Acne triggers – In your glow up journey it is important to find out what causes your acne. I will provide 16 Acne triggers that will help you understand more about acne and what could b triggering yours. I have divided the triggers into four major categories; 1. Internal Causes 2. External cause 3. Skin Care and Cosmetic Products 4. Dietary Acne Triggers.
Let’s get started.
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Four Major Categories Of Acne Triggers
1. Internal Causes
This refers to factors within your body that contribute to the development of acne breakouts.
#1 Hormones changes
When hormones fluctuate, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menstruation, they can stimulate the skin’s oil glands to produce more oil. This excess oil, combined with dead skin cells, can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.
#2 Stress
When we’re stressed, our body releases hormones like cortisol, which can trigger the oil glands to produce more oil. This excess oil can clog pores and cause acne breakouts.
#3 Genetics
Acne can run in families, which means if your parents or siblings had acne, you’re more likely to develop it too. Genetics influence how your skin produces oil, sheds dead skin cells, and responds to bacteria. All of which can contribute to acne.
#6 Medications and birth control
Sebum is a natural oily substance made by the skin’s sebaceous glands. It’s good because it keeps our skin hydrated and safe. But sometimes, our body makes too much sebum. When this happens, our pores can get blocked, and acne can pop up. So, while sebum is helpful, too much of it can cause skin problems like acne.
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2. External Acne Triggers
#5 Excess Sebum Production
Some medications, including certain birth control pills, contain hormones that can affect oil gland activity in the skin. Changes in hormone levels due to medications can lead to increased oil production and acne breakouts.
#6 Smoking
Smoking harms the skin by reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery, which can lead to poor healing and increased inflammation. This can make acne worse because the skin needs oxygen and nutrients to stay healthy.
#7 Touching your face too often
Touching your face frequently can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your skin, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts. It’s important to keep your hands clean and avoid touching your face unnecessarily.
#8 Environmental factors
Pollution and sun damage can clog pores and irritate the skin, leading to acne breakouts. Pollution can deposit harmful particles onto the skin, while sun damage can cause inflammation and increase oil production, both of which can worsen acne. Protecting your skin from pollution and sun exposure can help prevent breakouts.
3. Skin Care and Cosmetic Products
#9 Using too many products at once
When you use too many skincare products together, it can overwhelm your skin and disrupt its natural balance. This can lead to clogged pores, irritation, and breakouts because your skin can’t handle the excessive amount of ingredients all at once.
#10 Poor skin care habits
For example, leaving makeup on your skin overnight, this can clog your pores and trap dirt and oil, leading to acne breakouts. Makeup can also mix with the natural oils produced by your skin, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause acne.
#11 Not using correct skin care products
Using skincare products that aren’t suitable for your skin type or that contain ingredients that irritate your skin can lead to breakouts. It’s essential to choose products that address your specific skin concerns and are gentle enough for your skin.
#12 Using harsh skin care products
Harsh skincare products, such as those containing strong chemicals or abrasive ingredients, can strip your skin of its natural oils and disrupt its protective barrier. This can lead to inflammation, dryness, and increased oil production, which can contribute to acne and breakouts.
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4. Dietary Acne Triggers
#13 Drinking too much sugar content
Consuming excessive sugary drinks can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. This spike may prompt the body to produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
#14 Eating Fatty foods
Foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fried foods and fast food, may increase inflammation in the body. This inflammation can exacerbate acne by triggering the production of oils that clog pores.
#15 Consuming Dairy Products
Dairy products contain hormones that can stimulate oil glands in the skin, leading to increased oil production. This excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, causing acne breakouts.
#16 Too much iodine intake
Consuming excessive amounts of iodine, found in foods like seafood and iodized salt, can overstimulate the oil glands in the skin. This overstimulation can lead to the development of acne and breakouts.
Steps You Can Take
- Watch out what you consume.
- If you can, limit your stress levels.
- Research on what you put on your skin AKA your skincare routine.
- Do not touch your face too much, especially with un sanitized hands.
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