Common Causes for Acne Breakouts

Acne can affect anyone, at any time, no matter your age. Despite stereotypes, acne is not an ailment that affects only young adults and teenagers. It can be an uncomfortable skin condition throughout anyone’s life. While in some cases acne can be due to genetics, there can be other causes, many due to lifestyle. Acne can be prevented or managed by making adjustments to one’s lifestyle.  Read on for more information on why you might be experiencing acne, and how you can prevent future breakouts. 

1. Hormone Imbalance

One common cause for acne is hormone imbalances, and while it can affect both men and women, it is especially prominent in pregnant women and women going through menopause. Caused by excess sebum in oil glands, hormonal acne can appear in the form of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts, often bringing with them pain and discomfort. Hormonal changes can increase the amount of oil (sebum) your skin produces, clogging hair follicles as it interacts with bacteria on the surface of the skin. 

Women may notice acne breakouts occur during times of hormone changes, including around their period, during pregnancy, during menopause, or after discontinuing birth control. Men undergoing testosterone treatment may also see an increase in acne. It can also be caused by pre-existing medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and other ovarian and metabolic conditions. If you are pregnant and notice you are experiencing hormonal acne, it is important to consult your healthcare professional before undergoing any treatments. 

2. Food Sensitivities

Skin conditions such as acne can also be a symptom of food intolerance. While you may have no known food sensitivities, it is possible one has developed, causing the onset of acne. While all foods have the potential to trigger acne breakouts if you are intolerant, there are certain foods that can be especially problematic, including: alcohol, corn, nuts, sugar, dairy, gluten, wheat, and yeast. You may be able to identify the root cause of your acne, and improve your digestion, by undergoing a food intolerance test. 

You can work towards improved skin by adjusting your diet. Eating natural and vitamin-rich food that contain Vitamin A, zinc, and Omega 3’s can improve overall skin health. By combining avoiding foods you may be intolerant to and boosting your diet with skin-friendly foods, you can take a proactive approach to acne treatment. Dr Cecilia Ho can assist you in finding a diet that works for you, treating skin conditions and restoring digestive balance. 

3. Stress

You may also notice that your acne flares up when you are in stressful situations.  While stress is unlikely to cause acne, it can be a culprit in causing flareups or worsening of an existing condition. Studies show that sebum-producing cells have receptors for stress hormones, and excess sebum can clog hair follicles leading to pimples or acne cysts. 

Stress and acne can combine to create a harmful cycle. Experiencing stress also makes it more likely that an individual will interact with their acne, picking or popping individual pimples, and ultimately causing the condition to worsen… in turn causing more stress. If you are experiencing worsening acne, try to identify and eliminate any causes of stress in your life. If the root of your stress is something you cannot change, be aware of your habits and ensure you are not picking at any acne blemishes. While removing stress can reduce your acne symptoms, it cannot treat the root cause, and so it is important to see your healthcare professional for treatment. 

4. Cosmetics & Personal Care

Acne can also be worsened by poor skincare routines or hygiene practices. Certain skin care products can irritate skin, or even prompt skin to produce excess sebum, causing breakouts. To avoid this, use only products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or that won’t clog pores. Wash your face when you apply cosmetics, as long-term wear can cause breakouts—even those that are otherwise acne-friendly. 

You should also be aware of any cosmetics that you are using on your skin. While cosmetics may not be the root cause of a breakout, continued use of cosmetics on damaged or infected skin could cause transfer of bacteria onto the product, worsening existing blemishes with each use. Ensure you never share makeup with others, as this can also cause transfer of skin cells, oil, and bacteria that will clog your pores. If you are experiencing an active breakout, you may want to halt the use of cosmetics to allow your skin time to recover. 

If you suffer from acne, it is not a lost cause.  Understanding the root of the issue and making corresponding changes to your lifestyle can help to prevent outbreaks in the future. If you find that your acne is worsening, you may wish to seek additional help.  Dr. Cecilia Ho, Naturopathic Doctor at the AIM Clinic can help to diagnose the root cause of your acne, as well as prescribe appropriate plans of treatment. Call 905-492-8688to book your appointment.