How to Stop Breakouts: Understanding Your Acne Triggers

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How to Stop Breakouts: Understanding Your Acne Triggers

It can feel like breakouts appear out of nowhere, but they are almost always a response to specific triggers. Understanding what causes your acne is the first and most important step in learning how to control it. While hormones and genetics play a significant role, there are many lifestyle and environmental factors that you can manage to help keep your skin clear.

This guide, based on research from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), will help you identify common acne triggers and provide actionable steps to stop breakouts before they start.

The Four Main Causes of Acne

At its core, acne develops when pores in the skin become clogged. According to the AAD, four main factors contribute to this process [1]:

  1. Excess Oil (Sebum) Production: Hormones can cause your skin’s oil glands to produce too much sebum.
  2. Clogged Pores: Dead skin cells can get trapped in the pores instead of shedding properly.
  3. Bacteria: The bacteria P. acnes can thrive in clogged pores.
  4. Inflammation: Your body’s immune response to the bacteria causes the redness and swelling of a pimple.

While you can’t change your genetics, you can manage many of the external factors that trigger this process.

Common Acne Triggers You Can Control

If you’re struggling with persistent breakouts, one or more of these common triggers could be the culprit.

1. Oily or Pore-Clogging Skincare and Hair Products

Heavy, oily products can be a major contributor to clogged pores. This includes makeup, moisturizers, and even hair products.

  • What to look for: When choosing products, look for labels that say “non-comedogenic,” “oil-free,” or “won’t clog pores.”
  • Haircare matters: Oily hair products like pomades can travel to your forehead and face, leading to breakouts. Try to keep hair products away from your hairline.

2. Stress

While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can make existing acne worse. The AAD notes that when stress intensifies, the severity of acne often increases [1].

  • How it works: Stress causes your body to produce more cortisol and other hormones, which can increase oil production and inflammation.
  • What to do: Finding healthy ways to manage stress—like exercise, meditation, or getting enough sleep—can have a positive impact on your skin.

3. Diet

Research has shown a link between certain foods and acne breakouts. While everyone’s triggers are different, some common culprits include:

  • High-Glycemic Foods: Foods that cause a rapid spike in blood sugar (like white bread, sugary snacks, and sodas) can increase inflammation and oil production.

  • Dairy: For some people, dairy products (especially skim milk) have been linked to acne.

  • What to do: Try keeping a food diary to see if you notice a connection between what you eat and how your skin behaves. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

4. Lack of Sleep

Not getting enough sleep can throw your hormones out of balance and increase stress levels, both of which can contribute to breakouts.

  • What to do: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so this is a crucial step for skin health.

A Proactive Skincare Routine for Preventing Breakouts

Identifying your triggers is half the battle. The other half is a consistent skincare routine designed to keep pores clear and inflammation down.

  • Cleanse Gently: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Our Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is perfect for daily use to remove impurities without stripping the skin.

  • Keep Pores Clear: Use a product with salicylic acid a few times a week to exfoliate inside the pores. Our Salicylic Acid 2% Clarifying Cleanser is a great option for targeting clogged pores.

  • Balance and Soothe: A serum with niacinamide can help regulate oil production and reduce inflammation. Our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is designed to do just that.

The Takeaway

Stopping breakouts starts with understanding your personal triggers. By paying attention to your lifestyle, diet, and the products you use, you can take control of your skin. Combine this awareness with a consistent, gentle skincare routine, and you’ll be well on your way to clearer, healthier skin.

References

[1] American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Acne: Who gets and causes. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/acne-causes
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