Top Causes of Acne and How to Prevent Them

ABHISHEK GIRI

Key Takeaways

It is very important for people to be comfortable in their own skin. To that end, if you are scrolling acne prevention tips or hunting down the best acne products, understanding the myriad of acne causes is definitely your first line of defense.
Stick to natural skin care products, choose non-comedogenic options, and simplify your daily skin care steps. This will help you enjoy a consistent and effective routine.

“My primary skin insecurity has always been acne. Even if I get one odd pimple, it really drives me crazy. And I am one of those people who tend to pick my pimples. I know it is a sin, you’re not meant to pick your pimples, but I just can’t help it. So one of the things that has really helped me not pick on my pimples is using a pimple patch.”

Anyone who has battled breakouts knows that acne can be deeply frustrating. From red bumps to full-on acne breakouts, pimples are those uninvited guests on your face or body who can really throw off your confidence.

If you have ever wondered what causes pimples, you have come to the right place. Here, we are going to break down the top causes of acne, and more importantly, share tips with you on how to prevent them.

What Is Acne?

Acne is a very common skin condition where hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) or dead skin cells.

This leads to:

blackheads and whiteheads; non-inflammatory bumps.
Papules and pustules; red and inflamed pimples.
Cysts: deep and painful breakouts beneath the skin.

Broadly, acne results from overactive oil glands, clogged pores, and even bacteria.

Top Causes of Acne & How to Prevent Each

Let us deep dive into the top acne causes and how to get rid of acne with some easy lifestyle tweaks.

1. Excess Oil Production

At times, genetics, hormones, or even over-cleansing can send our sebaceous glands into overdrive. This triggers oily skin, acne. To prevent it, you can use a gentle, pH-balanced, natural face wash after sweating. We recommend Ghar Soap's anti-acne face wash with salicylic acid and neem. It can target acne breakouts without drying your skin. Another common acne mistake is overwashing. Twice a day is fine but don’t go overboard.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal acne actually hits the hardest around your jawline, chin, and cheeks. It could be PCOS, periods, or even pregnancy. Hormonal imbalance can increase oil production, that can trigger clogged pores. To manage this, you must eat balanced meals and manage stress using yoga or meditation. If the breakouts worsen, it would be a good idea to consult a dermatologist and consider using pigmentation products to help fade any dark spots left behind by acne.

3. Poor Diet (High Sugar, Dairy, Processed Foods)

Do you want to know how to stop acne? It all starts with your plate. Sugar and dairy can spike insulin, which sends oil production into hypertension. Try swapping processed snacks for whole foods. Sip on more water throughout the day and add leafy greens and omega-3 to your meals. You can even keep a food journal to keep a check on your sugar intake or even pin down your food triggers.

4. Using Wrong Skincare Products

Are you using heavy creams or make-up that clogs your pores? This is a very common acne mistake. Comedogenic products create a barrier that traps oil, bacteria, and triggers your acne. You can use products for acne-prone skin like the Ghar Soaps, Kojic Acid Turmeric Face Wash. Its gentle and effective formulation is perfect for oily or even sensitive skin types. Double cleansing your skin if you wear make-up is one of the most effective acne prevention tips. Moreover, always check for non-comedogenic labels while buying make-up or skin care products.

5. Environmental Triggers (Pollution, Sweat, Humidity)

Your skin battles smog, grime, dust, and sweat on a daily basis. All of these things can clog pores very fast. Cleanse your face with a natural skincare product for glowing skin like Ghar Soaps’ Magic Face Wash with sandalwood and glutathione to detox your skin after coming back home. Moreover, you must carry wipes when you are on the go so that you can cleanse your skin when needed.

6. Dirty Surfaces & Personal Habits

Here is an underrated acne cause: bacteria from pillowcases, phone screens, and your own hands. If you want to manage breakouts effectively, use quality face care products regularly for your acne breakouts and make sure that you change your pillowcase and bedsheets often. Clean your phone screen every day and resist the urge to touch your face unnecessarily.

7. Stress & Lack of Sleep

Stress and acne are actually best friends. Elevated cortisol levels can spike oil production which in turn leads to inflammation. So when you skimp on sleep, that's a very common acne mistake right there. To work your way around it, prioritize 7-8 hours of rest each day. Try breath, walk, or meditation to calm your senses. Make sure that you reduce blue light exposure (TV and phone), at least an hour before bed.

8. Skipping Moisturiser

Even oily skin needs hydration. When you skip moisturizer, your skin is going to compensate for it by producing more oil. We think it would be a good idea for you to use a lightweight moisturizer that doesn't clog pores. The Magic Cream from Ghar Soaps has saffron and Niacinamide, which is an excellent hydrator. Follow it up with sunscreen with natural ingredients from Ghar soaps to protect your skin from UV-triggered breakouts. Make sure to not overload your skin with too many actives or too many creams. Just keep your skin care simple and consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can oily skin cause acne?

Oily skin acne is one of the most common concerns. Excess sebum can trap dirt and bacteria, which can lead to acne breakouts and clogged pores.

How often should I wash my face to prevent acne?

Overcleansing is another common acne mistake. You can cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle, natural face wash. We think two is a good number here!

Are non-comedogenic products really effective for acne?

Choosing non-comedogenic products is one of the top acne prevention tips because it minimizes what causes pimples: clogged pores. From dull skin products and hyperpigmentation products to tan reduction products and face care products, one should always check labels before buying skincare or makeup.

Reference
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047?

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