Eight Causes Of Acne Flare-Ups

It is normal for people to be consistent in their skin care regimen and still feel like they are fighting a losing battle with acne. Even though we associate acne with teenagers, it can affect people of any age. Some individuals struggle with acne so frequently that they develop scars. If you have clogged pores and inflamed skin, a consultation with a dermatologist in Webster, TX, is the first step to determine the best acne treatment moving forward.

Acne is characterized by groupings of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and small cysts in the skin. So what causes acne breakouts? When you meet with the professionals at Clear Lake Dermatology, we explain the most common causes of acne and create a custom plan to clear your skin. Schedule an in-person visit or online consultation to get started. We also serve patients in League City, TX.

What causes acne breakouts?

So, what causes acne breakouts? Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the pores of the skin. This may also result in bacterial overgrowth, leading to redness or irritation. Symptoms of acne vary based on the kind of breakout you have and how severe it is. When you visit our dermatologists, we can assess your skin and provide a range of acne treatment options. We are proud to work with patients from the Greater Clear Lake and Bay areas. Read about the common causes of acne flare-ups below.

1. Hormones

Hormonal changes related to estrogen and progesterone can make breakouts worse. This means women going through pregnancy or menopause may struggle with breakouts more frequently than others. Individuals starting or stopping birth control may also experience acne.

2. Genetics

Most cases of acne are hereditary in nature. So if one of your close relatives or family members had acne, you are more likely to get it as well. This can happen whether you have acne as an adult or teenager. Heredity even explains why some people still get acne breakouts even when there are no other triggers involved.

3. Diet

Diet has the potential to balance or disrupt your hormonal levels. Not only that, but some evidence suggests that people can reduce or prevent acne flare-ups by eating healthy and well-balanced meals. Heavily salted food, dairy products, saturated fats, and refined sugars, on the other hand, may cause inflammation and clogged pores.

4. Makeup

Sometimes, cosmetics, like foundation and blush, render your skin sensitive and more prone to pimples. And when makeup is not properly removed at the end of the day, it mixes with the natural oils of our face and creates clogged pores. For clear skin, use light makeup and wash your face at the beginning and end of each day.

5. Skin and hair products

Not all skin or hair products are created equal. Individuals should read the labels of their skin products and look for terms, such as oil-free. This is important because you want to make sure they do not clog pores or stimulate oil production. Hair products, such as conditioners, can also create greasy skin if it is not washed away properly in the shower.

6. Certain medications

Some medications list acne as a side effect on their labels. Common medications include steroids and birth control. When you meet with a dermatologist in Webster, TX, they can determine if a prescription is contributing to your acne breakouts and make recommendations to lessen them.

7. Stress

Many medical studies show a relationship between stressful times and new acne breakouts. When we experience stress in our lives, this causes the level of acne-causing hormones, called androgens, to increase. This stimulates the oil glands that contribute to pimples and acne.

8. Certain lifestyle habits

Some habits may seem small but make a big impact on the skin. Smoking and alcohol intake may be significant triggers for acne flare-ups. Poor sleeping habits and frequent stress also puts individuals at risk. Instead, patients should invest in living a healthy lifestyle with positive habits, including frequent diet and exercise.

Meet with a dermatologist in Webster, TX

With an acne treatment plan and one of our professionals in your corner, Greater Bay area patients can expect their skin to improve within a short amount of time. Although results vary on an individual basis, Clear Lake Dermatology uses the latest and most advanced research to find an acne solution that works for you. We are able to treat most cases of flare-ups and acne scars with successful results. If you have tried over-the-counter remedies that do not work, contact our specialists in Webster and League City, TX for an appointment. Our goal is to help you feel confident in your skin again.