1. Genetics

If your parents or siblings suffer from acne, the chances that you will too will go up.

2. Picking at Your Face

The more you mess around with your skin or pop the pimples you already have, the more acne you are going to have to deal with.

3. You're Using the Wrong Laundry Soap

If you get acne on your back or chest, you may be having a reaction to your laundry detergent. No, this isn't acne, but you could be mistaking it for acne.

4. Forgetting to Wash Your Makeup Brushes

You should wash your makeup brushes at least once a week in warm water and mild soap. Otherwise, dirt and grime build up, which can lead to breakouts.

5. PMs Can Ruin Your Skin

If it's that time of the month, your hormones may be wreaking havoc on your skin.

6. Exercise Can Cause Pimples

When you sweat, the moisture mixes with the oils on your face, often leading to breakouts.

7. A Shift in the Weather

Changes in weather can sometimes cause your skin to freak out. That includes when winter changes to spring and when fall changes to winter.

8. You're on an Airplane

The air inside an airplane is naturally drier, which can amp up the oil production of your skin, causing more pimples.

9. Are You Pregnant?

Pregnancy totally whacks out your hormones, which as you know will lead to breakouts.

10. You Need a Nap

Skimping on sleep can definitely cause acne. Why? Because it raises the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which often makes itself known by messing with your skin.

11. Maybe It's Your Prescription

Are you taking medication for anything? Check the label because it could be the culprit behind your pimples.

12. You Aren't Eating the Right Foods

What you eat plays a big role in the health of your skin. For most people, sugar, dairy or caffeine is the problem so cutting them from your diet might be the only change you need to make.

13. You Don't Check Labels for Non-comodogenic Products

Non-comodogenic means it won't clog pores so if you aren't making sure your products fit the bill, you could be suffering the consequences.

14. Your Sheets Need to Be Washed

Sheets should be washed in hot water at least once a week to get rid of dead skin cells, products from your skin and hair and other dirt and grime. Forget to toss them in the washer and you could have a breakout.

15. You're Stressing out Big Time

If your job, kids, spouse or financial situation is causing you a ton of stress, your skin may respond by breaking out in a big way.

16. You Should Be Wiping down Your Phone

Your cell phone picks up a surprisingly disgusting amount of junk. When it transfers to your face, it can cause acne.

17. Your Cleaning Schedule is out of Whack

Washing too much and not washing enough can both lead to breakouts. Once in the morning and once at night is all you need.

18. You're Sleeping in Your Makeup

You should know by now that this is a big no-no. Wash your face before bed to prevent breakouts.

19. It Could Be Your Toothpaste

If your breakouts happen around your mouth, you can probably blame it on your toothpaste.

20. Your Routine Shouldn't Be Rushed

Simply going through the motions as fast as you can won't prevent acne. Take your time and do it right.

21. You Need Acne Treatments

If you have pimples and blemishes, you should be using products formulated to target the issue. Talk to your dermatologist about the right one for you.

What causes you to break out? What do you do about it?