8 Most Common Causes of Acne

8 Most Common Causes of Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point in their lives. It is caused by oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells becoming trapped in the pores of your skin. These clogged pores can then become infected, leading to red pimples or whiteheads. There are several different types of acne and they tend to have different triggers. However, not everyone has exactly the same experience with acne as others. Acne is such a common problem that it may also be genetic – but there must be some external triggers involved as well. The causes of acne are numerous, varying from person to person and even from outbreak to outbreak. There’s no universal ‘one cause for all cases’ answer for why people get pimples in the first place. However, the majority of the time we can attribute outbreaks to one of these eight causes of acne:

Excessive Skin Care Products

This is a very common cause of acne among women due to the presence of excessive chemicals in the skin care products on the market today. These can include alcohol, parabens, and sulfates – all of which can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts. It’s important to choose a non-comedogenic skin care product, one that won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts. Depending on what skin type you have, acne-specific skin care products can be helpful in keeping breakouts at bay. Many of these contain salicylic acid and other anti-acne ingredients. However, it’s important that you don’t overdo it with the skin care products – too many can cause even more breakouts and damage your skin.

Shaving Mistakes

Excessive hair removal can cause acne breakouts in two ways: shaving and waxing. For example, if you shave too often, you can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. If you’re prone to acne, avoid shaving to prevent these breakouts. Waxing can also cause acne breakouts if you are particularly sensitive to the chemicals used. Many acne treatments contain retinoids, which is a synthetic form of vitamin A. Retinol is often found in skincare products, and it’s particularly useful for those who suffer from acne. Retinol can be found in creams, serums, gels, and lotions. It’s used to combat wrinkles and other signs of aging, but it can also help with acne.

Irritating Products

Certain skin care products can cause acne breakouts by irritating your skin. For example, acne-fighting face washes and scrubs can contain too many harsh chemicals that can dry out your skin and lead to breakouts. You should also avoid popping your pimples as this can lead to scarring and excessive clogging of your pores. If you have acne-prone skin, it’s best to avoid products that contain alcohol, fragrances, and sulfates. If you’re unsure what ingredients are in your current products, check the label. Try to find products that are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores and lead to acne.

Hormone Imbalance

During the menstrual cycle, hormone levels change. This affects the sebaceous glands in your skin, which can cause acne breakouts. Around 80% of women experience acne breakouts around the time of their period, usually during the first two weeks. This is caused by an imbalance in hormone levels as estrogen and progesterone levels drop. For some women, acne may also be caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is a hormonal imbalance that affects the ovaries, causing cysts to form. The excess androgens produced by the ovaries can lead to acne, body hair growth, hair loss, and weight gain.

Genetics

Studies have shown that genetics are a big factor in how acne manifests and how it is treated. For example, when taking isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane), people with a family history of acne are more likely to experience side effects like depression and suicidal thoughts. This is because the drug interacts with serotonin in the brain and can trigger mood changes. Genetics also affect how acne comes out on your skin. Some people may have more cystic acne while others have more closed comedonal acne. Some people may even have acne on their backs or shoulders, while others may only have acne on their face.

Too Much Sunlight Exposure

Excessive sunlight can cause your skin to produce excess oil, leading to acne. This is why people with oily skin who spend long hours in the sun often experience acne breakouts, especially on their face. If you have oily skin, try to avoid spending long hours in the sun – or wear sunscreen to protect your skin. You can also try washing your face with a facial cleanser that contains salicylic acid. If you have dry skin, you should also avoid long periods in the sun. However, if you don’t protect your skin from sunlight, it can lead to long-term damage like wrinkles, sunspots, and even skin cancer.

Consuming the Wrong Foods

Some foods are thought to contribute to acne breakouts, while other foods are thought to be beneficial for acne-prone skin. For example, foods high in carbohydrates, like white rice and potatoes, can cause acne. This is due to the presence of high amounts of glycoalkaloids, which can be found in starchy foods. Glycoalkaloids are known to cause acne by increasing the production of oil in the sebaceous glands. Likewise, foods high in sugar, like chocolate and soda, can also cause acne. This is because they are high in caffeine, which increases the production of sebum in the skin and leads to breakouts.

Bacterial Infection

Some people get acne as a result of a bacterial infection like staphylococcus or a type of streptococcus. This is especially common among people who have had a piercing or injury. If you’ve recently gotten a piercing and are experiencing acne breakouts, it may be due to the piercing getting infected. If you suspect that you have a bacterial infection, you should wash the area with an antiseptic solution and see a doctor. They can prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent it from spreading.


Acne is a common problem that affects most people at some point in their lives. It is caused by oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells becoming trapped in the pores of your skin. These clogged pores can then become infected, leading to red pimples or whiteheads. There are several different types of acne and they tend to have different triggers. However, not everyone has exactly the same experience with acne as others. Acne is such a common problem that it may also be genetic – but there must be some external triggers involved as well. The causes of acne are numerous, varying from person to person and even from outbreak to outbreak. There’s no universal ‘one cause for all cases’ answer for why people get pimples in the first place. However, the majority of the time we can attribute outbreaks to one of these eight causes of acne: excessive skin care products, shaving mistakes, irritating products, hormone imbalance, genetics, too much sunlight exposure, consuming the wrong foods, and bacterial infection.