Breakouts are undoubtedly frustrating, whether they happen all the time, once in a while or seemingly out of nowhere. No matter your acne experience, it's not always as simple as pointing fingers at your current skin care routine or diet. The real, sneaky culprits of your acne could be everyday habits you’d never expect – like washing your pillowcases. Our expert estheticians have the lowdown on the surprising causes of acne (and how to avoid them!) 

Your workouts 

One minute you're crushing your fitness goals, and the next you’re dealing with a massive breakout overnight – what’s the deal? If you’re skipping post-workout showers or using a towel to wipe sweat from your face, you could be making your acne worse – or introducing new problems to your typically clear skin. Disregarding clean habits after workouts can trap sweat, oil and bacteria, turning your post-gym glow into a breakout disaster. 

Pro tip: Cleanse your face right after you hit the gym, and opt for a barrier-friendly cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of essential moisture. 

Your pillowcases

A sneaky, sleepy culprit of acne is your pillowcases, which can collect dirt, sweat, oils and even hair product residue. This creates a hot spot for acne-causing bacteria – not the most inviting place to rest your head at night, right? 

Pro tip: Swap out your pillowcases for fresh ones at least once a week. You could also make the switch to silk pillowcases, which are naturally less absorbent and less likely to harbor bacteria. 

Your hair products 

If forehead breakouts are your latest headache, your hair care routine might be to blame. Shampoos, conditioners and styling products can transfer onto your skin, clogging pores along your hairline and forehead, even your neck and back.

Pro tip: Look for hair products free of irritating ingredients – like dyes, fragrances and parabens – and pull your hair back during your skin care routine. In the shower, cleanse your face after you wash your hair to avoid any lingering product on your skin. 

Your medications 

Medications you take for unrelated health concerns might be quietly contributing to your breakouts. Certain prescriptions – like birth control and steroids – can affect hormone levels and increase oil production, leading to clogged pores and acne. Common medications, like those for allergies, can also throw off your skin’s balance, drying it out and prompting your skin to overproduce oil. 

Pro tip: If you’ve recently begun a new medication and noticed more breakouts, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They may be able to adjust your prescription or recommend acne-friendly alternatives to keep your skin in check. 

Your makeup

If makeup helps you feel more confident during the day, be sure to remove it properly at bedtime – or else it will wreak havoc at night. Foundation, powder, concealer, etc. can trap oil, bacteria and pollution in your pores, leading to breakouts. Even worse, it blocks your skin from its natural overnight recovery process. 

Pro tip: If you’re not already double-cleansing, this method could change the game for your skin. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, then follow up with a gentle, sudsy cleanser to remove the rest.