Has your facial skin ever suddenly developed redness, irritation, blackheads, and a lot of acne? If so, you could be experiencing a breakout. What causes this? Scroll down to learn more!
Photo source by Unsplash+ (Getty Images)
Photo source by Unsplash+ (Getty Images)
What is a Breakout?
According to www.halodoc.com, a breakout is a condition in which facial skin suddenly experiences irritation, redness, and a significant amount of acne. It is caused by hormonal changes and excess oil production.
Androgens, or sex hormones like testosterone, stimulate the oil glands to produce sebum (an oily substance on the skin) excessively. This excess oil can clog pores and promote the growth of acne-causing bacteria known as C. acnes.
The growth of this bacteria leads to skin inflammation, which can eventually result in whiteheads, cystic acne, or blind acne.
However, everyone's skin reacts differently. Genetic factors also influence how the body responds to acne-causing hormones.
According to Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, the frequency of facial breakouts depends largely on the sensitivity of an individual’s oil glands.
Therefore, if your oil glands are more sensitive to acne-causing hormones, you are likely to experience facial breakouts more frequently.
Androgens, or sex hormones like testosterone, stimulate the oil glands to produce sebum (an oily substance on the skin) excessively. This excess oil can clog pores and promote the growth of acne-causing bacteria known as C. acnes.
The growth of this bacteria leads to skin inflammation, which can eventually result in whiteheads, cystic acne, or blind acne.
However, everyone's skin reacts differently. Genetic factors also influence how the body responds to acne-causing hormones.
According to Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, the frequency of facial breakouts depends largely on the sensitivity of an individual’s oil glands.
Therefore, if your oil glands are more sensitive to acne-causing hormones, you are likely to experience facial breakouts more frequently.
Causes of Facial Breakouts
Here are some factors that trigger facial breakouts:
1. Stress & Lack of Sleep
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When stressed, the body produces stress hormones like cortisol, which can stimulate the oil glands to produce excess oil. This condition can lead to clogged pores.
Similarly, lack of sleep contributes to higher cortisol levels, which can also trigger acne. When someone is stressed, their body, compounded by lack of sleep, can release more cortisol, binding to the oil glands and promoting acne.
Similarly, lack of sleep contributes to higher cortisol levels, which can also trigger acne. When someone is stressed, their body, compounded by lack of sleep, can release more cortisol, binding to the oil glands and promoting acne.
2. Skin Care Products
The breakout on your facial skin can also result from the skincare products you use. For instance, oil-based makeup, certain silicone products, and some liquid foundations can clog pores and lead to acne. Choosing non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores is essential.
3. Diet
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While further research is necessary on the effects of food on skin, high-glycemic foods can exacerbate acne. Examples of high-glycemic foods include white bread, white rice, white pasta, baked goods, pastries, sugary drinks (such as soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice), chips, French fries, and cereals.
High-glycemic foods are often highly processed and can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar spikes, the body produces more insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Increased insulin heightens sebum production, while IGF-1 elevates androgen levels (natural steroid hormones), also boosting sebum production and secretion. This excess oil can then flood the pores and lead to acne.
High-glycemic foods are often highly processed and can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar spikes, the body produces more insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Increased insulin heightens sebum production, while IGF-1 elevates androgen levels (natural steroid hormones), also boosting sebum production and secretion. This excess oil can then flood the pores and lead to acne.
4. Dehydration
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Our bodies require water to maintain physiological balance. Staying hydrated is believed to help reduce acne by keeping the skin moisturized. Dehydrated skin can lead to increased oil production, triggering acne.
5. Contaminated Skin
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Frequently touching the face or pressing a smartphone against it can transfer bacteria, putting you at risk for breakouts. To prevent this, clean your face regularly with a facial soap to maintain skin health.
Additionally, not washing your pillowcase at least once a week can contribute to facial breakouts. Regularly changing your pillowcases and sheets is just as important. By adopting a healthy diet and maintaining facial cleanliness through diligent washing and routine pillowcase changes, you can foster better skin health!
Additionally, not washing your pillowcase at least once a week can contribute to facial breakouts. Regularly changing your pillowcases and sheets is just as important. By adopting a healthy diet and maintaining facial cleanliness through diligent washing and routine pillowcase changes, you can foster better skin health!
