CLEAR SKIN STARTS WITH SMALL CHANGES—HERE’S WHERE TO BEGIN

CLEAR SKIN STARTS WITH SMALL CHANGES—HERE’S WHERE TO BEGIN

Do you wash your face, use the right skincare products, and still find those little breakouts popping up on your cheeks, forehead, or jawline? You’re not alone—and the cause might be hiding in your everyday habits.

Believe it or not, your pillowcase, hands, hair, and even your phone can play a major role in those annoying blemishes. And it’s not just people with oily skin—acne and blemishes can happen to anyone, even those with dry, normal, or combination skin.

So let’s talk about the little things you might be doing unknowingly—and how small changes can make a big difference.

1. Dirty Pillowcases & Bed Sheets

You sleep on your pillow every night, so imagine how much sweat, hair oil, face cream, and bacteria it collects over time. Dirty fabric traps all this and can clog your pores as you sleep.

Quick fix: Change your pillowcase at least every 2–3 days and your bedsheets weekly. If you can, invest in a silk or satin pillowcase—they’re gentler on your skin and hair.

2. Constantly Touching Your Face

Many of us touch our faces without even realizing it—leaning on our hands, scratching an itch, adjusting glasses. Unfortunately, your hands pick up bacteria from everywhere (keyboards, door handles, money), and transferring that to your face can trigger breakouts.

Quick fix: Become more aware of the habit and wash your hands often. If you find yourself constantly touching your face out of stress or boredom, try replacing the habit with something like playing with a stress ball.

3. Your Phone Screen

Your phone goes everywhere—you hold it with unwashed hands, place it on public surfaces, and press it to your cheek multiple times a day. That combination of oil, sweat, and bacteria can lead to breakouts, especially around the jawline and cheeks.

Quick fix: Wipe your phone daily with an alcohol-based cleaner or antibacterial wipes. Better yet, use earphones or the speaker function when possible.

4. Hair Products & Old Hairstyles

Many people have noticed they get breakouts when their braids are old or when their hairline gets oily. Hair products like oils, pomades, and gels can seep onto your skin, especially when you're sleeping or sweating.

Quick fix: Keep hair away from your face, especially when sleeping. Cleanse your hairline gently every few days. Avoid using heavy products near the edges if you’re prone to breakouts. If your braids are itchy, dusty, or smelly—it’s time to take them out!

5. Hats, Scarves, and Headbands

Accessories that touch your face or forehead—like hats, scarves, or headbands—can trap sweat and bacteria, leading to breakouts, especially in warmer weather.

Quick fix: Wash them regularly and avoid wearing them too tight. If you work out, clean your accessories after each session.

6. Skincare Products That Don't Match Your Skin Type

Sometimes, blemishes appear because your products are too harsh, too oily, or not formulated for your skin type. Even “natural” products can cause breakouts if they’re not right for you.

Quick fix: Learn your skin type (dry, oily, combination, or sensitive) and choose non-comedogenic products. If your skin feels irritated or gets worse after a product switch, take a break and reintroduce one product at a time.

7. Towels and Face Cloths

Reusing the same face towel or using a rough cloth can cause bacteria buildup and skin irritation. Even over-washing or scrubbing your face can worsen breakouts.

Quick fix: Use a clean, soft towel every day—or let your face air dry. Gently pat your skin instead of rubbing.

8. Sweating Without Cleansing After

Whether it's from a workout, hot weather, or stress—leaving sweat on your face can clog pores and attract bacteria.

Quick fix: Rinse your face or wipe it gently with a clean cloth after sweating. Avoid letting sweat dry naturally on your skin.

9. Environmental Factors

Dust, smoke, air pollution, or even the fabric on your couch can irritate your skin and cause blemishes.

Quick fix: Clean your surroundings, especially things that touch your skin (like couch cushions, helmets, or car headrests). If you're often in dusty or smoky areas, cleanse your face gently at the end of the day.

10. Hormones, Stress, and Diet

While this blog focuses on external habits, it’s worth noting that internal factors like hormonal changes, high stress, and diet can also cause breakouts—even if you're doing everything else right.

Quick fix: Drink enough water, manage stress with activities like journaling or exercise, and avoid heavy intake of greasy, sugary foods. And if acne persists, consult a professional.

Clear skin doesn’t always require expensive treatments. Sometimes, all it takes is being mindful of the small things you do daily. Whether it’s switching out your pillowcase more often or touching your face less, each habit adds up to healthier, smooth and happier skin.