The best way to fight breakouts is to identify their cause and find the right solution. Read on to learn seven factors that cause acne — the last one might surprise you.
1. Unregulated Stress
Daily life pressures trigger inflamed bumps by altering the skin’s immune function, increasing inflammation and disrupting hormones. Your body releases cortisol when stressed, stimulating the sebaceous glands, which produce oil. While natural oils help moisturise the skin, excessive amounts can promote the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Learn to regulate stress levels to maintain skin health. Engage in activities that deflate tension and distress. Exercising, journaling and deep breathing are some stress management strategies you can try.
2. Consuming Unhealthy Foods
Eating processed and sugary products can prompt your body’s chemicals to spiral out of control. Drinking excessive alcoholic beverages has the same effect. Why does this happen? The condition of your gut affects skin health. Processed foods and refined sugars affect your gut microbiome and destabilise your hormones, prompting more breakouts.
The body functions best when it’s well-fuelled through a wholesome diet. Olive oil and nuts provide healthy fats to normalise your body’s regulators. Vegetables and fruits are chock-full of vitamins and minerals.
3. Menstrual Cycle
Acne flare-ups are a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome. About 65% of people report worsening acne during their period.
Maintain zit-free skin during your cycle by using products with salicylic acid, glycolic acid and tea tree oil. These ingredients suit acne-prone and oily skin and help unclog pores. Prescriptions are another option you can get from your doctor. If you continue having breakouts, treatment can minimise scarring and pain during flare-ups.
The first step is to determine what you’re dealing with. Is it blackheads, whiteheads or deep-seated cysts? Each issue will have a different solution. For painful bumps with pus, a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes can help the infection rise to the surface.
4. Using the Wrong Skincare Products
If you’re getting unexplained blemishes, check your skincare supplies. Some formulas contain chemicals that disrupt hormones and irritate the skin. For example, the benzophenone found in sunscreens contains oxybenzone and avobenzone, which may interfere with the endocrine system. Similarly, butylated compounds added to products to preserve their antioxidant properties may also upset hormonal balance.
Some people find the right products for their skin through trial and error. Since no one is the same, what works for others may not work for you. Get an assessment to determine your tone, texture and concerns, and ask your dermatologist about what formulas best suit your type.
5. Exposure to Pollution
The environment is full of floating particles that latch on your skin and block the pores. One study found people who worked near a power plant and were exposed to nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, particulate matter and other pollutants have a higher risk for inflammatory acne.
While you can’t avoid pollution, you can minimise its impact on your health. If you have sensitive skin, protect yourself from airborne dirt and dust by wearing a mask when going out.
6. Genetic
Some people are predisposed to acne — a tricky concern to address. Genes affect skin health in various ways. For example, the interleukin-1 alpha gene prompts keratin production. Keratin is a protein that supports the hair follicles. Too much of it can obstruct the skin’s oil ducts and cause acne. Other people have genes that make them more vulnerable to inflammation.
An individualised skincare routine can manage genetic acne. Some clinics offer custom skincare products tailored to individual needs. An on-site dermatologist will advise you on the best formulas for your skin.
7. Going to Bed Late
Hitting the hay late — even if you get more than seven hours of rest — can induce acne. In a study, 219 women were divided into early and late sleepers. Researchers found that the 121 participants who went to bed at 11 p.m. had a poor skin microbiome. In particular, it was less hydrated, firm and elastic.
Additionally, their wrinkles, sebum and transepidermal water loss — or the volume of water that evaporates through the skin — significantly increased. Regular late bedtimes harm the skin structure and barrier and cause pimples.
Going to bed early has several health benefits. Develop an effective pre-bed routine to condition your body to rest before 11. Soothe yourself with scents or listen to slow music to relieve lingering tensions that prevent you from falling drowsy.
Address Acne With These Tips
The stigmatising attitude toward people with acne has softened, thanks to more people showing their bare faces on social media. However, one cystic acne spit on your chin can still blow your confidence. Follow these suggestions to prevent and treat the problem. Healthy skin will follow if you do things that are good for your overall well-being.
