Acne really can determine what happened to your body and what health problems you may have. But in most cases, it is all caused by very simple lifestyle matters that can easily be changed right away. The thing to do is to figure out what triggered another pimple and what we can do today to prevent it from occurring in the future.
We at Bright Side have checked out the causes and would like to share this useful knowledge with you that’ll change your life from now on. But please keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before you take any action or treatment.
1. Around the mouth
Acne around your mouth can occur if the skin in this area is irritated or frequently touched, like, by a cell phone or some other objects like helmet straps or musical instruments. Different cosmetics and facial products might also be the cause. As well as hormones and genetics.
First of all, if it appears frequently, see a dermatologist who will find a proper treatment that will work for you. But in any case, it’s always better to prevent it rather than to cure it. So make cleaning your skin with a gentle or mild cleanser twice a day a routine. Use makeup labeled as “non-comedogenic” (non-pore-clogging) and oil-free products, and please avoid touching your face.
2. On the nose
Our nose is one of the most common areas of the face to develop acne. It’s because its pores are typically larger, which makes it easier for dirt and bacteria to clog them up. What’s more, the skin here is also oilier and consequently more vulnerable to acne.
Nose acne can be triggered by diet, stress, and certain medications. Sometimes it can be a sign of more serious underlying health issues. But the most common cause is poor hygiene. So it’s always good to add some Tea Tree Oil to your routine, which is a very gentle and effective treatment against acne, or sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur which will prevent bacteria on the skin from multiplying. In very severe cases, consult a dermatologist.
3. On the forehead
The significant factor here is the same — an increase in oil production on your skin. But sometimes, it’s hard to figure out why it happens. Especially if you don’t take certain medications, and it’s not hormones or stress. It is interesting to know that our hair can be the source of forehead acne.
If your hair is oily, the oil can get on your forehead and clog its pores. Different pomades, gels, and waxes also may be the cause as they often contain cocoa butter or coconut oil and can leave your skin extra oily. A gentle cleanser can solve this problem. If it doesn’t help, try to avoid any oily hair products and just wash your hair more often.
4. Jaw and neck
If you think that acne, in general, may be hormonal, there’s good news for you: it’s not all like that. When certain hormone levels change, it can lead to increased androgens — the common contributing factor to adult acne. But there are some areas that are true indicators of hormonal fluctuations, and they include our jaws and neck.
It’s completely okay if fluctuations happen during menstrual cycles. It can also be caused by taking medications like birth control. In severe cases, it may be a medical condition, but most of the time a non-comedogenic cleanser, moisturizer, and acne treatment can solve the issue. Just like basic sun safety and proper sunscreen use.
5. On cheeks
Cheek acne is also a very common problem, especially now that we all have cell phones. Yes, not just touching your face, but even a mere phone conversation can cause some pimples to appear in this area. Phones are great at spreading bacteria. As well as dirty pillowcases and sheets and other objects that come into contact with your skin.
Cheek acne may be hormonal. But it is way more possible that it’s being caused by certain lifestyle habits. So this time, everything can be solved by a few simple changes. Like wiping down your phone before each use and not taking it to any germy places like the bathroom. Changing pillowcases and sheets every week is also a good idea, just like washing your hands regularly.
6. On your back
Back acne can be a mere allergy to sunscreen, moisturizer, body creams, massage oils, and wax. It also may be caused by our sweat, which mixes up with oil and toxins on our skin and clogs the pores. That’s why a quick shower after training is so important. And a proper washing of your back is a must.
Dirty clothes, blankets, and pillows can become a major cause of back acne as well. Clothes that are too tight are also a bad idea. They don’t allow your skin to breathe, which can cause irritation and, consequently, pimples on your back. If there is no obvious outer cause, it is better to pay attention to your diet and check to see whether you are getting sufficient nutrients. Stress could be the cause here too.
7. On legs
Acne is mainly the result of bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells trapped in hair follicles and clogging the pores. It leads to inflammation and, on the legs, is entirely a physical issue. It’s typically caused by some athletic equipment rubbing against your skin or clothing or undergarments that are too tight.
But be cautious. People can often confuse acne on their legs with similar conditions as folliculitis, eczema, or keratosis pilaris. So if it is itchy and painful, it’s better to consult a doctor and use a professional treatment.
8. On your chest
Chest acne develops for pretty much the same reasons as on our backs and legs. For instance, if you have sensitive skin, harsh laundry detergents can clog and irritate your hair follicles. So it is better to choose sulfate- and fragrance-free hypoallergenic products when planning your next washing routine.
Wearing clothing that is too tight, or that doesn’t breathe well during your athletic training also can trap sweat, oil, and bacteria in the pores of your skin. This can also happen as a result of using certain body lotions that contain pore-blocking ingredients. So make sure to look for fragrance- and oil-free versions next time. They are usually labeled as non-comedogenic, which means they don’t clog pores.
What other methods do you use to prevent acne on your face and body? Have you managed to do it by changing only certain lifestyle habits?
Preview photo credit natali_ploskaya / Shutterstock.com, anastas_ / Depositphotos.com
Years of Mocking My Weight Couldn’t Prepare My Husband for the Talent That Left Him Stunned
For years, my husband mocked my weight, often using cruel remarks to chip away at my self-esteem. I turned to food for comfort, and our already strained marriage only worsened. The breaking point came when he humiliated me in public, comparing me to a slim, beautiful woman. That moment sparked a fire in me to take control of my life. What he didn’t expect was the talent I would soon reveal, leaving him speechless.
For as long as I can remember, I struggled with my weight. No matter how hard I tried, the extra pounds clung to me like an unwelcome shadow. My dream had always been to become a skilled pastry chef, and the kitchen became my sanctuary, where I spent countless hours perfecting my desserts. Creating art from flour and sugar was my escape, but tasting everything I made became part of the process. The more I baked, the more I ate, and before I knew it, the weight piled on faster than I could have imagined. Each glance in the mirror left me feeling like a stranger in my own body. And Bryce, my husband, only made it worse.
“Maybe if you spent more time at the gym and less in the kitchen, you’d look better in that dress,” he’d say with a smirk. Those words cut deep. I’d overhear him on the phone, laughing with his friends about my weight, thinking I couldn’t hear him. But I always did. And it hurt.
There was a time when I was always by Bryce’s side, the perfect, supportive wife. I attended all his work events, always with a smile, but as the pounds added up, my confidence plummeted. I stopped going out with him, becoming a shadow of the woman I used to be, hiding away in the kitchen while Bryce continued to live his life without me. I felt lost, drowning in a sea of self-doubt and loneliness.
Everything changed the night of an important event—the first one I was catering as a chef. My desserts were the highlight of the evening, a moment I had dreamed of for months. Bryce was also attending, as the party was hosted by his business partner, Rowan. As we arrived, I felt a wave of anxiety, smoothing down my dress nervously. But as soon as we stepped inside, I noticed Bryce’s attention drifting toward a slim, attractive woman across the room. Her name was Elise, and she captivated everyone with just a smile. Bryce’s gaze lingered on her.
“Now that’s how a woman should look in a dress,” he said, his voice dripping with admiration. Then, with a glance at me, he added, “Maybe you should ask her for some tips, sunshine.” His words stung, and I could feel my confidence crumbling with each passing moment. Bryce found every excuse to be near Elise, leaving me feeling more invisible than ever. I wanted to disappear.
That’s when I met Rowan. He was standing in the same corner, unnoticed by the crowd, but unlike me, he wore a warm smile. When he spoke, his gentle humor immediately put me at ease. We started talking, and the topic of my love for baking came up. Rowan listened with genuine interest and then surprised me with an opportunity. He suggested I try to win the tender for developing the dessert menu for his restaurant. My heart leaped at the chance, but before I could respond, Bryce appeared, loud and brash.
“Well, if it isn’t the star of the show,” Bryce said, turning to Rowan. “Thanks for the invitation, but we need to head home. Gotta drop Elise off as well, you know how it is.” Then, with a smug grin, he added, “You should consider Elise for your team. She’s got a real knack for culinary stuff. We had a great chat about it.” I could barely believe what I was hearing. My own husband was recommending a woman he’d just met, dismissing everything I had worked so hard for.
As soon as we got home, I confronted Bryce. “How could you suggest Elise, of all people, to Rowan? What about me? Don’t you think I’m capable?” Bryce shrugged, not even looking at me as he loosened his tie. “Oh, come on, sunshine. It was just a suggestion. Don’t take it so personally.”
Those words were the final straw. Inside, something shifted—a resolve I hadn’t felt in years. “I’ll show you,” I whispered to myself. “I’m going to prove that I’m worth something. You’ll see.”
I threw myself into my work, determined to make the most of Rowan’s offer. With a budget in hand and a team of assistants, I dedicated myself to developing the dessert menu. It wasn’t easy, but for the first time in years, I felt truly alive. I also started taking care of my health, beginning each day with a run and exercises at home. Each push-up and sit-up was a small victory, a step closer to reclaiming my confidence.
Bryce, of course, didn’t miss a chance to belittle me. “You think those leggings are doing you any favors?” he’d say, or “All this work, and for what? You’re still the same, Clara.” But I didn’t let his words deter me. I kept pushing forward, keeping Rowan’s competition a secret. This was something I had to do for myself.
The day of the competition finally arrived. The event was set up like a culinary show, with stations for each chef to present their creations. Judges and guests would taste each dish and decide the winner, who would secure the contract and represent the restaurant. As I looked around at the other chefs, all seasoned professionals, doubt began to creep in. What if I wasn’t good enough?
Then I saw Elise. She was even more stunning up close, her perfect figure only adding to my insecurities. “Well, well, if it isn’t the pastry princess,” she sneered. “Shouldn’t the buns be in the bakery, not hanging off the baker?” Her words cut deep, but I forced myself to focus on the task at hand. But when I saw Bryce with her, laughing and chatting, I felt my world collapse. He was there for her, not for me.
Just as I was about to walk away, Rowan appeared by my side. “Clara, I have high hopes for your dessert,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine. “But if you’re too weak to continue, you should leave now. I need a strong team. If you can’t handle the pressure, there’s no place for you here.” His words were blunt, but they reignited the fire inside me. “I can do this,” I whispered to myself, and then louder, “I’ll do this.”
I poured my heart into every detail of my desserts, blocking out everything else. When the results were announced, I stood there in disbelief. I had won the contract! Me—the woman who had been belittled and mocked by her husband—had won.
I looked over at Bryce, and for the first time, he was speechless. But the surprises didn’t stop there. Along with the contract came an opportunity to study in Paris, the culinary capital of the world. When the announcement ended, Bryce’s face twisted with anger. “What the hell, Clara?” he hissed, pulling me aside. “You did all this behind my back? This nonsense? You need to stop this right now and come home where you belong.”
But before I could respond, Rowan stepped forward. “Bryce, Clara is a remarkable woman. From the first moment I met her, I knew there was something special about her. I’ve watched how you’ve treated her, how you’ve tried to break her spirit, and I’ve also seen how she’s changed over the past month. Her determination and hard work have yielded incredible results, and I’m more certain than ever that I’ve fallen in love with an extraordinary woman.”
Bryce was stunned into silence. His eyes widened, and for once, he had nothing to say. Finally, I found my voice. “I am a free woman, Bryce,” I said, looking him directly in the eye. “I deserve more than to live in your shadow, and I will not let you control my life any longer. I want a divorce, and you can go to Elise if that’s what you want.”
Bryce’s face flushed with anger, but he remained speechless. At that moment, Rowan handed me a beautiful bouquet. “Shall we?” he asked, inviting me to dinner. He then revealed another surprise—a pastry chef position waiting for me in Paris. After my training, I could stay there if I wished. “I hope that by then, you’ll have wrapped up your affairs here, and maybe you’ll want to start fresh in a new country. I’ll be there by your side, supporting whatever decision you make.”
A wave of happiness washed over me, and it felt as though the whole world was at my feet, ready to offer me a new life filled with love and creativity.
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