What Can Cause Bad Acne

Benefits Of Treating Severe Acne

Living with severe acne can be tough on your psyche. Many studies have found that acne can lead to poor self-esteem, depression, or anxiety. People with acne may stop hanging out with friends and family. Going after a job promotion or trying out for a sport may no longer seem worthwhile.

Acne treatment can help. Many studies show that treatment for severe acne can:

• Clear acne

• Boost a persons mood and self-esteem

The Ingredients In Your Products Are Causing Acne

If youre frustrated because unlike your friends with perfect complexions you actually do take care of your skin, your acne trigger could be the sneaky ingredients in your products. According to cosmetic dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, mineral oil, for example, is a super-heavy moisturizing agent found in some face moisturizers and creams that could clog your pores if you’re prone to blackheads and whiteheads. Coconut oil is also notorious for clogging pores, too. Additionally, fragrance and sodium lauryl sulfate can be found in many products and are common acne causes.

The zit fix:

Read your labels is easier said than done if you dont know what to look for, but a good place to start is by getting rid of any products that contain the aforementioned common irritants, switching to fragrance-free skincare and sulfate-free products. And when in doubt, Dr. Downie says toshop for products marked as noncomedogenic. If youve tried all the above and your breakouts continue to worsen, make an appointment with your dermatologist to see if you could be allergic to another ingredient.

What Are The Most Effective Treatment Options

The arsenal of treatment options for acne treatment is robust and depends on the type and severity of acne. Topical tretinoin, which works by turning over skin cells faster to prevent clogged pores, is a mainstay in any acne treatment regimen, and has the added bonus of treating fine wrinkles and evening and brightening skin tone. Isotretinoin , taken by mouth, is the closest thing to a “cure” for acne that exists and is used to treat severe acne. Women who can become pregnant need to take special precautions when taking isotretinoin, as it can cause significant harm to the fetus.

For women with hormonally driven acne that flares with the menstrual cycle, a medication called spironolactone, which keeps testosterone in check, can be prescribed. Oral birth control pills can also help regulate hormones that contribute to acne.

In-office light-based treatments, such as photodynamic therapy, can sometimes help. Chemical peels, also done in-office, may help to treat acne and fade post-inflammatory pigment changes.

Simple, non-irritating skin care products are important for anyone with acne. Choose products that are gentle and safe for skin with acne, and eliminate products that are harsh and can make matters worse. Its also important not to squeeze or pick at acne lesions, as that can worsen discoloration and scarring.

Also Check: How To Lighten Acne Scars On Face

What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Acne

• What type of acne do I have?
• How severe is my acne?
• Do I need to see a dermatologist?
• Do I need a referral?
• What over-the-counter medications do you recommend?
• What prescription medications do you recommend?

A note from Cleveland Clinic:

Acne is the most common of all skin conditions and can have a profound psychosocial impact.

Light And Laser Therapy

A dermatologist may recommend and perform laser or light therapy for acne. This involves exposing the skin to a special type of light during regular sessions for a set period.

There are different types of light therapy:

• Red, blue, or infrared light therapy can treat pimples but not whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, or nodules.
• At-home light therapy devices can treat pimples, but the light is less intense than the one a dermatologist uses.

For lesions that leave noticeable scars, a dermatologist can use procedures such as laser treatments, microneedling, and chemical peels to reduce the appearance.

The acne-friendly skin care routine outlined by the AAD and summarized above can help prevent back acne, as well as treat it. A gentle cleanser, noncomedogenic moisturizer, and adequate sun protection may be all a person needs.

Other skin care strategies that can prevent or reduce acne and skin irritation include:

• regularly washing bed linens, towels, and pillowcases
• regularly washing clothes, particularly tight-fitting ones, such as bras
• avoiding things that rub against the back, such as backpacks
• exercising in loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers, such as cotton
• showering and changing clothes immediately after exercise or using cleansing wipes
• washing workout clothes and equipment after each use

Acne affects many people. Certain factors that can contribute to or raise the risk of its development include:

You May Like: How Long Do Acne Scars Last

Can Nicotine Cause Acne

One study found that smoking may play a role for some women with acne. In this study, the women had noticeable whiteheads and blackheads that often covered a large area of their face. Some also had a few pimples.

The researchers found that many of the women in this study smoked cigarettes. They also found that the more cigarettes a woman smoked, the more severe her acne. Some of these women developed icepick-type acne scars when the acne cleared.

Link to smoking

Most women in the study who develop noticeable whiteheads along with a few pimples smoked.

Other studies have found that smokers are more likely to have acne than non-smokers. This repeat finding suggests that smoking cigarettes may trigger acne.

Home Remedies For Sudden Acne Breakout

1. Topical creams like combinations of Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinoids and oral medicines can help in reducing acne naturally.

2. Dr Smiti also suggests chemical peels for reducing acne.

3. “Inflamed acne which need improvement in a day or two can be treated with Intralesional Steroid by a dermatologist,” she says.

4. Dr Rahul suggests that washing hair regularly can also prevent sudden acne breakout. Oil from your scalp on reaching your forehead or other parts of the face may be the reason for sudden popping up of pimples.

Also read: Home Remedies For Acne: Try These Kitchen Ingredients To Fight Acne Know Ways To Use

Don’t Miss: Does Honey Get Rid Of Acne

Your Stressful Life Is Causing Clogged Pores

Stress causes acne, and acne results in more stressah, the very vicious cycle. When youre under pressure, your skin produces stress hormones, including cortisol, that can stimulate your oil glands to make testosterone, Dr. Downie explains. This then increases your oil production, clogs your pores, and could lead to blind pimples.

The zit fix:

Work out regularly, meditate, get that essential oil diffuser going, and take time out of your busy schedule to focus on yourself, whatever that means to you. All these things will help you release stress so your body doesnt continue to release hormones that are trying to wreak havoc on your skin.

What Complications Can Come With Acne

If left untreated, severe acne can leave life-long scars on your skin. Taking care of your skin and treating your acne reduces the risk of this occurring. Treating infected pimples before the infection can spread to the skin around it is important since inflamed cysts caused by infected skin can often leave a scar.

Acne can also make you feel self-conscious because of your appearance and it may affect your self-esteem. Sometimes you may not want other people to see you, so you stop going out and spending time with friends and family. This can make you feel even worse, and lead to more emotional issues over time.

If you find yourself worrying about how you look, you avoid social situations, or you feel down or upset because of your acne, see your pharmacist or doctor and they can help you get the best possible treatment. Your doctor will also be able to advise you about body image and will support you, especially if you have stopped participating in the activities you usually enjoy.

Read Also: How To Remove Acne Scars From Face

Natural Remedies For Hormonal Acne

Certain plant-based strategies can treat mild hormonal acne. However, they may be not as effective as conventional methods, and research on the efficacy of these treatments is lacking. One of these natural treatments is tea tree oil. Although tea tree oil is generally safe, your health care provider can verify whether it will interact with any medications youre taking.

These self-care tips may help clear acne or keep it from getting worse:

• Wash your face gently, no more than twice a day, and after heavy sweating.
• Use mild cleansers or soaps and lukewarm water.
• Avoid exfoliating products or harsh scrubs.
• Dont rub, pick, or scrape your pimples since this can cause inflammation.
• If you wear makeup, look for non-comedogenic options when possible.
• Avoid humid environments, which lead to sweating.

Excessive washing and scrubbing can actually worsen acne, as it may remove too much oil from your skin and cause irritation. In response, your skin may secrete more oil, worsening the acne.

How Can You Prevent Back Acne

Dermatologists recommend a one-two punch of treatments and lifestyle tweaks to both get rid of back acne and keep it from coming back. As for which back acne prevention tactics they feel will have your, well, back, read on:

Finding the right back acne treatment can take trial and error. By identifying the types of back acne youre dealing with and whats potentially triggering your breakouts , you can then put together a personalized plan of attack. But be patient: According to the AAD, it can take around 6-8 weeks to start seeing results, with complete clearing potentially taking up to 3-4 months2.

If you dont see any difference within this timeframe or have bacne lesions that are inflamed, painful, and potentially causing scarring, Dr. King recommends seeing a dermatologist to discuss treatment options. With the right guidance, virtually every type of acne can respond at at least some level to treatmentincluding stubborn bacne.

Also Check: Is Ice Good For Acne

How To Treat And Prevent Body Acne

You can use many methods to clear up mild body acne without the need for dermatological treatment. Once you’ve identified the primary cause for your breakouts, you can opt for any of these acne-clearing techniques.

Stop using cosmetic products that clog your pores. Take a look at the hair and body products you’re regularly using. Cut down on those that contain:

• Oils
• Silicones

Instead, choose grooming products that state on the label that they are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.

Do your laundry more often. Cosmetic products, sweat, and dead skin cells might remain on clothes and other fabrics if you don’t wash them regularly. Make sure to keep the following items clean:

• Pillowcases
• Sportswear
• Sports gear

âAvoid acne mechanica. Having bump-free skin while continuing to play sports is doable. All you have to do is pay more attention to certain details. Make sure to:

• Use padding to avoid friction caused by sports gear.
• Use clothes with dry-fit technology.
• Choose loose-fitting sportswear when possible.
• Avoid sharing your protective gear.
• Put on clean clothes more often.
• Wipe down communal workout equipment.

Beware of the sun. Make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen throughout the day if you’re planning on being outside. Look for an oil-free option that has the following characteristics:

• Non-comedogenic
• Broad-spectrum with SPF 30+

What Else Can Help

Sometimes even though they wash properly and try lotions and oil-free makeup, people get acne anyway and this is totally normal. In fact, some girls who normally have a handle on their acne may get some a few days before their period starts due to hormone changes. This is called premenstrual acne.

Some people get help with acne from a doctor or dermatologist . A doctor may treat the acne with prescription medicines. Depending on the person’s acne, this might mean using prescription creams that prevent pimples from forming, taking antibiotics to kill the bacteria that help create pimples, or if the acne is severe, taking stronger medicines such as isotretinoin, or even having minor surgery. Some girls find that birth control pills help to clear up their acne.

If you look in the mirror and see a pimple, don’t touch it, squeeze it, or pick at it. This might be hard to do it can be pretty tempting to try to get rid of a pimple. But when you play around with pimples, you can cause even more inflammation by popping them or opening them up. Plus, the oil from your hands can’t help! More important, though, picking at pimples can leave tiny, permanent scars on your face.

Read Also: Can You Get Acne On Your Legs

Your Cloth Face Mask Is Causing Maskne

If you’ve noticed more breakouts on your chin, jawline, and cheeks as a result of wearing your cloth face mask, you’re not just seeing things. Turns out, all that sweat, oil, bacteria, and humidity trapped under your face covering can create the perfect breeding ground for breakouts.

The zit fix:

The CDC recommends wearing face masks, so consider switching yours to one that’s made with a breathable fabric and stock up on a few so you always have a clean one ready to go. Oh, and if you’re not washing your face twice a day and your mask after each use, you’re doing it wrong. Remember all that oil and bacteria trapped between your face and your mask? Yeah, you don’t want to reintroduce that if you’re trying to avoid breakouts. And lastly, skip makeup. Since you’re covering your face, you won’t need to wear a heavy foundation underneath it that could cause clogged pores anyway.

Do Birth Control Pills Cause Or Cure Acne

Birth control pills may help some women control acne. The hormones in birth control pills can help block androgen hormones. Androgen puts oil glands into overdrive. Some birth control pills, though, can make acne worse. So even if you take birth control pills, you’ll still need a good acne skin care routine.

Read Also: What Probiotics Are Good For Acne

You’re Drying Out Your Skin While Sunbathing

By now, you know that baking in the sun and in tanning beds causes skin cancer, but if that still hasnt stopped you from hitting the beach without sunscreen, maybe this will: Contrary to popular belief, the sun isnt healing your acne, its actually making it worse. On top of all the other damage, the sun dries out your skin and triggers excess oil production, which, hi, is one of the acne causes.

The zit fix:

For starters, stop going to tanning beds. Period. And if you are in the sun, make sure to slather on a titanium dioxide- or zinc-based sunscreen, and wear a hat to shield your face from harsh rays.

Can Niacinamide Cause Acne

Have you ever wondered why you have breakouts? And specifically, can niacinamide cause acne?

Usually, its because your pores are being clogged by all the dirt, dust, and oil on your face. Everyone has been there, so dont feel bad! However, certain products in your skincare routine can make it worse.

Acne is a common skin problem that most people experience at some point in their lives. Some people, unfortunately, suffer from this condition on a chronic basis.

Thankfully, there are many treatments available to help people get their skin under control, and one of these is niacinamide.

You May Like: When Does Pregnancy Acne Start

What Is Severe Acne

Severe acne causes breakouts that often extend deep into the skin. Called cysts and nodules, these breakouts tend to be painful. When severe acne clears, acne scars often appear.

You may also see many blackheads, whiteheads, or both when acne is severe.

Anyone who has severe acne knows how stubborn it can be. You cannot clear it with acne treatment that you buy at the store. To see clearing, you either have to wait it out or see a dermatologist. Waiting out severe acne can take years.

Pharmacy First Scotland: Acne Treatment From Your Pharmacy

Acne isn’t usually serious and can be treated by a pharmacist. If your acne is severe or appears on your chest and back, it may need to be treated with antibiotics or stronger creams that are only available on prescription. Your pharmacist can advise on whether you need to see your GP for further treatment.

If you develop nodules or cysts, they need to be treated properly through your GP to avoid scarring. Try to resist the temptation to pick or squeeze the spots, as this can lead to permanent scarring.

Also Check: How To Treat Chronic Acne

Can Acne Cause Scars

Acne does sometimes result in scarring. It happens when the acne penetrates the skin and damages the deeper layers. Inflammation makes the acne pores swell and breakdown occurs in the wall of the pore. Scarring can, of course, be a source of anxiety, which is normal. But before it can be treated, your healthcare provider will determine what type of acne caused the scars.

There are several available treatment options. Chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, microneedling and surgery can all be used to treat acne scars.

Treatment For Scalp Pimples

If your scalp acne is caused by your shampoo or other cosmetics, it will go away on its own when you stop using them. It can take up to 6 weeks to see improvement, but the first thing to do is to change your hair routine and products. â

Switch to shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, and products that donât contain oil. The label should say things like:

• Oil free
• Anti-acnegenic
• Wonât clog poresâ

Keeping the dirt, oil, and sweat off your scalp will help keep your pores clean. You might need to wash your hair more often, especially if you:

• Use a lot of products in your hair
• Sweat a lot in the day
• Have dirt or grime in your hair from the dayâ

To wash your hair, focus on the scalp. The hair on your head is dead, and while your hair products can help keep your hair shiny and healthy-looking, itâs actually more important to wash dirt and oil from your scalp.â

Itâs also important to make sure you fully rinse all the extra shampoo and conditioner off your scalp and face. The pimples along your hairline might be caused by buildup from improper rinsing.â

The product residues can also transfer to whatever touches your hair, which can add to the problem. Make sure to wash everything that touches your head, including:

• Pillow cases

• Drainage for complicated cystic scalp acne

Don’t Miss: Does Baby Acne Go Away