Beauty

What Causes Acne and How to Prevent It: The Basics Every Woman Should Know

Not all acne blemishes follow the same lifespan and life cycle, which is why it’s important to take preventative measures from the get-go.

Administrator

21 April, 2024

Causes of Acne

Clogged Pores
Sebum acts as a glue, which traps dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria, creating a mixture that clogs pores. This is why oily skin often goes hand in hand with breakouts.

Lack of oil will signal the skin to produce more oil. Experts recommend using blotting papers throughout the day to reduce excess oil.

Over-Washing
Washing your face too much can actually worsen the condition of your skin. If you have oily skin, it’s important to strike a balance. You want to remove excess oil, but you don’t want to strip your skin completely. This is because lack of oil will signal the skin to produce more oil, which can lead to breakouts.

Skipping Exfoliation
Another reason why you might be breaking out is because your pores are clogged with oil, dirt, and bacteria. Sometimes dead skin cells don’t shed as they should. They stay in the pores and bind together with sebum, clogging them. This can then become infected and lead to acne. That’s why exfoliation is essential.

Some may turn into pustules, papules, or cysts. Moreover, each type of acne has its own individual treatment.

Acne Prevention

Cleanse
Your cleanser is responsible for removing makeup, dirt, and oil. Washing your face 1-2 times a day is essential for a clear complexion. Make sure that you’re using a cleanser that has the correct pH balance for your skin type.

Exfoliate
This helps to prevent clogging. There are different physical and chemical exfoliation methods you can use. Chemical exfoliators tend to be gentler and easier to use.

Moisturize
Moisturizing helps to keep your skin hydrated. This way, your skin will not go into overdrive to produce oil to compensate, leading to excess oil.

Frequently asked questions

An interesting fact about skin is that when it senses a lack of oil, it compensates by producing more. This is why it’s important to maintain a balance. Over-washing your face can strip the skin of its natural oils, triggering it to produce even more sebum, which can then lead to acne. On the other hand, excess oil can also clog pores, so it’s crucial to manage oil levels through gentle cleansing and blotting throughout the day.

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that could otherwise stay in your pores and mix with sebum, causing clogs. These clogs can then become infected and turn into acne. Additionally, exfoliation prevents the buildup of impurities on the skin’s surface, reducing the chances of pore blockage.

A consistent skincare routine with the right products can help prevent acne. Cleanse your face 1-2 times daily with a pH-balanced cleanser suited to your skin type to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil. Exfoliate regularly, using chemical exfoliators for a gentle yet effective approach. Finally, moisturize to keep your skin hydrated and balanced, reducing the need for excessive oil production.