CAUSES OF ACNE

A little knowledge goes a long way toward understanding the acne cycle. So let’s start at the beginning: the cause of your breakouts. While hormones and genetics can be big contributors, tight sports equipment and stress can play a role, too. Once we cover the causes of acne, we’ll show you how to help break the cycle with acne treatments like PanOxyl®.

THE ACNE CYCLE

Acne begins beneath your skin’s surface with your hair follicles and oil glands (called the sebaceous glands). These glands produce a sticky, natural body oil called sebum. When hormone levels fluctuate (and maybe other triggers in your life kick in), your sebaceous glands ramp up the sebum production.

As your skin naturally exfoliates, the dead cells stick to the oily sebum and plug up your hair follicles – this is the first stage of the acne cycle. Since these plugs can’t be washed away with soap and water, acne bacteria – what scientists call P. acnes bacteria – can thrive and multiply beneath the plugs. This infiltration of bacteria is the second stage in the acne cycle.

The result? Stage three of the cycle: Acne. Classic swelling, redness, and sometimes lesions. If the walls of your plugged hair follicles weaken, they can rupture, spreading the P. acnes bacteria to surrounding tissue and causing more pimples.

COMMON ACNE TRIGGERS

Knowing what triggers an acne outbreak can help you keep your complexion in check. Identify those triggers and then use a powerful dermatologist-recommended acne treatment like PanOxyl® for a fighting chance against existing and future breakouts. Clear skin isn’t a myth. You can get it.

HORMONE CHANGES

These ups and downs may be caused by puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or starting/stopping birth control pills.

GENETICS

The tendency to get acne may be inherited from your parents.

STRESS

Much like hormonal changes, stress can cause your body to trigger a breakout. Try to manage your stress levels with physical activities or meditation.

COSMETICS

Makeup or foundation with an oily base may contribute to plugged follicles.

OTHER ACNE TRIGGERS AND TIPS

While you can’t control things like genetics or hormones – you can control some of the acne triggers you face on a daily basis. Here are some additional triggers, and tips on how to reduce your chance of a breakout.

  • OIL FROM BEAUTY PRODUCTS

    Moisturizers, make-up, and even hair styling products can cause acne. Try to use oil-free, “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic” products.

  • PRESSURE

    Tight sports equipment like helmets increase pressure and can ultimately cause breakouts. Whenever possible, loosen gear – while staying safe, of course!

  • HIGH HUMIDITY

    If you live somewhere hot and humid, you may notice your acne worsens as the temperature rises. When it’s humid, your skin swells, blocking the outflow of sebum and potentially causing acne.

  • POLLUTION

    Everyday pollution can clog your pores and cause problems like acne. Remember to wash your face after being outside, even if it doesn’t feel dirty.

  • GREASE

    It probably goes without saying that greasy environments – like kitchens with fry vats – can contribute to acne. Try to avoid these environments if you can.

  • IRRITATING YOUR BLEMISHES

    Squeezing, picking at or scrubbing your blemishes too hard can make your acne worse. General rule of thumb: keep your hands away from your face!