8 Zit-Causing Holiday Situations

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No. 1: The experimental hairstyle zit

Talk about a sneaky breakout. I finally achieve a rock star pompadour, and the next morning I have this huge zit on my forehead. Reason? Too much hair product.

Seriously. It’s called “acne mechanica,” or “pomade acne,” and it’s when you get pimples from excess hair care products that touch the skin and block the pores, says Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Pomade acne tends to appear more frequently around the holidays because you’re more likely to try out new hairstyles with all the events and parties you’re attending.

To prevent this from happening, look for oil-free hair mousses and pomades, and don’t apply them too close to your hairline. Also, be careful when wearing hats. Hats absorb the product, and since people rarely wash their hats, this can lead to germ and product build-up, says Dr. Debra Jaliman, dermatologist and author of “Skin Rules.” She recommends swiping the inner rim of your hat with an alcohol wipe after you take it off.