Understand the Causes of Acne on the Face and How to Prevent It

inflamed facial acne

A common skin condition, acne is brought on by clogged pores from bacteria, pollutants, dead skin cells, and oil. Acne commonly occurs on the cheeks, chin, forehead, and back. Although anybody can be affected, including adults and teenagers, it is more prevalent during puberty, usually between the ages of 10 and 13.

Main Causes of Acne on the Face

1. Excess Oil Production
   Excessive oil or sebum production is one of the primary causes of acne. Although too much sebum can clog pores and cause acne, it also helps to protect and nourish the skin.

2. Build-up of Dead Skin Cells
   Naturally, new skin cells grow in place of dead ones. But for other people, this process doesn't work well, which causes dead skin cells to build up on the skin's surface, clogging pores and resulting in acne.

3. Bacterial Infection
   Acne is frequently caused by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. It can cause inflammation and exacerbate acne by infecting clogged pores.
   

Other Factors That Trigger Acne

1. Hormonal Changes
   Changes in hormones, particularly those related to androgen, can lead to an increase in oil output. This is typical in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), during menstruation, during pregnancy, and throughout adolescence.

   📝Read more : What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

2. Side Effects of Medications
   Acne is a side effect of some drugs, including lithium, birth control pills, corticosteroids, and anticonvulsants.

3. Specific Foods
   Sugary and high-carb diets can exacerbate acne by increasing oil production.

4. Stress and Lifestyle Factors
   Acne is caused by stress stimulating the sebaceous glands to create more oil. Additionally, bad habits like drinking alcohol, smoking, and sleeping too little can exacerbate acne-prone skin.

   📝 Learn more : Between Stress and Skin Issues

How to Prevent Acne on the Face

• Cleanse your face with a suitable cleanser for your skin type at least twice a day.

• Avoid touching your face with dirty hands to minimize bacterial growth.

• Use sunscreen to protect your face from sun exposure.

• Limit consumption of acne-triggering foods, such as sugary or high-carb items.

• Choose skincare products suitable for your skin type and labeled non-comedogenic or oil-free.

FAQ About Acne

1. Can stress cause facial acne?
   Yes, stress can increase oil production on the face, clogging pores and causing acne.

2. What should I avoid to prevent acne?
   Avoid consuming high-carbohydrate foods, use non-comedogenic skincare products, and manage stress effectively.

   📝Read more : Tips for Choosing Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin

Numerous reasons, including excessive oil production, the accumulation of dead skin cells, bacterial infections, hormonal fluctuations, adverse drug reactions, and lifestyle choices including stress and nutrition, can cause acne on the face. Avoiding triggers and taking preventative action require an understanding of the causes of acne.

Acne can impact self-confidence even though it is not a serious health problem. See a dermatologist for more specialized treatments if acne doesn't go away after trying preventative measures.