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Author: Natalie Ng|28 April 2025
If your skin keeps breaking out and you're not sure why, you're not alone. Acne breakouts can be frustrating, especially when you’re doing all the right things—or at least you think you are. The truth is, most breakouts come from a mix of common causes like changes in hormones, too much oil on the skin, clogged pores, or even stress and diet. Sometimes, it's also the products you’re using that are working against you instead of for you. Medical-grade skin care can actually help clear things up—but only if you know what’s triggering your breakouts in the first place. Ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids aren’t just buzzwords—they’re backed by research and actually help reduce oil production, remove dead skin cells, and fight bacteria. Understanding what’s happening under the surface is key to finding a treatment that works for your skin type. Stick around—we’re breaking down the top reasons your face may be breaking out, and how to get it under control with the right products and a simple skin care routine that actually makes sense.
1
Hormonal Imbalances and Fluctuations
Hormones play a big role in acne breakouts. When hormone levels shift, the oil glands in the skin often go into overdrive. This leads to an increase in sebum production, which can clog pores and trigger breakouts—especially in areas like the chin and jawline.
How Hormones Affect the Skin
Hormones like androgens (such as testosterone) affect how much oil the skin produces. These levels rise during puberty but also change during other life stages and events—such as menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Even stress can affect hormone balance and cause the skin to break out.
Common Triggers of Hormonal Acne
- Menstrual cycles: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone may cause acne breakouts before or during a period.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can lead to increased oil production.
- Menopause: Lower estrogen levels may cause the skin to become more sensitive to oil and inflammation.
- Stress: The body releases cortisol during stress, which may impact oil production and the immune response in the skin.
Treating Hormonal Breakouts
To help reduce breakouts linked to hormone changes, use skin care products with ingredients that target oil and clogged pores. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help clear blocked pores and reduce bacteria on the skin. Retinoids may support faster skin cell turnover. Keep the routine consistent and avoid harsh products that strip the skin and trigger more oil production.
Adjusting your skin care routine based on your cycle or stress levels can make a big difference. If breakouts keep coming back or get worse, speak with a dermatologist—especially if adult acne is affecting your skin long-term.
2
Excess Oil Production and Clogged Pores
Your skin naturally produces oil (sebum) to stay hydrated and protected. But when the oil glands become overactive, they produce more oil than the skin needs. This excess oil can clog pores, trap bacteria, and lead to breakouts—especially in areas like the face, chest, and back where oil glands are more concentrated.
How Sebum Affects Skin Health
Sebum plays a protective role in maintaining healthy skin. But when oil production goes beyond what's needed, it creates the perfect conditions for acne and blackheads to form.
- Sebum + dead skin cells: This combination often forms a thick plug in the pores, leading to blockages.
- Blocked pores: Once blocked, oil builds up underneath the skin, which can result in whiteheads, blackheads, or inflamed acne.
- Bacteria growth: The buildup creates an oxygen-poor environment that encourages acne-causing bacteria to grow and cause inflammation.
Excess oil doesn’t mean your skin is dirty—it means your oil glands are out of balance. This imbalance can be triggered by hormones, stress, genetics, or harsh skin care products that strip the skin, causing it to produce even more oil to compensate.
Managing Oil Without Overdoing It
Managing sebum production doesn’t mean removing all oil from the skin. It’s about finding the right level of oil control without drying out or irritating your skin.
- Use cleansers with salicylic acid: This helps dissolve oil in the pores and clear away dead skin cells.
- Try products with benzoyl peroxide: These reduce bacteria and help prevent clogged pores.
- Avoid over-washing: Washing your face more than twice a day can strip your skin’s moisture barrier, which can lead to even more oil production.
- Exfoliate gently: 1–2 times a week is usually enough to remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.
- Look for non-comedogenic moisturizers: These hydrate without clogging pores.
You don’t need a long list of products to manage breakouts caused by excess oil. You just need the right ones—used consistently. Focus on ingredients that help regulate sebum levels and keep pores clear while supporting your skin’s natural barrier.
3
Bacterial Growth and Inflammation
Breakouts aren’t just about oil—they also involve bacteria. One of the main culprits is a naturally occurring bacteria on the skin called Cutibacterium acnes (previously known as P. acnes). On its own, this bacteria isn’t harmful. But when it gets trapped inside clogged pores filled with excess oil and dead skin cells, it multiplies quickly and causes inflammation.
What Happens Inside a Clogged Pore
When your pores are blocked by sebum and skin cells, oxygen can't reach inside. This low-oxygen space creates the perfect environment for C. acnes to grow.
- Bacteria feed on sebum: This process produces substances that irritate the lining of the pore.
- Irritation leads to inflammation: Your immune system reacts to the bacteria and byproducts, causing redness, swelling, and pus.
- Inflammation spreads: In some cases, nearby tissue also gets inflamed, making the breakout more painful and noticeable.
These inflamed breakouts can show up as red bumps, pustules, or even deep cysts—especially if the bacterial buildup continues without treatment.
How to Treat Acne Caused by Bacteria
Targeting bacteria helps reduce both the number of breakouts and how inflamed they get.
- Benzoyl peroxide: This is one of the most effective ingredients for killing acne-causing bacteria. It also helps clear pores and reduce swelling.
- Salicylic acid: While it doesn’t kill bacteria directly, it clears out clogged pores, which helps stop bacteria from building up in the first place.
- Tea tree oil: Found in some beauty products, this plant-based option has antibacterial properties and may help reduce mild acne for some skin types.
- Topical antibiotics: In more serious cases, dermatologists may prescribe antibiotic creams or gels to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Inflamed acne can be frustrating, especially when it’s red and painful. Using antibacterial products consistently can help calm the skin and reduce future breakouts without causing unnecessary irritation.
4
Diet and Nutritional Factors
What you eat doesn’t just affect your body—it affects your skin too. While diet isn't the only cause of acne breakouts, certain foods can trigger inflammation, affect hormone levels, and increase oil production. These changes may lead to more frequent or severe breakouts, especially if your skin is already acne-prone.
Foods That May Worsen Acne
Some foods affect insulin levels or contain hormones that can disrupt your skin’s balance. These effects may lead to excess oil, clogged pores, and inflammation.
- High-glycemic foods: Foods like white bread, sugary snacks, and sweetened drinks cause quick spikes in blood sugar. This raises insulin levels, which may increase oil production and trigger acne.
- Dairy products: Skim milk, in particular, has been linked to breakouts. It may contain hormones or bioactive compounds that can affect your own hormone levels.
- Fast food and processed snacks: These are often high in unhealthy fats and refined carbs, which can increase inflammation and make acne worse.
Foods That Support Skin Health
While no single food will cure acne, a balanced diet can support your skin and reduce the risk of breakouts.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish, chia seeds, walnuts): Help reduce inflammation in the skin.
- Zinc-rich foods (like pumpkin seeds and lentils): May help regulate oil production and reduce acne severity.
- Antioxidants (from fruits and vegetables): Support skin repair and protect against inflammation.
Your skin reflects what’s going on inside your body. By cutting down on high-sugar and processed foods and focusing on nutrient-rich options, you can support your skin’s natural balance. Making a few changes in your diet might not give overnight results—but over time, it can help reduce inflammation, support healthy oil levels, and improve overall skin health.
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5
Stress and Sleep Disruption
Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it affects your skin too. When your body is under stress, it produces more cortisol, a hormone that can directly impact oil glands. Increased cortisol levels can lead to more sebum production, clogged pores, and inflammation, all of which contribute to acne breakouts. Sleep disruption often makes this worse, since your skin depends on rest to repair itself.
How Stress Triggers Breakouts
Stress doesn’t cause acne on its own, but it makes existing breakouts worse and more frequent.
- Cortisol spikes oil production: The oil glands in your skin respond to stress hormones by producing more sebum.
- Immune response weakens: Stress reduces your skin’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, so breakouts take longer to heal.
- Increased inflammation: Stress makes your skin more reactive, which can cause more redness and swelling around acne.
You might also notice more breakouts during exams, major deadlines, or after several nights of poor sleep. This isn’t a coincidence—your skin reacts to your body’s stress.
Why Sleep Matters for Skin
Sleep is when your skin repairs itself. Without enough quality sleep, your skin becomes more prone to irritation, inflammation, and breakouts.
- Poor sleep disrupts skin cell renewal: This slows down your skin’s ability to recover from acne.
- Sleep loss increases cortisol levels: Leading to the same oil and inflammation issues as daytime stress.
- Skin barrier becomes weaker: Making it easier for bacteria and irritants to affect the skin.
Managing stress and improving sleep are simple ways to support your skin. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep per night, and try routines that help reduce stress—such as regular movement, breaks from screens, or calming activities. If acne breakouts continue even with these changes, your skin might need extra support through products or treatment.
6
Environmental Pollutants and Irritants
The environment around you can affect your skin more than you might think. Pollution, harsh chemicals, and even the water you wash your face with can all play a role in acne breakouts. These external factors can clog pores, trigger inflammation, and disrupt your skin’s protective barrier, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
How Environmental Factors Contribute to Breakouts
Every day, your skin is exposed to microscopic particles and irritants. Over time, these can build up on the surface of the skin and lead to problems.
- Air pollution: Tiny particles from car exhaust, smoke, and industrial emissions can settle on the skin. These particles mix with oil and sweat, clogging pores and triggering inflammation.
- Chlorine and heavy metals in water: These can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, or rebound oil production. This may increase breakouts in sensitive skin types.
- Harsh products and detergents: Some skin care products and household items contain chemicals that upset the skin's pH balance, break down the protective barrier, or cause allergic reactions. This irritation can lead to more oil and blocked pores.
You may notice more acne breakouts after being outdoors for long periods, living in an urban area, or switching to a new cleanser, detergent, or water source.
How to Protect Your Skin From Environmental Irritants
Preventing acne caused by pollution or irritants means supporting your skin barrier and cleansing gently—but effectively.
- Cleanse daily: Use a gentle, non-- comedogenic cleanser to remove pollutants, oil, and sweat without stripping the skin.
- Use antioxidants: Serums with vitamin C or niacinamide may help protect skin cells from environmental stress and reduce inflammation.
- Apply a barrier: Lightweight moisturizers can form a protective layer over the skin and keep harmful particles from settling into pores.
- Avoid strong fragrances and harsh detergents: Choose fragrance-free and non-irritating products for both skincare and laundry.
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7
Improper Skincare Routine and Product Usage
Sometimes, it’s not what you’re not doing—it’s what you are doing that’s causing your skin to break out. A skincare routine that’s too harsh, too complicated, or uses the wrong products for your skin type can cause breakouts, irritation, and clogged pores. Even good products can cause problems when they’re not used correctly.
Common Skincare Mistakes That Trigger Breakouts
The way you apply your products—and which ones you choose—matters.
- Over-cleansing: Washing your face too often or using strong cleansers can strip the skin’s natural oils, which triggers more oil production to make up for it.
- Wrong product order: Applying thicker creams before lighter serums can block absorption and reduce the effectiveness of your products.
- Mixing active ingredients: Using too many strong ingredients (like acids, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide) at once can cause irritation and break down the skin barrier.
- Heavy or comedogenic products: Thick creams, makeup, or sunscreens that clog pores can lead to blackheads and acne—especially if you don’t remove them properly.
Many of these mistakes are made with good intentions—like trying to clear up acne fast—but they often backfire.
How to Fix Your Routine and Support Skin Health
A good skincare routine doesn’t need to be complex. Focus on consistency, not quantity.
- Stick to a simple routine: Cleanser, treatment, moisturizer, and SPF is usually enough.
- Use products made for your skin type: Choose non-comedogenic and fragrance-free products if you're acne-prone or sensitive.
- Introduce new products slowly: Give your skin time to adjust—wait at least one to two weeks before adding another product.
- Apply in the right order: Go from thinnest to thickest—usually serum, then moisturizer, then sunscreen (in the morning).
- Don’t skip moisturizers: Even oily skin needs hydration. Look for oil-free or gel-based formulas that won’t clog pores.
Getting breakouts under control starts with using the right products the right way. A consistent, balanced skincare routine will help keep your skin barrier strong, your pores clear, and your skin break-out free over time.
8
Treating Breakouts with New Beauty’s Acne Treatment
Breakouts can be persistent, especially when oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation all happen at once. While daily skin care products like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help manage breakouts, some skin types need a more targeted and effective approach. That’s where professional treatments come in.
The Acne Treatment offered at New Beauty is designed specifically for acne-prone skin. It supports the effects of your skincare routine by going deeper—cleansing the pores, calming the oil glands, and improving overall skin health. If you’ve been struggling with acne, blackheads, whiteheads, or recurring breakouts despite using the right products, this may be the extra step your skin needs.
How the Acne Treatment Works
The treatment combines deep pore cleansing with hydration and oil control—without harsh chemicals or downtime.
1. Deep cleansing with dual spiral suction
A unique suction and drainage system exfoliates the skin while unclogging pores. It removes sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt—key factors that contribute to acne breakouts.
2. Hydrating serum infusion
Once the pores are clear, a medical-grade serum is infused into the skin. This helps hydrate the skin, calm the oil glands, and restore balance to the skin barrier. It also supports collagen production, which improves skin texture over time.
3. Ongoing oil control
By balancing sebum production and reducing excess oil, the treatment helps prevent future breakouts. It’s especially helpful for oily or combination skin types that struggle with clogged pores and bumps in oil-prone areas like the face, chest, and back.
Advantages of the Acne Treatment
- Non-invasive and gentle — No needles, no medication, no harsh chemicals
- Suitable for moderate to severe acne — Including acne vulgaris, scarring, and enlarged pores
- Safe for sensitive skin — A patch test is done before the full treatment to avoid irritation
- Visible results — With regular sessions, most users see fewer breakouts, reduced redness, and smoother skin
This treatment is not a replacement for good skin care habits, but it works well alongside a balanced routine—especially for those who haven’t seen progress with products alone. It's a practical solution for managing acne and breakouts while supporting the skin’s natural recovery process.
Ready for clearer skin?
Book a consultation today and find out how The Acne Treatment can support your journey to healthier, clearer skin—without downtime, side effects, or harsh ingredients.
FAQ
How Long Does It Take to See Results From Acne Treatment?
Most treatments take 4-8 weeks to show initial improvement, and you might see ideal results within 3-4 months of consistent use. Over-the-counter products typically work more slowly than prescription medications. If you're using prescription treatments, you'll often notice changes sooner, but this is crucial to stick to your regimen even after seeing improvements.
Can Birth Control Pills Help Reduce Acne Breakouts?
Birth control pills can effectively reduce acne by regulating hormones that trigger breakouts. They work by: 1. Decreasing androgen production, which reduces excess oil. 2. Balancing estrogen and progesterone levels in your body. 3. Minimizing hormonal fluctuations that lead to breakouts. You'll need a prescription from your healthcare provider, and it typically takes 2-3 months to see improvement.
Is It Possible to Permanently Cure Adult Acne?
While you can't technically cure adult acne permanently, you can effectively manage it long-term through: 1) consistent medical treatment with retinoids, antibiotics, or hormonal medications, 2) proper skincare routines tailored to your skin type, and 3) lifestyle modifications like stress management and diet changes. Your acne triggers may evolve over time, so you'll need to adjust your treatment approach accordingly to maintain clear skin.
Does Wearing Makeup Make Acne Worse?
Wearing makeup can worsen acne if you don't choose the right products and maintain proper habits. 1) Non-comedogenic and oil-free products won't clog your pores. 2) Always remove makeup completely before bed using a gentle cleanser. 3) Clean your makeup brushes weekly to prevent bacteria buildup. 4) Let your skin breathe by going makeup-free when possible, especially during workouts or while sleeping.
Should I See a Dermatologist if Over-The-Counter Treatments Aren't Working?
If over-the-counter treatments haven't improved your acne after 8-12 weeks of consistent use, you should definitely consult a dermatologist. A skin specialist can properly diagnose your specific type of acne, identify underlying causes, and prescribe stronger medications like tretinoin or antibiotics that aren't available over the counter. They'll also create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique skin concerns and prevents potential scarring.
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Acne Treatment
1 Minute Self-Registration
Date should not be before minimal date
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