Why Is Your Face Breaking Out?

Acne breakouts are very common and despite your diet and fitness routine they can emerge out of nowhere. They are especially embarrassing when they occur at prominent areas on the face and right before any big event or function. Acne and their timing is connected to genetics, our skin care habits, hormones and also our skin’s natural tendency to clog pores.

What Is Acne Breakout?

Acne breakout is essentially a pimple that has formed on the surface of the skin on the face or body. It is a result of the skin pores being blocked by excess sebum (natural oil), skin debris, dirt and grime. Acne causing bacteria thrive in such an environment and cause acne to form that can be filled with pus. Inflammation (or swelling) and redness at the affected site are common accompaniments of acne breakout.

Acne breakout around the mouth or anywhere on the face such as the cheeks or chin is a skin concern that troubles adults and teens alike because of being very noticeable.

Must Read: Safe And Effective Pimple Treatments

What Causes Your Face To Breakout?

1. Hormones – Hormones play a crucial role in causing acne outbreak at any point in our lives. Some hormones like progesterone, testosterone, etc. can fluctuate and cause increased production of sebum. This excess oil on the skin plugs the pores and leads to acne breakouts. Both teenagers and adults can suffer from acne breakouts due to a hormonal imbalance.
2. Unhygienic Skin Care Routine – Not washing the face regularly or using products not meant for your skin type can irritate the skin and cause pimples. Sweat left on the skin can also plug pores easily and prove to be suitable environment for acne causing bacteria to grow in. Acne breakout on back is often seen as a result of not taking a shower after a physical activity that has caused sweating.
3. Stress – This is often a cause of acne breakouts in adults. Stress can impact the production of natural oils by the skin and increase it to the levels where it can easily block the pores and thus acne is formed.
4. Pollution – Pollutants in the environment can clog pores on the skin and cause acne breakouts. Such acne is often red and inflamed because of the irritation caused by the pollutant particles.
5. Makeup – Using the wrong makeup products can cause both excess oil production and pore blockages. Additionally, not removing makeup before sleeping gives the makeup ingredients a high chance of clogging your pores.
6. Others – Apart from these, other causes of acne breakouts include smoking, unhealthy diet, wearing hats and sensitivity to certain ingredients in hair or skin products.

Must Read: What Is The Best Skincare For Acne Prone Skin?

How Can You Stop Acne Break Outs On Face?

The treatment for acne breakouts depends on the severity of the acne and also, on the site of the affected skin.  The following methods are frequently used for treating acne breakouts on face –

• Chemical Peels For Acne – Dermatologically approved alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids are applied on the affected skin to thoroughly exfoliate and remove all the dead skin cells and debris. The chemical peels used can also help to regulate sebum production. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, TCA and other acids are used for acne breakout treatment in appropriate concentrations.

• Laser Treatment For Acne – In some cases, the acne breakouts can be brought under control and future breakouts can be prevented by exposing the affected skin to a certain wavelength of laser light under controlled conditions. The energy from the laser lowers the natural oil levels in the skin and also helps to kill the acne. bacteria. Specific lasers are also used to eliminate the scars caused by moderate and severe types of acne.
• Topical Medications – For mild to moderate acne breakouts, the dermatologist may prescribe topical lotions or creams that contain the right dosage of acne fighting ingredients such as vitamin A derivative. The doctor may also advise certain skin care products (cleanser, moisturizer, etc.) that would suit your acne prone skin the best and to be used while using the prescribed medications.
• Oral Medications – In addition to the topical creams, you may be prescribed some oral medications. A frequently prescribed medication for acne breakout treatment is . The dosage of this medication is determined by the dermatologist depending on the severity of your acne and your body weight. Oral antibiotics are also often prescribed to target the acne causing bacteria and kill it. These oral medications reduce sebum production, keratinization, inflammation and redness.
• Creams And Lotions – Over the counter medications or lotions containing benzoyl peroxide or mild concentrations of salicylic acid only work to a certain extent and do not offer long lasting relief from the acne problem.

In the case of cystic acne breakout, wherein the acne is in the most severe stage and the skin is extremely prone to scarring, topical treatments are often avoided. Oral medications are the preferred course of treatment by experienced dermatologists for such acne. However, the treatment is altered and personalized, based on the individual case.

Must Read: How Much Does It Cost To Get A Chemical Peel?

How To Prevent Acne Breakouts?

Managing acne breakouts becomes easier when preventive measures are taken to keep the skin clean and healthy. Follow these tips to prevent and  clear acne fast –

1. Use non-comedogenic skin care products that suitable for your skin type.
2. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before stepping out and make sure to reapply it every few hours. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 20.
3. Cleanse and moisturize your skin twice a day. Always wash your face after a day out in the pollution and sun.
4. Remove all trace of makeup from your skin before you go to bed.
5. Exfoliate your skin 1-2 times a week.
6. Pay attention to not just your face but also your body when it comes to exfoliation as acne breakouts on back, chest, etc. are as common as acne breakouts on cheek, chin, and other parts of the face.
7. Do not touch your face unnecessarily or pick at your acne. This can aggravate the problem and even cause acne scars.
8. Drink eight to ten glasses of water in a day to keep the skin hydrated and the blood circulation optimal.
9. Eat a healthy and well balanced diet that contains ample servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and protein.
10. Avoid foods that cause acne like fried, spicy food, junk food, sugary drinks and fast foods.
11. If dairy is a trigger for your acne breakouts, stay away from it.
12. Change your pillowcase often if you have acne prone skin.

Must Read: How To Prevent Pimples On Face?

The anxiety and stress caused by acne breakouts is troublesome and embarrassing for men and women of all age groups. Acne, at all stages of severity, is conveniently manageable under the right guidance of an experienced dermatologist and an appropriate skin care routine.