7 Reasons Why You Have Adult Acne

You've passed puberty... but your acne still won't let you be great?! You could be sleeping on bacteria (literally and figuratively speaking)!!

1. Have You Checked Your Phone Today?

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If you are like the millions of people around the world, then that answer is YES! Your phone screen has more bacteria on it than a toilet seat! All those germs from the environment, and let's not forget your pocket, purse, hands, etc. lands directly on your phone, and then on your face which can cause pimples. Wipe down your phone daily with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball to kill those acne-causing germs. PS. Keep dirty hands off your face!

2. Washed your sheets lately?

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Some people wash their sheets once a week; while others wash them after their body imprint has created a silhouette on the bed. :( Regardless of where you land on the spectrum, the oils, hair grease, and dead skin cells are piling up on your covers and pillow daily. Be sure to wash your bedding in hot soapy water at least once a week to kill bacteria that can cause acne on your face and body.

3. Who runs the world? Girls... and so does Makeup.

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If you are like me, then you don't leave the house without looking like Beyonce. That takes daily use of makeup and brushes (unless you are actually Beyonce of course!). When was the last time you sanitized and cleaned them? If you have to think hard about it, then it's been too long! Bacteria harbors on your brushes from all the products, oils and dust that lands on them. Pour some 70% rubbing alcohol in an empty spray bottle, and spray all your powders, lippies, shadows, and makeup area weekly. For the brushes: wash them gently in the palm of your hand with Johnson baby shampoo, or use a brush cleaner of your choice. Lay them out flat on a napkin to dry.

4. What are those rims looking like?! ... no, not your car.

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The rims (area that touches your forehead) of scarves, wig caps, snap-backs, hoodies, and anything that you place on your head can cause acne. Products you use on your hair, weave, and skin can stick around and buildup on your headgear. Hand wash them gently in hot soapy water in the sink and/or spray them down with rubbing alcohol to kill those germs.

5. Do you wake up flawless? If not, keep reading...

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A good skincare regimen is sooooo important to maintain a youthful appearance, and of course to combat acne. I literally use 5 products every morning and night to maintain great skin (post coming soon!). You should wash your face at least once a day with a good cleanser (twice if you wear makeup), tone your skin to remove any residue, treat your skin with some type of acne-fighting oil such as Tea tree oil, and moisturize your skin with a lightweight lotion or serum. PS. I am not a fan of applying coconut oil to my face because it can clog pores, but to each their own.

6. It's so cliche, but you ARE what you EAT!

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I love chocolate, popcorn, honey buns, and anything sugar! However, I don't look like it. Why? It's called balance and knowing when to chill out. Everything you put into your body shows through your skin. Whenever I have sugar rush moments (or days :-/), I combat them with 2-3 weeks of post-cleansing. Which basically consist of nothing but water, fruits, and home-cooked meals. As you get older, your metabolism slows down and doesn't break down fat as quick as it once did. So try your best to drink more water daily, detox (lemon water), and cut down on sugary/fatty foods. Your body will thank you!

7. Good ol' Body Formula!

Teyana Taylor / Via gq.com

Yea, there's nothing really fancy about this one (besides that Teyana photo)! Sometimes problematic acne is caused by your genetic makeup and/or hormones! If you follow all the tips above and still see those self-esteem busters popping up to say hello, then I would suggest seeing a dermatologist. Maybe the issues aren't external, and you may need something a bit stronger. One summer I broke out really bad and was prescribed a medicated acne ointment, and received an allergy test to figure out what my body doesn't agree with. You never know what you may discover if you look within. That's all folks!