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5 Unexpected Causes of Pimples

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Struggling with acne and pimples? This article might unveil certain causes of those pesky zits that you would least expect!

While acne scar removal might be easily available in a cosmopolitan city like Singapore, you can take extra steps to prevent the development of acne and pimples. Simple adjustments to your lifestyle could do wonders for your skin. When you undertake healthy habits, you would save yourself the hassle of having to undergo acne scar treatment.

Read on to learn about 5 surprising causes of acne and pimples.

1. Diet

Are you guilty of snacking on junk foods like ice cream and potato chips?

Your diet might be the cause of your acne.

While existing evidence linking diet and acne remains inconclusive, there remains plausible logic that ties certain kinds of foods to acne and general skin inflammation.

Foods that are rich in the following elements are known to lead to pimples and blackheads:

  • Artificial sugars (eg. cakes, carbonated drinks and bubble tea)
  • Dairy (eg. ice-cream and cream cakes)
  • Sodium Chloride or “salt” (eg. potato chips and nachos)
  • Caffeine (eg. Coffee and chocolate)

If you want clearer skin, you might want to avoid the aforementioned foods. Make sure you check out the nutritional information of the food you consume.

However, that is not to say that you ought to completely banish your edible guilty pleasures. Consume them in moderation and always make sure you keep your body hydrated.

2. Sleeping habits

Sleep, or more accurately, the lack of it, can lead to a number of skin complications including acne. This happens due to the buildup of stress in the body as it is not getting enough hours to recharge and enter a restoration phase of sleep (REM).

As bodily stress escalates, so does the production of the substance cortisol which in turn incites sebaceous glands underneath the skin to release more oil that traps dust and bacteria  leading to acne. Most acne treatment specialists in Singapore recommend at least 7 hours of sleep and up to 9 hours if your daily schedule permits.

2a. Your sleeping position

Did you know that your sleeping position could also cause you to develop pimples?

If you have a habit of sleeping with your face in direct contact with your pillow and blanket, you might experience breakouts every now and then – this is due to the bacteria build-up on your pillows and blankets.

On this note, try to avoid sleeping on your face if you can help it. Otherwise, try to change your pillowcase and bed sheets on a more regular basis.

3. Using the wrong products for your skin type

Certain kinds of skin care products can clog the pores of your skin while others with constituents like lanolin and isopropyl can dry out skin hence are not very suitable for dry skins.

Before you buy any skincare product be sure to scan the ingredients’ list and look up any unfamiliar elements which might pose acne threats later on. Our pimple scar removal experts in Singapore recommend oil-free alternatives which clearly stipulate the absence of pore-clogging properties.

4. Genetics

Your acne-prone skin might be hereditary.

According to our acne treatment specialists in Singapore, inherited genes will determine how easily your pores clog and also how you respond to environmental elements and factors. This can determine whether you get acne and the type and severity of symptoms that can affect you.

5. Weather

The weather is a major contributing factor as varying environmental conditions increase the likelihood of infection. In the humid and hot climate of Singapore, for example, skin oil (or sebum) production tends to intensify which consequently increases the chances of breakouts. Coupled with poor hygiene habits, the sebum could clog your pores and lead to blackheads and pimples.

Cold weather can also be an agent as it stresses and dries out the skin as well.

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AUTHOR

Dr Michelle Chia

Medical Director

After graduating from the National University of Singapore, Dr Michelle's journey allowed her to train in Women's Health and Aesthetic Medicine. Her experience has led her to be featured on multiple media platforms including Radio Stations and prominent Magazines like Her World, Women's Weekly and CLEO. Her work has also received recognition both locally and internationally in several Medical Conferences.

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Ezra Clinic is a Women’s Health, Wellness and Aesthetic Clinic that is conveniently located at the top floor of Royal Square Medical Suites in Novena, Singapore’s Medical Health Hub.

Helmed by Dr Michelle Chia, Ezra Clinic is your chosen one stop clinic for all your Women’s Health and Wellness needs.

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