What is the Cause of Acne on Face?

Acne on the face is caused by a combination of factors that affect the skin’s oil glands and hair follicles. Here are the main causes:

🔹 1. Excess Oil (Sebum) Production

• The skin naturally produces oil (sebum) to keep it hydrated.

• When too much oil is produced, it can clog pores, leading to acne.

🔹 2. Clogged Hair Follicles

• Dead skin cells can mix with oil and block the hair follicles.

• This creates an environment where bacteria can grow, leading to pimples.

🔹 3. Bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes)

• A common skin bacteria called P. acnes can multiply inside clogged pores.

• The immune system reacts to this, causing inflammation and redness.

🔹 4. Hormonal Changes

• Androgens (male hormones present in both men and women) increase during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress.

• These hormones stimulate oil glands, making acne worse.

🔹 5. Diet

• Some foods, especially high-glycemic foods (like sugar, white bread, dairy), may trigger or worsen acne in some people.

🔹 6. Stress

• Stress doesn't directly cause acne, but it can worsen it by affecting hormones and healing response.

🔹 7. Skincare or Cosmetic Products

• Using oily or comedogenic (pore-clogging) products can contribute to breakouts.

• Look for "non-comedogenic" labels on skincare items.

🔹 8. Medications

• Some medicines, like corticosteroids, lithium, or certain birth control pills, can trigger acne as a side effect.

🔹 9. Genetics

• If your parents had acne, you’re more likely to develop it too.

Causes of Adult Acne in Women

(from the Skin Diseases Information Center, reviewed by Team PainAssist)

Although acne is common during teenage years due to hormonal changes, many women continue to experience acne into their 20s, 30s, and beyond. The key factors contributing to adult female acne include:

✅ 1. Hormonal Imbalances

• Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone (especially before periods, during pregnancy, or menopause) can trigger breakouts.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition linked to adult acne.

✅ 2. Digestive Problems

• Poor digestion and gut health can lead to toxin buildup in the body, which may show up as acne on the skin.

✅ 3. Other Health Conditions

• Underlying health issues, including endocrine disorders or metabolic imbalances, may affect the skin.

• Conditions like insulin resistance can also play a role.

✅ 4. Poor Dietary Habits

• Diets high in sugar, dairy, refined carbs, or processed foods may worsen acne.

• Lack of essential nutrients (e.g., zinc, omega-3s, and vitamin A) can affect skin healing.

✅ 5. Unhealthy Lifestyle

• Lack of sleep, irregular routines, smoking, and sedentary habits can impact hormone levels and skin health.

✅ 6. Stress

• Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can stimulate oil glands and trigger inflammation, leading to acne flare-ups.

🔍 Note:

Adult acne is often more inflammatory than teen acne, appearing as deep, painful cysts mainly on the lower face, chin, and jawline.