A juvenile disease in the collective imagination, acne is however anything but a problem reserved for adolescents, since according to the American Academy of Dermatology , 25% of adults suffer from it, particularly on the back in men, and on the lower of the face in women.

In adults, the problem is due to several factors, some beyond our control (hormones, anxiety), but others can be avoided according to several dermatologists, notably skincare habits.

Generally speaking, acne is caused by poor circulation of sebum in the skin follicles. The hair canal, through which sebum usually comes out, is blocked or obstructed by sebum that is too viscous or produced in excess and by dead skin cells that are poorly evacuated. GQ has identified five habits for you that can worsen or create breakouts.

Using cosmetic products that are too oily

Most creams or products on the market contain oily agents, which can help clog pores. This is what makes the difference between so-called “moisturizing” products, which provide water to the skin, and “nourishing”, which provide lipids (fat), which must be used much more moderately on the areas likely to develop skin rashes. Your choice should instead be cosmetic products labeled “ non-comedogenic ”, or oil-free.

Do take a shower after sport

Exercising is good, but washing right after is better for the quality of your skin. Excess sweating has the same effect as sebum: it blocks pores. It is important to evacuate it before it causes inflammation, and consequently, pimples.

Using harsh cleaners

It can be tempting, faced with small reliefs under the epidermis, to rub them with an exfoliant or an aggressive cleanser. However, dermatologists agree that it is useless, even aggravating. The skin, when attacked, will produce more sebum in reaction, which will clog more pores, and a vicious circle will begin. So you can say goodbye to the 5-in-1 shower gel, and invest in a gentle cleanser, which can also be used for the whole body.

Changing your routine too often

Anti-acne products can sometimes take a few months to have a visible effect. While it is discouraging not to see immediate results, it is necessary to be patient and continue. Progress will also be long term.

Using too many skincare products

The best is the enemy of the good, and when it comes to skincare this phrase takes on its full meaning. To see the routines of stars on social media who pile up around ten products, we would want to accumulate around ten bottles in our bathroom like them. For the sake of your wallet and the balance of your skin, limit yourself to a gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizing product and a sunscreen for the summer, which will be more than sufficient, and will not create an explosive and irritating cocktail on your skin.

[via GQ France]