Are you wondering why you’re suddenly getting acne on your face? Breathe deeply, try not to panic, and let’s talk about this topic first.
Overproduction of sebum (oil) and hormone fluctuations are the primary cause of acne. Sudden active acne often arises during puberty. Eight out of ten teenagers and preteen are experiencing it. Still, other factors take part when it comes to those bothersome pimples. As the American Academy of Dermatology says acne affects up to 15% of adult women. Teenage acne normally appears in the upper part of the face and adult acne usually appears in the lower half of the face. Teenage acne typically appears on the epidermis layer while adult acne is severe and undrainable. In most cases, sex hormones named androgen, and testosterone cause the sebaceous gland to overproduce sebum. Which is the cause of the clogged pores and growth of acne-causing bacteria. Eventually, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pimples appear.
Puberty- Puberty is one of the most typical causes of unexpected breakouts. In this phase body experiences major hormonal changes, particularly an increase in androgen-like testosterone. These hormones stimulate the sebaceous gland and make more sebum, ending up being clogged pores and active acne.
Hormonal imbalance- Hormonal fluctuations are not limited to puberty. Hormonal Imbalance is related to various reasons. An imbalance of hormones like androgens, estrogen, and progesterone affects the skin’s oil glands and increases sebum production, which results in acne.
Poor Diet- A diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and processed foods can provoke acne. These meals could raise blood sugar levels which encourages the body to produce more insulin along with it, this increases sebum production and inflammation in the skin, triggering acne outbreaks. Eat a lot of antioxidants, protein, and fiber like watermelon, cucumber, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, dates, fish, eggs, bone broth, apricots, spinach, kiwi, eggplant, bell peppers, tender coconut water, and curd.
Genetics- Acne is better able to affect you if one or both of your parents have it. Most of the time genetic factors can impact hormone levels, sebum production, and how skin responds to bacteria and inflammation.
Excessive Sebum Secretion- Skin’s sebaceous gland creates an oily substance known as sebum. It keeps the skin hydrated and nourished. However, excessive sebum secretion can cause clogged pores and active acne. To control excessive sebum secretion, use 10% niacinamide serum in the morning and 2% salicylic acid at night. Weekly thrice apply clay mask for 15 to 20 minutes. Use alcohol-free toner. All skincare products should be non-comedogenic and oil-free certified.
Dehydration- Dehydrated skin has weekend pores and poor lubrication, which slow down oil flow and allow oils to trap dead skin cells that haven’t been washed away. This situation blocks pores and develops acne. Staying hydrated from the outside as well as the inside is important. Drink 3 liters of water throughout the day.
Too Much Greasy Foods- Fried and fast foods like chips, pizza, burgers, and french fries are causes of acne. Fried foods are high in trans and saturated fat which cause excessive oil production. Excessive oil clogs pores and forms acne.
Too Much Dairy Foods- It’s yet unknown why cow’s milk or dairy food products trigger acne. Based on one piece of information, dairy cows get artificial hormone injections that impact the amount of milk they produce. As per researchers eating dairy products can affect your hormonal balance because of those injected hormones. This may trigger acne bacteria.
Menopause- Hormone fluctuations are usually the reason for acne during menopause. In this period female sex hormone estrogen level decreases and the male sex hormone called androgen, increases. Increasing androgen can cause excess oil production, excess oil blocks pores and leads the way to acne formation.
Certain Medications- Several medicines like corticosteroids, and some contraceptive pills are made of a certain type of chemical that regulates hormone levels, irritates the skin, clogs pores, and develops acne.
Not Doing Double Cleansing- Double cleansing is a two-step cleansing process. First, would be the cleansing oil which removes a mix of dirt, excess oils, sweat, makeup, and sunscreen from the upper layer throughout the day. And the second water-based cleanser cleanses pores deeper. If the skin is not cleaned properly then dirt, and impurities of the whole day can stay trapped in the skin which results in acne breakouts.
Using Too Much Makeup- Countless makeup is made of oils and other chemicals that can be the reason behind acne. Keep using them can cause more pimples. Avoid using heavy makeup as much as possible.
Comedogenic Skincare Products- Most skincare products are made of comedogenic substances like oils, beeswax, cocoa butter, etc, which can clog pores and build acne. Before using skincare products see the labels, and look for non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic, or oil-free certified skincare products. This type of skincare product will be less likely to cause pore blockage.
Stress and Not Having Enough Sleep- Stress is indirectly related to acne, it can regulate a person’s hormone balance. When the human body is stressed it releases cortisol, a stress hormone, which produces excess sebum and clogs pores, giving acne. Take 8 hours of deep-quality sleep. Do some stretching, meditation, exercise, or walking.
During Period- Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease right before the beginning of the period. This causes the sebaceous gland to produce more sebum. Too much sebum blockage pores and create acne.
What Should Be Done?
Use all skincare products including sunscreen should be non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic, or oil-free certified range.
Clean your face regularly, twice every day.
Follow the double-cleansing method at night.
Use alcohol-free toner.
Use 10% niacinamide serum in the morning and 2% salicylic acid at night.
Wear broad-spectrum and mineral-certified sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher every day in the AM skincare routine and reapply every 8 hours.
Apply clay mask weekly three times.
Stay hydrated, and drink 3 liters of water a day.
Take good quality sleep of 8 hours.
Keep yourself in movement. Do some stress management activities like yoga, meditation, exercise, or walking daily.
Avoid too much sweets, sugar, or sugary foods like cookies, candy, pastries, soft or cold drinks, etc.
Avoid too much dairy foods.
Increase consumption of antioxidants, proteins, and fiber.
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