Acne 101: How It Happens and What Makes It Worse

Let’s face it—acne can be a real pain. Whether it’s a pesky pimple that shows up before a big event or stubborn breakouts that seem to never end, understanding how acne occurs and what aggravates it can help you manage it better. Ready to dive into the world of acne? Buckle up as we explore what causes those annoying breakouts and what might be making them worse!

How Acne Happens: The Lowdown

So, what’s the deal with acne? It’s a bit more than just a few pimples; it’s a complex process involving several factors. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Clogged Pores: Acne starts when your hair follicles (pores) become clogged with excess oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Think of your pores as tiny tunnels on your skin’s surface. When these tunnels get blocked, they create the perfect environment for acne to develop.
• Bacteria Build-Up: The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) normally lives on your skin, but when your pores are clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, this bacteria can multiply and cause inflammation. This leads to red, swollen pimples and acne.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormones, particularly androgens, can increase oil production in your skin, and make your dead skin cells even stickier. This is why acne is common during puberty, menstrual cycles, and even pregnancy, when hormonal changes are at play.
• Inflammation: When bacteria and oil combine, your skin’s natural inflammatory response kicks in. This inflammation causes the redness, swelling, and tenderness associated with acne.

What Makes Acne Worse: The Usual Suspects

While you can’t always control your hormones, you can control other factors that might be making your acne worse. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Dietary Choices: As mentioned earlier, sugary foods, dairy, and refined carbohydrates can trigger spikes in insulin and inflammation, exacerbating acne. Opt for whole foods and balanced meals to keep your skin in check. Check out our blog – Clear Skin from the Inside Out: How Your Diet Affects Acne
• Stress: High-stress levels can increase hormone production, leading to more oil, increased inflammation, and potentially more breakouts. Stress management techniques like exercise, meditation, and deep breathing can help keep your skin calm.
• Skipping Skincare: Not cleansing your skin twice a day, or using the wrong products (there are many skincare and makeup ingredients that actually make acne worse in some individuals) can lead to clogged pores and more acne. Stick to a consistent skincare routine with cleansers designed specifically to treat acne and non-comedogenic products and makeup. Our favorite makeup that we recommend to all of our patients is Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics. Mineral makeup not only prevents your acne from getting worse but can help soothe inflamed skin with the natural mineral ingredients.
• Touching Your Face: Every time you touch your face, you transfer oils and bacteria from your hands to your skin. Avoid resting your face on your hands or picking at pimples to reduce the risk of new breakouts.
• Overusing Skincare Products: Using too many harsh products or over-exfoliating can irritate your skin and make acne worse. Stick to a simple, balanced routine and introduce new products gradually.
• Sun Exposure: While a bit of sun can seem to help dry out acne temporarily, excessive exposure will lead to increased inflammation and more breakouts. Always use sunscreen and avoid the peak sun hours.

Taking Control of Your Skin

Understanding how acne occurs and what exacerbates it can empower you to take control of your skin health. By making smart choices in your diet, skincare routine, and lifestyle, you can manage and reduce those unwelcome breakouts. Remember, acne is a common and treatable condition, and with the right approach, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Here’s to clearer skin and a confident you!