Define Aesthetics – skin clinic mandurah
What Causes Acne?
Introduction
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns, affecting people of many ages. It can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules, nodules or cysts and commonly develops on the face, chest, shoulders and back.
While acne is often associated with the teenage years, it can continue into adulthood or develop for the first time later in life. Acne is not caused by poor hygiene, and simply washing the skin more often will not necessarily prevent breakouts.
Understanding what causes acne can help identify appropriate treatment options. At Define Aesthetics, an individualised assessment can help determine the factors contributing to your acne and the most suitable approach for managing it.
What is Acne?
Acne develops when hair follicles and their associated oil glands become blocked and inflamed.
Several processes can contribute to acne:
- Increased oil production – Sebaceous glands produce sebum, the natural oil that helps protect the skin. Excess sebum can contribute to blocked pores.
- Dead skin cell build-up – Skin cells can accumulate within hair follicles, contributing to blockages.
- Bacteria – Cutibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria normally found on the skin, can contribute to inflammation when trapped within blocked follicles.
- Inflammation – The body’s inflammatory response can cause redness, swelling and the formation of pimples or deeper lesions.
Acne can range from mild occasional breakouts to persistent inflammatory acne that may result in scarring.
Symptoms
Acne can present in different forms, including:
- Blackheads (open comedones)
- Whiteheads (closed comedones)
- Small red or tender bumps
- Pus-filled pimples
- Deeper, painful nodules
- Cysts
- Redness and inflammation
- Post-acne marks or discolouration
- Acne scarring
The type and severity of acne can vary considerably between individuals. Some people experience predominantly clogged pores, while others develop frequent inflammatory or deeper lesions.
Causes
There is rarely one single cause of acne. It can result from a combination of hormonal, genetic and environmental factors.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This is one reason acne commonly develops during puberty. Hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to acne during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or other periods of hormonal change.
Adult acne, particularly around the lower face and jawline, can sometimes have a hormonal component.
Genetics
Your likelihood of developing acne can be influenced by your family history. If close family members experienced significant acne, you may have a greater tendency to develop it yourself.
Excess Sebum
Sebum is important for maintaining the skin barrier, but excessive oil production can contribute to blocked follicles and acne formation.
Blocked Hair Follicles
When excess oil combines with dead skin cells, pores can become blocked. These blockages can develop into blackheads and whiteheads and may progress to inflammatory acne.
Bacteria and Inflammation
Blocked follicles create an environment where C. acnes can contribute to inflammation. This inflammatory response is responsible for many of the red, swollen and painful lesions associated with acne.
Medications
Some medications can contribute to acne-like eruptions or worsen existing acne. If you notice changes in your skin after starting a medication, speak with your doctor before making any changes to your prescribed treatment.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Stress, sweating, friction, occlusive skincare or cosmetics and certain environmental exposures may contribute to breakouts in some individuals.
Diet may also influence acne for some people, although the relationship is complex and varies between individuals. Acne is not simply caused by eating chocolate or having a “dirty” skin.
Treatment Options
Acne treatment depends on the type and severity of acne, your skin and your individual circumstances.
Treatment options may include:
Medical-grade skincare: Carefully selected cleansers, moisturisers and active ingredients can help manage oil production, congestion and inflammation.
Topical acne treatments: Depending on your needs, ingredients such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or azelaic acid may be recommended.
Professional skin treatments: Certain treatments may help manage congestion, inflammation, pigmentation or the appearance of acne-related skin changes.
Prescription treatments: Moderate to severe acne may require assessment and treatment by a medical practitioner or dermatologist. Prescription options can include topical or oral medications depending on the individual.
Acne scar treatments: Once active acne is controlled, treatments such as skin needling, laser-based treatments or other resurfacing approaches may be considered to improve the appearance of acne scarring.
A personalised approach is important because treating active acne and treating the marks or scars left behind are not necessarily the same thing.
When to Seek Advice
Consider seeking professional advice if:
- Acne is persistent or worsening
- Breakouts are painful or deep
- Acne is leaving scars or persistent marks
- Over-the-counter products have not improved your skin
- Acne is affecting your confidence or quality of life
- You are unsure what is causing your breakouts
- Acne develops suddenly or changes significantly
Early management can be helpful, particularly when there is a risk of permanent scarring.
If you have severe, painful or persistent acne, a medical assessment may be appropriate to determine whether prescription treatment or referral to a dermatologist is required.
FAQs
Is acne caused by poor hygiene?
No. Acne is not simply the result of dirty skin. Over-washing or aggressively scrubbing the skin can actually cause irritation and may make breakouts appear worse.
Why am I getting acne as an adult?
Adult acne can be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, genetics, skincare products, medications and other factors. Hormonal changes can be particularly relevant for some women.
Does stress cause acne?
Stress does not necessarily cause acne on its own, but it may contribute to or worsen breakouts in some people. Stress can influence hormones and behaviours that may affect the skin.
Can diet cause acne?
Diet is not the sole cause of acne, and there is no single “acne diet” that works for everyone. Some research suggests that certain dietary patterns may influence acne in some individuals, but more research is needed to understand these relationships fully.
Can squeezing pimples make acne worse?
Yes. Picking or squeezing pimples can increase inflammation and may increase the risk of infection, post-inflammatory marks and scarring.
Why does acne leave scars?
Inflammation can damage structures within the skin. As the skin heals, this damage can result in changes to its texture, including depressed or raised scars. Deeper and more inflammatory acne generally carries a greater risk of scarring.
How long does acne last?
Acne varies significantly between individuals. Some people experience occasional breakouts, while others have persistent acne for many years. Appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of scarring.
Related Treatments
Depending on your skin and acne concerns, your practitioner may discuss:
- Acne-focused skincare programs
- LED light therapy
- Professional skin treatments
- Skin needling for appropriate acne scarring
- Treatments for pigmentation and post-acne marks
Active acne should generally be addressed before undertaking treatments specifically designed to improve acne scarring.
Related Products
A consistent skincare routine can support acne management. Depending on your skin, recommended products may include:
- Gentle cleansers
- Non-comedogenic moisturisers
- Salicylic acid products
- Retinoid-based skincare where appropriate
- Antioxidant products
- Broad-spectrum SPF
- Medical-grade acne treatments
Introducing too many active products at once can irritate the skin, so professional guidance can help establish an appropriate routine.
Book Consultation
If you’re struggling with persistent breakouts, recurring acne or the marks and scars acne can leave behind, a personalised assessment can help identify an appropriate treatment approach.
At Define Aesthetics, your skin can be assessed alongside your concerns, goals and existing skincare routine. From there, your practitioner can recommend suitable treatment and skincare options.
Book a consultation with Define Aesthetics to take the next step towards healthier-looking, clearer skin.