Why am I breaking out? Acne causes & treatments
When most people think of acne, they think of their teen years and puberty, when pimples can appear almost constantly. But if you’re experiencing acne breakouts past your teen years, you're probably wondering why. When stubborn acne lasts into adulthood, it’s time to take action and turn to a clinician for help.
What causes or contributes to acne?
If you want to stop your acne breakouts, it’s important to first understand what may be causing or contributing to them.
Genetics
Sometimes, stubborn acne runs in the family. But just because your mom or dad struggled with skin breakouts doesn’t mean you need to. Today there are many acne treatment options, and a clinician can customize a treatment plan and recommend specific medications to help heal your skin.
Stress and anxiety
While stress and anxiety may not directly cause acne, studies suggest they can worsen it. Developing healthy ways to cope with stress can help your mental and physical health, including the health of your skin.
Hormone changes
Women tend to experience a lot of hormone fluctuations, making them especially prone to acne. Women who are pregnant, newly postpartum or at a certain point in their menstrual cycle may experience sudden breakouts. Chronic acne that occurs on the chin, jaw, neck or back is also more likely to have a hormonal link.
Skin irritation from shaving
While shaving doesn’t cause acne, it can irritate the blemishes you have. Men who shave their facial hair may experience acne problems on their jawline, cheeks and neck. Keep in mind that razor burn and ingrown hairs can look similar to acne but have different causes and treatments.
Over exfoliation
The skin on your face is delicate and can be easily irritated. And if you’re taking an aggressive approach to manage your acne by using products like chemical exfoliators, targeted spot treatments and acne-fighting face masks, you may be stripping away natural oils and causing skin irritation, microtears and pimples.
Trying new skincare products
That new moisturizer or cleanser may be behind your recent breakout. Skin reactions, including acne flares, can occur after starting a new product. That’s why it’s important to test products so you can see how your skin reacts.
Insider tip
Some acne products like AHAs, BHAs, PHAs and retinol/retinoids cause skin to go through a “purging” phase where skin cell turnover increases and deeper acne is pushed to the surface. This effect typically occurs in the same location where you normally experience acne breakouts and eventually clears up. In these cases, it’s important to continue using the product, especially if it’s a prescribed treatment.
Reaction to fragrances
Facial products that contain fragrance may feel luxurious, but they can irritate your skin – especially if you have sensitive skin. If you experience an acne breakout after using a new product, even if it only contains essential oils, it’s important to stop using it.
Foods that trigger acne breakouts
Some people have food sensitivities that can worsen acne. For example, foods that are processed, sugary or carb-laden may be problematic. Dairy products may also trigger acne. Pay attention to what you’re eating and drinking and take steps to cut out foods or drinks you think could be contributing to your acne.
What should I do if I’m experiencing acne?
There are lots of products out there that promise to produce clear and blemish-free skin. But how do you know what really works? Here are some tips to consider when tackling acne breakouts.
Practice a simple skincare routine
Does your evening skincare routine consist of 20 steps? Cut out unnecessary products and keep it simple with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. Getting back to basics can help give your skin a reset and protect your skin from common acne aggravators like over exfoliation.
Introduce new products slowly
With so many skincare products out there, it’s hard to know what will work for your skin. When trying a new product, keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for acne. Introduce new skin products one at a time and wait at least four weeks before trying another product to see how your skin reacts. If a specific cream or gel makes you break out, note the ingredients to help pinpoint what may be behind a reaction. And when you find a product your skin likes, stick with it.
Avoid picking, touching and popping blemishes
We know how tempting it can be to pick at or pop a pimple. But doing so can cause skin irritation, inflammation and even scarring. It’s important to allow acne to heal on its own. If you have trouble leaving acne alone, consider wearing a pimple patch to keep the area clean and protected.
Get rid of stubborn acne
It can take months to get an in-person dermatology appointment. But you don’t need to wait to see a dermatologist or go in to a clinic to get a customized treatment plan for your acne. You can start an acne visit right now online at Virtuwell by answering a few questions and uploading photos of your skin. Then one of our clinicians will assess your information and customize an acne treatment plan to your skin’s needs that may include a prescription acne medication, recommendations for helpful products and advice on ways to prevent future acne breakouts.
Acne breakouts can be difficult to manage and clear up on your own. Start a visit at Virtuwell and get an acne treatment plan tailored to your skin’s needs.
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