Getting to the bottom of acne outbreak can be quite confusing. Some say it's just a phase, others swear it's a hormonal imbalance, while a friend or two may say it's due to your bad eating habits. So what's really causing your nasty pimple breakouts?
Acne Breakout Cause No.1: Hormones
Your science teacher was right when she said that acne breakouts are a normal part of growing up. This pimply "phase" is actually largely influenced by your hormones. The male sex hormone testosterone, specifically. During the teenage years, both boys and girls get a sudden spike of testosterone in the body. This causes the many changes in the body that goes with puberty. For some reason, extra testosterone also makes the skin's oil glands produce more oil. This extra oil is a magnet for dirt and dead skin cells. These clog the pores and become the beginnings of different kinds of acne.
Adults well past puberty, specifically women, can also get hormone-related acne. This is because testosterone levels also fluctuate with a woman's menstrual cycle. It gets specially high right before the period, which causes premenstrual acne breakouts. Testosterone levels are also intensified in pregnant women, which causes the pregnancy acne that many expecting mothers despise.
Athletes and people who are taking steroid and hormone supplements may also get pimple flareups as a side effect. This is because these supplements contain testosterone, thereby raising the levels of the hormone in the body.
Acne Breakout Cause No.2: Genetics
You really can't escape your genes. Which means, basically, that if you have a particularly pimple-prone parent or two then you'll have very good chances of being pimply too. Some say certain traits can skip a generation though, so keep your fingers crossed.
Acne Breakout Cause No.3: Improper Hygiene
Taking into consideration both your hormones and your genes, another factor that can up your chances of getting pimple breakouts are your skin-cleaning habits. Leaving dirt and dead skin cells to build up on your face and body will only lead to more acne flareups. To keep acne in check, it's a good idea to wash your face and other acne-prone areas twice daily with a cleanser that suits your acne type.
Acne Breakout Cause No.4: Stress
You may not know it, but stress can also lead to acne breakouts. Scientists have discovered that elevated stress hormones also make your testosterone levels spike, which in turn makes you more acne prone. The solution? Minimize the late nights and just chill out and relax.
Acne Breakout Cause No. 5: High-Glycemic Foods
High what? High glycemic foods are basically the kind that makes your blood sugar levels soar, which for some reason makes your skin's oil glands produce excess oil as well. As a general rule, steer clear from foods that are high in sugar or processed carbohydrates. These include junk food like pizza, chips, candies, cookies, and pastries. Just think of it this way - you're not just doing your skin a favor, but your entire body too.
There you have it - the real causes of acne breakouts. Understanding acne is just the first step to addressing your pimple problems. The next step is to find the right acne treatment for your specific acne type.
Acne Breakout Cause No.1: Hormones
Your science teacher was right when she said that acne breakouts are a normal part of growing up. This pimply "phase" is actually largely influenced by your hormones. The male sex hormone testosterone, specifically. During the teenage years, both boys and girls get a sudden spike of testosterone in the body. This causes the many changes in the body that goes with puberty. For some reason, extra testosterone also makes the skin's oil glands produce more oil. This extra oil is a magnet for dirt and dead skin cells. These clog the pores and become the beginnings of different kinds of acne.Adults well past puberty, specifically women, can also get hormone-related acne. This is because testosterone levels also fluctuate with a woman's menstrual cycle. It gets specially high right before the period, which causes premenstrual acne breakouts. Testosterone levels are also intensified in pregnant women, which causes the pregnancy acne that many expecting mothers despise.
Athletes and people who are taking steroid and hormone supplements may also get pimple flareups as a side effect. This is because these supplements contain testosterone, thereby raising the levels of the hormone in the body.
Acne Breakout Cause No.2: Genetics
You really can't escape your genes. Which means, basically, that if you have a particularly pimple-prone parent or two then you'll have very good chances of being pimply too. Some say certain traits can skip a generation though, so keep your fingers crossed.
Acne Breakout Cause No.3: Improper Hygiene
Taking into consideration both your hormones and your genes, another factor that can up your chances of getting pimple breakouts are your skin-cleaning habits. Leaving dirt and dead skin cells to build up on your face and body will only lead to more acne flareups. To keep acne in check, it's a good idea to wash your face and other acne-prone areas twice daily with a cleanser that suits your acne type.
Acne Breakout Cause No.4: Stress
You may not know it, but stress can also lead to acne breakouts. Scientists have discovered that elevated stress hormones also make your testosterone levels spike, which in turn makes you more acne prone. The solution? Minimize the late nights and just chill out and relax.
Acne Breakout Cause No. 5: High-Glycemic Foods
High what? High glycemic foods are basically the kind that makes your blood sugar levels soar, which for some reason makes your skin's oil glands produce excess oil as well. As a general rule, steer clear from foods that are high in sugar or processed carbohydrates. These include junk food like pizza, chips, candies, cookies, and pastries. Just think of it this way - you're not just doing your skin a favor, but your entire body too.
There you have it - the real causes of acne breakouts. Understanding acne is just the first step to addressing your pimple problems. The next step is to find the right acne treatment for your specific acne type.
Andi Allegre is a blogger, freelance writer, and skin care addict guilty of spending more than half her income on beauty and skin products. Once an acne-riddled teenager herself, she has found salvation with the help of acne treatment reviews and is happy to do her share of ridding the world of acne, one pimple at a time. Visit AcneTreatmentReviews.com to learn more about the best acne treatments for your acne type.
