Banish those blemishes!

NEW YORK— One of the things I miss most about being a full-time beauty editor (and living in Manila) is having smooth, zit-free skin that could rival any Belo-treated starlet’s. In Manhattan, a trip to a reputable dermatologist can cost the equivalent of one month’s rent.

That said, zapping zits has become a universal woe. After all, whether one lives abroad or in local shores (with full access to every pore-pleasing treatment available), pimples are a fact of life, triggered by a multitude of elements: from hormonal imbalances and stress to random allergic reactions.

Being vigilant about the following common culprits should help minimize the occurrence of breakouts:

Sheets and towels. Dirty sheets and towels can gather dead skin cells, oil and bacteria, which can damage skin, especially if it’s already acne-prone. Change towels weekly and sheets once every two weeks.

Laundry detergent. Household products like the detergent you use to wash clothes, sheets and towels can give you allergy. If you already have sensitive skin, opt for gentler washes, like those for babies. They have less additives and fragrances.

Men’s skincare. Your hubby’s shaving cream, body soap and styling wax, unfortunately, can trigger allergic reaction and/or worsen existing blackheads and whiteheads. The oils and emollients commonly found in men’s grooming products are notorious for clogging pores. Choosing similar brands or even sharing products that already work for you should help remedy this problem.

Personal-care products. Day-to-day products such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner—basically anything and everything that graces and touches your face (even your mobile phone!)—are to watch out for. Test-run each new product you buy to make sure your skin doesn’t react. If you find tiny whiteheads along your hairline, chances are, it’s your shampoo. If the bumps are along your jawline, it could be your toothpaste. And so forth.

When it comes to keeping your face smooth and zit-free, err on the side of being thorough, germ-free and O.C.

Mariel Chua is the former beauty editor of Cosmopolitan, Seventeen and Ok! Magazine. She is now based in New York City. Visit NyMinuteNow.com.

(Original article link here.)