We know chocolate and French fries aren’t really making your skin break out, so what is? Acne is caused when your pores are blocked by a combination of sebum and dead skin cells, allowing bacteria to multiply in the plugged pores.
Medical dermatologists have identified certain triggers that lead to these blockages. Knowing your triggers makes your acne treatment more effective, so let’s talk about the top four triggers causing your acne.
- Stress. Stress causes your body to release steroids and produce more androgens, hormones that contribute to breakouts. These increases stimulate sebum production, which triggers more breakouts.
- Too much contact. Touching your face with your hands, cell phone or your workout gear spreads bacteria and dirt to your face. The combination of sweat, bacteria and dirt on your skin makes it easier than ever to plug your pores.
- Beauty products. The products you use play a part in triggering pimples. Hair products can seep into the pores along your hairline, and your makeup and sunscreen can clog your pores.
- Prescriptions. Some medications trigger breakouts by causing hormonal changes. Medications with prednisone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, lithium, lithium chloride and some forms of iodine are often culprits of aggravating and triggering acne.
Your Water’s Edge medical dermatologist can determine the triggers of your breakouts, and help you treat and prevent future blemishes. It could be as easy as switching beauty products, drinking more water or getting more sleep.