Acne breakouts can be frustrating, whether you’re experiencing occasional spots or persistent acne that keeps returning. While it isn’t always possible to prevent acne completely, the right skincare, lifestyle habits and treatment can help reduce breakouts and keep your skin under better control.
Understanding what’s contributing to your acne is an important first step. Here, we look at what causes breakouts, common factors that can make acne worse and practical steps you can take to help keep your skin clearer.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that can affect the face, chest and back. It develops when hair follicles become blocked by excess oil and dead skin cells, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots.
Several factors can contribute to acne, including excess sebum production, blocked pores, inflammation, hormones and Cutibacterium acnes bacteria (C. acnes). Genetics can also play a role, which is why acne may run in families.
Although acne commonly begins during puberty, it can develop or continue well into adulthood.
For further information about acne, its causes and management, you can read the British Association of Dermatologists Acne Patient Information Leaflet.
What Can Trigger or Worsen Acne?
Understanding your individual triggers can make managing recurring breakouts easier.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can increase oil production and contribute to breakouts. Some people notice their acne worsens around their menstrual cycle, while conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS/PMOS) may also contribute to hormonal acne.
Pore-Clogging Products
Certain skincare, make-up and hair products can contribute to blocked pores. Choosing products labelled non-comedogenic or non-pore-clogging may be beneficial if you are acne-prone.
Certain Medications
Some medicines can trigger or worsen acne in certain people. If you think a prescribed medication is affecting your skin, speak to your doctor rather than stopping it yourself.
Stress & Lifestyle
Stress doesn’t necessarily cause acne, but it can contribute to flare-ups in some people. There is also evidence that a high-glycaemic diet may influence acne for some individuals, although diet alone isn’t responsible for breakouts.
How Can You Help Prevent Acne Breakouts?
Small changes to your everyday routine can make a difference, particularly when they’re followed consistently.
🫧 Keep Your Skincare Routine Gentle
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, make-up and impurities. Avoid excessive cleansing or harsh scrubs, as irritating your skin can make inflammation worse.
🧴 Choose Non-Comedogenic Products
Look for skincare, sunscreen and make-up designed for acne-prone skin. Heavy or pore-clogging products may contribute to congestion and make breakouts more difficult to manage.
✋ Avoid Picking Your Spots
As tempting as it may be, squeezing or picking acne can increase inflammation, delay healing and increase your risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation and permanent acne scarring.
☀️ Wear SPF Every Day
Daily broad-spectrum sun protection is an important part of an acne-friendly skincare routine. It can also help prevent post-acne marks and pigmentation from becoming more noticeable.
⏳ Give Your Treatment Time
Acne treatments don’t work overnight. Following your recommended routine consistently and giving products enough time to work is important before deciding whether they’re effective.
When Does Acne Need Treatment?
Occasional mild breakouts may respond well to an appropriate skincare routine, but persistent, painful or inflamed acne may require professional treatment. It’s particularly important to seek advice if your acne is beginning to cause pigmentation or scarring.
Depending on the type and severity of your acne, treatment may include ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids, alongside prescription topical or oral treatments where appropriate.
If hormones appear to be contributing to your breakouts, a different approach may be recommended. You can read our guide to hormonal acne treatment to learn more about the options available.
For some patients, in-clinic treatments may also form part of their acne management plan. For example, light-based laser treatment can target overactive sebaceous glands to help reduce inflammation, lesion severity and the frequency of breakouts.
What About Acne Scarring?
Getting active acne under control and avoiding picking or squeezing spots can help reduce your risk of developing permanent acne scars.
If scarring has already developed, treatment will depend on the type and depth of the scars. Options may include microneedling, subcision, chemical peels or laser resurfacing, with different treatments addressing different aspects of acne scarring. Fractional laser treatment, for example, can stimulate collagen renewal to improve the appearance of acne scars and uneven skin texture.
Already dealing with acne scars? Read our guide to acne scarring and the treatment options available.
Struggling to Get Your Acne Under Control?
If breakouts keep returning despite changes to your skincare routine, it may be time to look more closely at what’s causing them.
At Dr.Derme, our team can assess your acne, discuss possible contributing factors and recommend treatment based on your skin and the type of breakouts you’re experiencing.
Book your acne consultation today and take the next step towards clearer, healthier-looking skin.
✨ Book your consultation today at drderme.com/book
📞 Or call us on: 0800 009 6109
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