Unfortunately, acne is a skin concern that can occur at any time in your life. Learning the different causes of acne will help you effectively treat it and get your skin to look and feel better. Treating acne can help decrease the possibility of discoloration and scars. So, what are the causes of acne? Read on to find out.
Hormones are one of the common causes of acne.
Hormones are one cause of acne that can wreak havoc on your skin no matter your age. Hormonal changes, especially changes in testosterone levels, have been known to affect your skin. Rises in hormones can increase sebum (a light yellow, oily substance), inflammation, and can affect your skin cell activity. An increase in stress can release the hormone cortisol, which has been linked to an increase in acne.
During puberty, hormonal acne can be found on your forehead, nose, and chin. Adult hormonal acne is typically found on your chin and jawline. While you may think you have to ride out your hormonal changes, it’s not necessary. Hormonal acne is a condition that can be treated with medical dermatology services. Speak to your dermatologist about the available treatment options that are right for you.
An unbalanced diet can cause acne.
Another common cause of acne is an unbalanced or unhealthy diet. What we put into our bodies can either increase or decrease the possibility of acne. Food intolerance can also cause your body to react in ways that produce acne. When eating a balanced diet, your body uses the nutrients gained though food to repair your skin. The lack of nutrients from unbalanced or unhealthy diet can cause skin repair to be slowed or stopped, increasing your chances of acne.
Inconsistent skin care can lead to acne.
One of the most talked about causes of acne is inconsistent skin care. While we’ve been told all our lives to wash our faces at night, how many times have we gone to bed without doing so? Not washing your face allows the dirt, makeup, and everything else you’ve come into contact with during the day seep into your pores. This clogs your pores, increasing the chances of breakouts.
Not washing your face and body before and after working out can also increase your risk of acne. If you wear makeup and leave it on while exercising, you can create a barrier that traps dirt and sweat in your pores. Not washing your face or showering after exercise can lead to clogged pores. To decrease the chances of acne, wash your skin regularly, especially if you have been sweating.
When to See a Dermatologist
Now that you know a few of the common causes of acne, you probably want to know how to properly treat it. If you feel like your acne is caused by an inconsistency in your skin care regiment, then try to create a habit out of washing your face and looking for skin care products for acne-prone skin. Your acne could also be caused by a nutritional deficiency or imbalance. In this case, you could work with a nutritionist to address your specific needs.
If you have already made these changes and nothing seems to be helping your skin or if you have severe acne, it may be time to visit one of our three Pittsburgh dermatology offices to discuss your options. Your dermatologist will discuss prescriptions and other skin care methods that can help improve your skin. Benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and antibiotics are common treatments for different causes of acne. If your dermatologist finds that your acne is caused by a hormonal imbalance, lab tests may be ordered, and steps will be taken to improve the balance of your hormones.
Other options for treating acne include chemical peels and photodynamic therapy. While these methods can also be used for other conditions we treat, they effectively treat acne and can reduce the appearance of acne scars. Chemical peels are used to treat blackheads and papules. Photodynamic therapy is used to reduce the bacteria on your face. It’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist for treatment methods including chemical peels, photodynamic therapy, and other prescription treatments.
If you’re interested in discussing the causes of acne with our board-certified Pittsburgh dermatologists and how we can help your skin improve, contact any of our three offices today.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.