Looking Closer at What Causes Acne (And How You Can Combat It)

A brand-new acne breakout is always demoralizing, especially when you have no idea what triggered it. It can be difficult to determine your acne causes since genetics, lifestyle, and even environmental factors all come into play.

While 50 million Americans deal with acne every year, few know the real reasons behind their blemishes. This makes it challenging to choose the right treatment. Let’s look at the top causes of acne so you can better understand how to prevent it in the first place.

Four Top Acne Causes To Be Aware Of

A lot of factors are responsible for the state of your face. Below are some of the most significant causes of acne today.

 1. Your Genetics

You can thank your parents for your tendency to break out, as family history tends to be one of the biggest indicators of whether you also will deal with skin problems someday. There isn’t one gene responsible for breakouts, but a variety of mutations work together to affect your overall odds.v

While there’s little you can do to modify your genes, understanding their impact on your acne still has value. For instance, you can consult with your extended family to see if anyone has found success with specific treatments and then suggest them to your dermatologist.

 2. Fluctuating Hormones

Puberty and acne go hand in hand, thanks to an influx of hormones.

Many factors come into play here, although the main perpetrator is a rise in androgen levels. Your levels of this crucial hormone go up during adolescence, and it triggers the oil glands in your skin to produce more sebum.

The end result? Bigger pores and higher potential that bacteria will flourish start a chain reaction for more breakouts. Keeping your face clean through adolescence will minimize the oil and reduce the odds of acne.

 3. Your Current Medications

A variety of common medications carry the unfortunate side effect of a higher risk of breaking out. Some to pay attention to include the following:

• • • Corticosteroids
    • Lithium
    • Anticonvulsants
    • Barbiturates
    • Androgenic steroids
    • DHEA
    • Medications containing bromides or iodides

Talk with your doctor if you believe one of these treatments is responsible for your acne. They might suggest you try an alternative.

 4. Higher Than Healthy Stress Levels

Stress is a common contributing factor to acne breakouts because it triggers hormone changes that often put your oil glands in overdrive. When this natural oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, you’re left with a higher chance of breakouts.

Beyond keeping your skin clean, addressing the root causes of your stress can help you keep this acne under control.

Contact the Center of Surgical Dermatology in Central Ohio to Learn More About Acne Causes

These four causes of acne may be responsible for the majority of breakouts, but there are plenty of other factors that control your skin. Sometimes, you need a professional to help you to figure out what causes acne and get you on the right treatment plan for clearer skin.

The Center for Surgical Dermatology is set up to help you get your acne under control—no matter its cause. We have been operating in Central Ohio since 2007 and have offices in Westerville, Gahanna, Columbus, Lancaster, Granville, and Pickerington, OH.

Please get in touch today to learn more about our services. You can call (614) 847-4100 to schedule your first appointment.