5 Main Causes of Acne and How to Avoid Breakouts

If you have acne, then you are in good company. According to the American Academy Of Dermatology, about 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from it. Around 85% of those who are 12 to 24 years old have at least one minor acne episode.

What is Acne?

When your hair follicles become infected with dead skin cells and oil, acne develops. It can lead to pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Although it’s usually seen with teenagers, it can affect people of all ages.

Although there are effective treatments, acne can still be persistent. The natural healing process takes time, and new bumps and pimples will often appear. If you have severe acne, then it can scar the skin and cause emotional distress.

The earlier you start treatment and minimize the effects of acne, the better. Thankfully, there are many pimple kit options to buy online. These kits will help those suffering from acne clear up the pimples they have and help prevent new ones from forming.

What Causes Acne?

Various factors can affect the skin and lead to acne breakouts. When the sebaceous glands become overworked, the oil that’s produced becomes mixed with dead skin cells, which then causes the bacteria to multiply and cause inflammation. Below are some of the top five causes of acne.

1. Hormones

During puberty, the increase in androgens can lead to the development of more oil-producing sebaceous glands under the skin. However, too much of this oil can damage the walls of the pore, allowing bacteria to grow. Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and the use of oral contraceptives, can also affect the production of sebum.

2. Genetics

Studies have shown that genetics can play a role in the development of acne. If both of your parents have acne, then you’re more likely to get the condition.

3. Using Oil-Based Products

Many types of lotions, makeup, moisturizers, and hair products contain sulfates that clog pores and can lead to breakouts. If you’re looking for an effective way to prevent acne, then try using products that contain ingredients that are known to help unclog the pores on your skin. Some of these include coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mineral oil. If you’re worried about the chemicals in laundry detergent, look for non-comedogenic options.

4. Anxiety and Stress

Stress and anxiety can greatly affect your levels of hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can make acne worse. These hormones stimulate the production of testosterone, which can then clog the pores.

5. Certain Medications

Certain types of medications are known to make acne worse. Any drugs that contain corticosteroids, androgens, or lithium will increase the likelihood of breakouts.

How to Avoid Breakouts

Resolving a recurring acne problem takes time and patience. There is no such thing as an instant cure. To help avoid breakouts, try some of the following:

1. Keep Your Face Clean

One of the most important steps that you can take to prevent acne is to regularly wash your face. Washing your face twice a day can help remove dead skin cells and excess oil from your skin’s surface. However, washing more than twice a day could do more harm than good. Use warm water, a mild facial cleanser, and gentle body soap.

2. Use Moisturizer

If you’re looking for a product that doesn’t contain ingredients that can cause acne, then try using a non-comedogenic one. This means that it doesn’t have to be harsh or clog your pores. Various types of moisturizers are designed for combination, oily, or dry skin.

3. Use Less Makeup

If you’re experiencing a breakout, avoid wearing makeup, as well as powder and blush. If you can’t avoid doing so, try using non-comedogenic products. These are those that contain no chemicals or dyes and are labeled as non-comedogenic. Before you buy, read the ingredients list to make sure that the product is not causing acne.

4. Pay Attention to the Hair Products You Use

If you use products that contain oils, fragrances, or pomades on your hair, they can clog and irritate your skin. Washing your hair regularly can help prevent it from getting on your face. If you have long hair, keep it away from your face to prevent it from contributing to the oil buildup on your skin.

There may not be a magic cure for acne, but knowing what causes it and how to prevent breakouts can help sufferers manage it. The key is to stick with what works for you and your skin type.