Many people see me in the office for breakouts on their face, neck, chest and back. And while the focus is on the many wonderful treatments offered to help cure acne and related breakouts, often exposures to certain environmental things also contribute. Identifying these environmental triggers and eliminating them will help.

Fabric Softener
Fabric softener leaves a film on fabrics to allow for their softness. However on those items that come into direct contact with your face, this film can contribute to clogged pores, breakouts, rashes and irritation. If you do tend to use fabric softener on material such as on towels, sheets and pillowcases, switch to hand washing and hanging dry. Cleanse these items preferably with a hypoallergenic and low toxin detergent.

Cell Phone
Your mobile phone comes in contact with your face daily; sits idle and collects dust at night. And almost nobody cleans it, ever. So, it is no surprise that your mobile phone is a petry dish of bacteria. If you have noticed that you tend to get breakouts or clogged pores on one side of your face, most likely in front of your ear and sides of cheeks, look at what side you generally talk, on your mobile phone. If your breakouts are on the same side, that makes it the most likely culprit. What to do? Cleaning your cell phone display with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide weekly, if not daily, will help. Just use a slightly damp swab wipe over the display and buttons, careful not to use too much fluid. Let dry. This should help

Landline Phone
Just like the mobile phone, your home phone or landline is also a petri dish of bacteria due to its multiple users and contact against the skin. It sits for endless periods of time collecting dust and bacteria. And almost nobody can claim to clean his or her phone regularly. The distribution of breakouts, however, from the landline phone is generally at the chin level. Generally follow the same instructions as the cell phone. Wiping the phone receiver clean with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide swab. In addition, avoid resting the telephone receiver on your chin while talking.

Pillowcase
Several factors can make the pillow and pillowcase a cause of breakouts. Dirt, oil and bacteria will collect each night, it is important to wash or replace your pillowcase at least weekly. Use a fragrance free cleanser and do not use any fabric softener. In addition, the pillowcases should be made from cotton. Silk or synthetic fabrics do not allow the skin to breathe and could trap dirt, bacterial and oil against the skin, resulting in clogged pores. Finally, replacing the actual pillow every six months to one year, is another important step.