Yes, "Back To Reality" Breakouts Are A Thing — Here's How To Deal

It can be difficult to know what, exactly, causes those pesky breakouts, but a 2019 investigational study1 is on the case: Researchers measure what causes this kind of sporadic acne and what to do about it, and we grabbed all of the details below.

Other common names for this kind of acne include “airplane acne” and “nightshift acne,” due to some of the common causes—which you’ll learn more about below. 

After a long summer (hopefully) filled with fun and relaxation, you may be experiencing sudden zits as you embrace a fall schedule—a concept board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., refers to over email as "back to reality" breakouts. Here's what may be causing those unwelcome visitors and how to deal.

Again, vacation is meant to be a time of rest and relaxation. However, this study reveals that it's also a big culprit in terms of sudden breakouts. Try to avoid touching your face to unclean table trays, chairs, and headrests. In addition, be mindful of touching your face when you haven’t washed your hands with soap and water. This will help mitigate the transfer of dirt, grime, and bacteria. 

Lower levels of humidity can dry out the skin, and when the skin gets too dehydrated, it can often produce even more oil to compensate (which can result in breakouts). In order to avoid this dilemma, balance hydration by using a thicker topical moisturizer, even if it feels counterintuitive over oilier areas.

Not to mention, trying new products at any time may cause an initial breakout or irritation (this is different from person to person), so it’s best to keep it consistent while traveling. Rather than buying pre-packed, TSA-approved products, invest in some refillable containers to bring your favorite routine on the go. 

While one night of poor sleep won't tip the scales too far, try to be mindful of the amount and quality of sleep you’re getting each night. Not sure how to go about this? Here are 15 expert-backed sleep tips for a truly restful night. 

Occasional acne is especially common during this time, especially if you're embarking on end-of-summer travels and not getting enough sleep, research finds. Not every factor can be avoided, but you can be mindful about what you can control in an effort to reduce the chances of breakouts. If you want to dive deeper into what causes different forms of acne, check out this comprehensive guide.