June is Acne Awareness Month, a time to celebrate beautiful skin in all its forms and empower those struggling with acne.

Whether it’s something you experienced as a teen or still grapple with now, acne is a skin condition up to 85% of Australians will experience at some point in their life.

While countless articles highlight the different types of acne and the importance of treatments, this year, let’s put the generic online info to the side and delve deeper. Today, we will investigate your lifestyle and explore some surprising, often overlooked contributors to breakouts that might be lurking in your everyday life.

1. Your Pillowcase (AKA The Silent Saboteur)

We all crave a good night’s sleep, but did you know your pillowcase can significantly impact your skin health? Think about it: for 7-8 hours every night, your face rests against a surface that accumulates sweat, dead skin cells, and product residue.

Cotton pillowcases, while comfortable, are notorious for harbouring bacteria. This bacterial build-up can clog pores and exacerbate existing breakouts.

Consider switching to silk pillowcases. Silk is gentler on your skin, reducing friction and irritation. Additionally, its smooth surface helps prevent the transfer of bacteria and dead skin cells, fostering a cleaner, breakout-free environment for your precious skin. As an added bonus, silk pillowcases are known to reduce frizz and promote smoother hair. Win-win!

2. Your Phone = More Than Just Social Media Stress

While endless scrolling can undoubtedly contribute to stress-induced breakouts, there’s another reason your phone might be your skin’s worst enemy: germs. We use our phones constantly, holding them close to our faces for calls, checking emails, and browsing social media.

Throughout the day, they come into contact with countless surfaces, accumulating dirt, oil, and bacteria. Research suggests that mobile phones can be a whopping ten times dirtier than a toilet seat! And let’s be honest for a moment: there’s no shortage of people who love a toilet TikTok scroll.

The takeaway? Disinfect regularly! This accumulated grime transfers to your face whenever you hold the phone up for a call or scroll through social media. To combat phone-related breakouts, make it a habit to regularly disinfect your phone with alcohol wipes or a phone sanitiser spray. This simple step can significantly reduce the bacterial load on your phone’s surface, minimising the transfer of acne-causing bacteria to your skin.

3. The Silent Trigger Of Chronic Stress

Feeling overwhelmed by work deadlines, family obligations, or everyday life? Your skin might be picking up on that stress. Chronic stress triggers the production of cortisol, a hormone known to ramp up oil gland activity. This excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, creating a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause acne breakouts. Adults, especially, are susceptible to this as natural cell turnover slows with age.

To combat stress-induced breakouts, prioritise relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity. These activities help manage stress hormones and promote better sleep, another crucial factor for healthy skin. Consider reducing your caffeine and sugar intake, as these can exacerbate hormonal imbalances and contribute to breakouts.

4. Debunking The Sun Exposure Myth

Many people mistakenly believe that sun exposure dries out acne and promotes clearer skin. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage the skin’s barrier, making it more susceptible to breakouts. Additionally, sun exposure can worsen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), the stubborn dark marks left by healed acne. PIH occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, in response to inflammation. Sun exposure further stimulates melanin production, making PIH appear darker.

Sunscreen is essential for everyone, regardless of skin type or condition. For acne-prone skin, choose a non-comedogenic, zinc oxide formula. These formulas offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays without clogging pores and triggering breakouts.

Finally, remember, you’re not alone. Acne is a common skin condition affecting millions worldwide. If our (impressive) track record is anything to go by, when treated with individualised care and attention, it can be managed spectacularly.

This June, let’s celebrate healthy skin and empower ourselves to tackle acne from all angles. If Acne Awareness Month inspires you to take control of your condition, we’d love to support you. Book your New Client Skin Discovery Session to gain your comprehensive acne treatment plan, at-home routine, and first customised skin treatment to kickstart your journey to happier, clearer skin.