Top 10 Common Causes of Acne and Treatments

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns, affecting people of all ages. Understanding the root causes of acne is the first step in effectively treating and preventing breakouts. Whether you’re dealing with occasional pimples or persistent acne, knowing what triggers these skin issues can help you take control of your skin health. Here are the top 10 common causes of acne and the best ways to treat them.

In this post, I will take you through what acne is, the types of acne, the common cause of acne and the best topical acne treatment that works. This will help you get an upper hand in understanding the type of acne you have and how to have control over it.

What Is Acne?

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by the blockage of hair follicles due to excess sebum production and the growth of acne-causing bacteria. This combination results in the formation of acne lesions, commonly known as breakouts.

The most prevalent type of acne is Acne Vulgaris, which includes blackheads and whiteheads. Other forms include:

• Acne Rosacea: Typically found on the chin and forehead, often accompanied by redness and swelling.
• Perioral Dermatitis: Appears around the mouth and chin, characterized by small, red bumps.
• Acne Conglobata: A more severe form that affects the back, chest, and face, often causing deep, painful cysts.

Types Of Acne

1. Comedones (Blackhead And Whitehead)

Comedones are a non-inflammatory type of acne, meaning there is no bacterial involvement. They form when excess sebum and dead skin cells mix and clog the pores. There are two main types of comedones:

• Blackheads (Open Comedones): These occur when the hair follicle is wide enough to hold the debris, causing the pore to enlarge. The trapped material at the surface oxidizes, leading to a dark or black tip, hence the name “blackhead.” The dark color is due to melanin (skin pigment) reacting with oxygen.

• Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): In contrast, whiteheads have very small pore openings that prevent oxygen from entering the follicle. As a result, they remain beneath the skin, appearing as small, flesh-colored or white bumps. Unlike blackheads, whiteheads are not easily extracted because they are trapped under the skin’s surface.

2. Inflammatory Acne Lesions (Papules and Pustules)

Inflammatory acne occurs when acne-causing bacteria find a favorable environment to thrive, particularly in oily, clogged hair follicles. While these bacteria are naturally present on everyone’s skin, they become problematic for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

• Papules: These are small, red, tender bumps that arise when the immune system reacts to the bacteria, leading to inflammation.
• Pustules: Pustules are similar to papules but contain pus, which is visible as a white or yellowish tip surrounded by red, inflamed skin. These are the more recognizable “zits” seen on the face, back, chest, and other areas.

3. Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne, characterized by large, deep, and painful pus-filled lesions. These lesions, often referred to as cysts or nodules, are embedded deep within the skin and can cause significant inflammation.

Cystic acne requires more than just over-the-counter treatments. It’s important to avoid picking or squeezing these lesions, as it can worsen the inflammation and lead to scarring. For this type of acne, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist for appropriate treatment options, as stronger prescription medications are often needed to manage it effectively.

10 Common Causes Of Acne

1. Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in determining how prone you are to acne. If your parents had acne, you’re more likely to develop it as well.

Treatment:
While you can’t change your genetics, you can manage acne effectively with a tailored skincare routine and, if necessary, prescription treatments. Regular visits to a dermatologist can help you stay on top of your skin’s needs.

2. Hormones

Hormones play a crucial role in acne onset. In both males and females, there is a particular called Androgen. Although it is a male hormone, females have it too (in small quantities). Androgens help in controlling the sebaceous glands to produce sebum so that the skin looks healthy and fresher. But people who get acne are more sensitive to the androgenic hormone which results in the production of excessive sebum.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This excess oil can clog pores, leading to acne.

Treatment:
To manage hormonal acne, consider treatments that regulate hormone levels, such as birth control pills or spironolactone. Over-the-counter treatments like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can also help. For severe cases, consult a dermatologist for prescription options.

3. Stress

Many dermatologists and estheticians have noticed that stress may not cause acne but it can worsen it. When you are stressed, your brain releases the stress hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol in turn causes the androgenic hormone to release more oil and worsen the acne. Activities like yoga, meditation, and exercise help to calm things down. Read this post on how stress affects your skin.

Treatment:
Managing stress through activities like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can help reduce acne caused by stress. Incorporate calming skincare products containing ingredients like green tea and chamomile to soothe stressed skin.

4. Excess Sebum Production

Sebum is the natural oil produced by your skin. While it helps to keep the skin moisturized, excessive sebum can clog pores and lead to acne.

Treatment:
Using non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) skincare products can help manage sebum production. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and retinoids to control oil levels and keep pores clear.

5. Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills may either make your skin better or worse because they affect hormone levels. It depends on how your skin reacts to birth control pills. If you find out that it makes your acne worse, stopping or changing your birth control may be the best option and visit your healthcare provider for better options.

6. Clogged Pores

Dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of your skin, clogging pores and leading to breakouts.

Treatment:
Regular exfoliation using chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) can help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Retinoids are also effective in increasing cell turnover and keeping pores clear.

7. Medication

The link between acne and the drug causing acne is self-limiting meaning it stops when the drug is discontinued. However, drugs such as corticosteroids, lithium, and bromides may worsen your acne. Talk to your doctor to find out alternative medications.

8. Diet

Certain foods such as seafood, nuts, chocolates, burgers, french fries, pizza, and sweets have all been falsely accused of being the cause of acne. Although these foods are not healthy in large quantities, they do not directly cause acne. Having a properly balanced diet is important for good skin and health.

The food that has been consistently accused is iodide which is found in shellfish, asparagus or salty food when consumed in large quantities may result in acne-flare up. Also, milk especially skimmed milk from cows has been considered the culprit.

Treatment:
Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Foods high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc can support clear skin. Keep a food diary to identify any foods that may be triggering your acne.

9. Poor Skincare Routine

Using the wrong skincare products or not properly cleansing your skin can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Treatment:
Follow a consistent skincare routine tailored to your skin type. Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser. Always remove makeup before bed and avoid using harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin.

10. Environmental Factors

Pollution, humidity, and exposure to harsh weather conditions can all contribute to acne by irritating the skin and clogging pores.

Treatment:
Protect your skin from environmental damage by using antioxidant-rich products that help combat free radicals. Cleanse your skin thoroughly after exposure to pollution, and always wear sunscreen to protect against UV damage.

The Best Acne Treatment That Works Using Topical Treatment

When I mean topical treatments, I mean products you apply on the face such as creams, gels, ointments, lotions or foam. This method of application is considered safer than using drugs to treat acne. Topical therapy is usually useful for people with mild to moderate acne.

If you have done all these, yet the acne still remains, then you should read 5 reasons why you are still getting acne even with your skincare routine. This will help you understand what you may be doing wrong and what else can be done.

Benzoyl Peroxide

If you have mild acne such as non-inflammatory acne (blackhead or whitehead), then you should opt for this active ingredient. Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing the bacteria causing acne by releasing free radicals and it is the most commonly used acne treatment that works. It is so effective that bacteria causing acne do not develop resistance to it.

If you have papules or pustules too, benzoyl peroxide might be your choice of ingredient. You may even add salicylic acid to the mix if you want. When starting any benzoyl peroxide product, start with the lowest percentage (2.5%) and move your way up as you develop tolerance.

My Top Benzoyl Peroxide Product Recommendations

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a really mild Beta-hydroxyl acid, which is why people with sensitive skin tolerate it so much. It is great for teens who are just starting to break out a few. Although it is not as strong as benzoyl peroxide when used alone, so you might want to combine it with other anti-acne agents.

Retinol and Alpha Hydroxyl Acids

One of my favourite blog posts “Retinoids Vs Retinols” in skincare talked about the derivatives of retinoids. If you have not read it yet, I suggest you do because you get a grasp understanding how retinol works and how to apply retinol like a pro. Retinols are targeted anti-aging but it works for acne as well in combination with AHA’s in which glycolic acid is the most popular. Retinoids are also effective in treating comedones and inflammatory acne

Conclusion

When starting anti-acne treatment, do not get in the habit of checking your face every now and then. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks before you start any real difference at all. So give it time and be patient with your skin. Also, embrace your skin imperfections, it’s not your fault.

If Benzoyl peroxide and retinoids irritate your skin, then read herbal remedies to get rid of acne

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