such, are prone to breakouts caused by external factors. Cell phones, pillowcases, and hands are some of the main culprits that cause breakouts on the cheeks. Our phones carry a lot of bacteria from daily use and when we press them against our cheeks, we transfer that bacteria to our skin. Pillowcases can also harbor bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. And let's be honest, we all touch our face more often than we should, spreading bacteria and dirt from our hands to our cheeks.

To prevent breakouts on your cheeks, it's essential to keep your phone and pillowcase clean by washing them regularly. Avoid resting your face on your hands, and make an effort to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. And don't forget to cleanse your face thoroughly every day to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup that may have accumulated throughout the day. Use our err’thang balm to slug off all water-resistant makeup.

Step 3: Hone In.

Now that you have an idea of where you are experiencing these breakouts start making slight adjustments to keep that area clear. For instance, washing your pillowcases more often, possibly changing detergent, or hair products, as each of these has the ability to help shift your results. Make a list of behaviors and environmental sources that might be causing your breakouts. Try eliminating or reducing these factors one at a time so you can analyze your results to better understand your triggers and what works best for you.