6 Must Knew Causes of Acne Breakouts | Uncovering Acne’s Root Causes

Acne is a skin condition that affects millions of people each year. It manifests itself in the form of red, inflamed bumps on the face, back, chest, and other areas.

This article will explore some of the most common causes of acne breakouts in order to help individuals better understand how to effectively manage and prevent future blemishes.

Learn How to Prevent Acne in this Article 

What is Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that is experienced by people of all genders and ages. It can range from mild to severe, and it affects up to 85% of people aged 12-24.

Acne breakouts are due to a combination of factors, including hormone fluctuations, genetics, certain medications and even certain foods. 

What are the causes of acne breakouts

Following are some of the common Causes of acne breakouts:

1. Hormones. 
2. Genetics.
3. Diet.
4. Stress.
5. Environment.
6. Hygiene.

Hormones: Culprits of Acne

The First and most important causes of acne breakouts are hormones. Many people suffer from acne, and it’s a common skin problem that affects both men and women. Causes of acne breakouts vary from individual to individual, but hormones are one of the most pervasive culprits for many.

• In fact, hormones trigger the production of sweat and sebum in the body which can lead to inflammation and clogged pores that result in pimples. 
• Hormonal factors such as puberty, menstrual cycles, stress-related overproduction of cortisol (the “stress hormone”), pregnancy, menopause or taking birth control pills can all cause an increase in oil production on the face resulting in more frequent breakouts.
• High levels of testosterone (in both males and females) has been linked to an increase in pore size which also contributes to acne formation.

Genetics: Role In Acne?

The Second of causes of acne breakouts are genetics. Genetics are responsible for determining how much sebum our skin produces.

Sebum is an oily substance naturally produced by our bodies which helps to keep skin hydrated and lubricated.

• When too much sebum is produced, it can mix with other substances on the skin such as bacteria and dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
• Genetics also play a role in how sensitive we are to certain hormones associated with acne, such as testosterone and progesterone.

Diet: Connection to Acne

The Third of causes of acne breakouts is Diet. The most common dietary culprits when it comes to acne include dairy and high-glycemic foods.

• Dairy products are known to contain hormones that can increase oil production in the skin, triggering clogged pores and inflammation.
• High-glycemic foods such as white bread and candy cause blood sugar levels to spike quickly, leading to an increase in oil production by the sebaceous glands and resulting in breakouts.
• Additionally, eating too much processed food has been linked with increased hormonal activity which could lead to more frequent outbreaks of acne.

Stress: Impact On Skin

Stress is a universal emotion that we all experience on some level. However, when our stress levels become too high, it can lead to physical and emotional changes that can have a detrimental effect on our skin.

Stress-induced acne breakouts are some of the most common concerns amongst those affected by the condition. 

• The hormones released during moments of distress can cause inflammation in the skin and increase sebum production in the body, leading to an excess of oil which causes pores to become clogged and develop into acne lesions.
• This type of acne is usually found around the face, including cheeks, chin and forehead areas as these areas tend to produce more oil than other parts of the body due to their higher concentrations of sweat glands. 
• Aside from physiological changes associated with stress, emotional factors such as increased anxiety or lack of sleep could also contribute to this form of acne breakout.

Environment: Clues to Acne

Have you ever wondered why you have frequent breakouts of acne? It may not be related to your diet or genetics, but rather the environment around you. In addition to the traditional causes of acne, such as hormone changes and bacteria on the skin, environmental factors can also contribute to breakouts. 

The type of environment one is exposed to can be a major contributor to an outbreak or worsening of existing acne.

• Pollution and air quality are one factor that can lead to increased sebum production which clogs pores and leads to inflammation.
• Additionally, dust mites in our homes can irritate skin and cause flare-ups due to their tendency for feeding off dead skin cells. 
• Clearly there are many environmental clues that need consideration when trying to pinpoint what’s causing your recurring breakouts.

Identifying these factors could help reduce the occurrence and possibly clear up existing outbreaks faster.

Hygiene: Essential for Clear Skin

Acne breakouts can cause embarrassment and distress, and everyone wants clear skin. Thankfully, following good hygiene habits may be all that is needed to keep acne at bay. 

Taking care of your skin starts with proper cleanliness.

• Cleanse twice a day with a gentle cleanser such as Neem Skincare Soap or Charcoal Soap Bar with Goats Milk to remove dirt, makeup, sweat and oil buildup on the surface of your skin.
• Additionally, exfoliating at least once a week will help to eliminate dead cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
• Finally, don’t forget about showering after working out or engaging in physical activities as sweat can aggravate existing acne or cause new breakouts.

Following these steps will help reduce the likelihood of having excess sebum production which is one of the main causes of acne breakouts.