The Secret Acne Cure That's Hiding In Your Shower

You've probably noticed that the more stressed out you feel, the more your skin rebels with breakouts. But there's another surprising reason you may be experiencing more pimples than usual, and it has nothing to do with anxiety.

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As the weather heats up, something called fungal acne rears its ugly head, no pun intended. And it's actually not acne at all, but a build up of yeast, which happens when you're hot and sweaty, according to Allure. What exactly is happening? "Yeast on the skin can invade hair follicles, causing pus-filled bumps," dermatologist Joshua Zeichner explained to Women's Health.

Ready for the good news? You can banish those bumps by simply swapping out your cleanser or body wash for dandruff shampoo, per Allure. That's because, instead of typical acne-fighting ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, these shampoos are loaded with anti-fungal treatments, such as zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide. These chemicals work "by disrupting the cell membrane of the fungus, which prevents it from growing and replicating," dermatologist Jennifer Chwalek told the magazine. She recommends using dandruff shampoo daily during active breakouts, and then once or twice weekly to avoid flare-ups.

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More at-home acne cures

If it's not fungal acne, but rather the traditional kind, no worries. Your home is still chock-full of effective cures. Medical News Today suggests using honey, which has a host of antioxidants that help clear away the debris that clogs pores and triggers breakouts. Simply dab some on problem areas with a cotton ball, and be sure to stay indoors to avoid unwanted bee encounters. The publication also suggests smoothing on aloe vera gel, which is good for more than just sunburns. It's a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, healing inflamed skin and preventing future pimples.

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Also smart: Aspirin, according to Insider. The pain reliever contains salicylic acid that helps reduce inflammation and dry out pimples, plastic surgeon Joseph Cruise explained. Simply crush the tablets and mix with water to form a paste and apply to affected areas.

Now that you've got these easier-than-ever acne solutions, get ready to bare more skin, worry-free, this summer.

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