You’ve probably noticed that you always get blemishes in the same spot. Whether it’s a pimple on your chin or a blackhead on your nose, it seems like you can’t shake these pesky breakouts. But why do you keep getting blemishes in the same place? We did some digging to find out why and how you can prevent these stubborn breakouts.
The Science Behind Your Breakouts
So, why do you tend to get blemishes in the same spot? Well, it turns out there’s a scientific reason for it. Dr. Schultz explains, “When you sleep on your side or stomach, your face is constantly rubbing against your pillowcase, which leads to irritation. This irritation then shows up on the skin as redness, dryness, flakiness, and sometimes even breakouts.” In other words, when you sleep on your face (which we know you’re not supposed to do), blemishes tend to pop up in the areas where your skin is touching the pillowcase—hence why you always see them in the same spot.
How to Prevent Breakouts
So, now that you know why you keep getting blemishes in the same spot, what can you do about it? Dr. Schultz has a few recommendations:
1. Sleep on your back: This may be easier said than done, but sleeping on your back will help prevent breakouts because your skin won’t be touching the pillowcase as much. If you have trouble sleeping on your back, try using a special pillow designed to keep you from rolling over onto your stomach or side during the night.
2. Wash your pillowcases regularly: Even if you aren’t prone to breakouts, it’s important to wash your pillowcases frequently because they can collect dust mites, pollen, and other allergens that can cause irritation and lead to breakouts. Aim to wash them at least once a week.
3. Use a gentle cleanser: Washing your face with a gentle cleanser will help remove any irritants that may be causing breakouts. Avoid using harsh scrubs or cleansers as they can further irritate the skin and make breakouts worse. Instead, opt for something hydrating and gentle that won’t strip away natural oils.
4. Moisturize regularly: Keeping your skin hydrated will help combat dryness and flakiness—two things that can lead to breakouts. Opt for a light moisturizer that won’t clog pores like our Water Gel Moisturizer—it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic so it won’t leave skin feeling greasy or oily.
5. Exfoliate once or twice a week: Exfoliating helps slough off dead skin cells that can accumulate and lead to breakouts. However, be careful not to overdo it as exfoliating too much can actually irritate the skin and make breakouts worse. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week tops.
6. Wear sunscreen daily: Not only is sunscreen important for preventing sun damage, but it also helps keep pores clear by absorbing excess oil production—one of the leading causes of breakouts! Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours when spending time outdoors and opt for one with SPF 30 or higher for optimal protection against harmful UV rays.
Following these tips can help prevent breakouts caused by sleeping on your face—but they might not completely eliminate them (especially if you have sensitive skin). If you still find yourself dealing with frequent breakouts, it might be time to see an esthetician as there could be an underlying issue causing them. While acne is incredibly common—affecting more than 50 million people in the United States alone—it shouldn’t be something you have to deal with on a daily basis. Don't hesitate reach out to us or an esthetician who can develop a treatment plan tailored specifically for you and your individual needs.
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