Why do adults experience sudden acne breakouts. What are the main types of adult acne. How can diet, stress, and hormones contribute to adult acne. What are the most effective treatments for managing adult acne breakouts.

Understanding Adult Acne: More Common Than You Think

Many people believe acne is a problem exclusive to teenagers, but the reality is quite different. Adult acne is a widespread issue that can affect individuals well into their 20s, 30s, and beyond. This skin condition can be frustrating and impact self-esteem, but understanding its causes and available treatments can help manage breakouts effectively.

Types of Adult Acne: Identifying Your Specific Breakouts

Adult acne manifests in various forms, each with distinct characteristics. Recognizing the type of acne you’re dealing with is crucial for choosing the right treatment approach. Here are the main types of adult acne:

• Papules: Red, inflamed bumps on the skin’s surface
• Pustules: Similar to papules but filled with pus
• Nodules: Larger, more painful red bumps
• Cysts: Deep, tender bumps beneath the skin
• Blackheads: Non-inflammatory acne, typically found in the T-zone
• Whiteheads: Also non-inflammatory, commonly occurring in the T-zone

Identifying your specific type of acne can help you tailor your skincare routine and treatment plan more effectively.

The Root Causes of Adult Acne: Stress, Hormones, and Diet

Adult acne can be triggered by various factors, often interacting in complex ways. Understanding these causes is essential for developing an effective prevention and treatment strategy.

Stress: The Silent Acne Trigger

Stress plays a significant role in adult acne development. When we’re stressed, our bodies produce more androgens, hormones that stimulate sebaceous glands to produce excess oil. This increase in oil production can lead to clogged pores and subsequent breakouts. Stress-induced acne often manifests as inflamed, pus-filled papules rather than simple blackheads or whiteheads.

Hormonal Fluctuations and Acne

Hormonal changes are a common culprit behind adult acne, especially in women. These fluctuations can occur due to various reasons:

• Menstrual cycle: Many women experience breakouts before and during their periods due to hormonal shifts
• Birth control: Starting, stopping, or changing birth control methods can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to acne
• Pregnancy and postpartum: Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy can trigger acne breakouts

Understanding your hormonal patterns can help you anticipate and manage acne flare-ups more effectively.

The Diet-Acne Connection

What we eat can significantly impact our skin health. Recent studies have shown links between certain dietary habits and increased acne risk:

• High glycemic index foods: These foods cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, potentially leading to inflammation and acne
• Dairy products: Particularly skim milk, which may contain hormones that stimulate oil production
• Processed and fried foods: These can contribute to overall inflammation in the body, potentially exacerbating acne

By being mindful of these dietary factors, you can make informed choices to support clearer skin.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Adult Acne

Managing adult acne often requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some effective strategies to combat breakouts and achieve clearer skin:

Dietary Modifications for Clearer Skin

Making strategic changes to your diet can have a significant impact on your skin health:

• Reduce consumption of high glycemic index foods and processed sugars
• Limit dairy intake, especially if you’re prone to cystic acne
• Incorporate skin-friendly fats like MCT oil as a dairy alternative
• Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate for occasional treats
• Increase fiber intake to support gut health, which is linked to better skin

Remember, dietary changes may take up to six weeks to show noticeable improvements in your skin, so patience is key.

The Role of Vitamins in Acne Management

Certain vitamins can play a crucial role in managing adult acne:

• Vitamin B6: Taking this supplement daily, especially in the week before your period, may help manage hormonal breakouts
• Vitamin A: Known for its skin-renewing properties, vitamin A can help reduce acne and improve overall skin health
• Zinc: This mineral has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce acne severity

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Topical Treatments: Finding the Right Formula for Your Skin

Topical treatments are often the first line of defense against adult acne. Here are some effective ingredients to look for:

• Salicylic acid: Helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation
• Benzoyl peroxide: Fights acne-causing bacteria and helps remove excess oil
• Retinoids: Derived from vitamin A, these can help unclog pores and promote cell turnover
• Niacinamide: Helps reduce inflammation and regulate oil production

When choosing topical treatments, consider your skin type and the severity of your acne. It’s often best to start with lower concentrations and gradually increase as your skin adjusts.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Acne-Free Skin

In addition to dietary and topical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact your skin health:

• Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to reduce stress-induced breakouts
• Sleep hygiene: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support skin repair and hormone balance
• Regular exercise: Physical activity can help regulate hormones and reduce stress, potentially improving acne
• Proper skincare routine: Cleanse, tone, and moisturize consistently, using non-comedogenic products

Remember, consistency is key when implementing these lifestyle changes for better skin health.

When to Seek Professional Help for Adult Acne

While many cases of adult acne can be managed with over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes, some situations warrant professional intervention:

• Persistent or severe acne that doesn’t respond to home treatments
• Acne that leaves scars or causes emotional distress
• Sudden onset of severe acne, which may indicate an underlying health issue
• Acne accompanied by other symptoms like excessive hair growth or irregular periods

A dermatologist can provide personalized treatment plans, including prescription medications if necessary, to help manage stubborn adult acne.

The Psychological Impact of Adult Acne: Coping Strategies

Adult acne can have significant psychological effects, impacting self-esteem and social interactions. Here are some strategies to cope with the emotional aspects of adult acne:

• Practice self-compassion and positive self-talk
• Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
• Focus on overall health and well-being, not just skin appearance
• Consider talking to a therapist if acne is causing significant distress

Remember, having acne doesn’t define your worth or beauty. With patience and the right approach, most cases of adult acne can be effectively managed.

Debunking Common Adult Acne Myths

There are many misconceptions about adult acne that can lead to ineffective treatments or unnecessary worry. Let’s address some common myths:

Myth: Only Teenagers Get Acne

This is perhaps the most pervasive myth about acne. In reality, acne can affect people of all ages. Adult acne is increasingly common, especially among women in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s.

Myth: Acne is Caused by Poor Hygiene

While good hygiene is important for overall skin health, acne isn’t caused by dirt. Overwashing or scrubbing too hard can actually irritate the skin and make acne worse.

Myth: Sunlight or Tanning Clears Acne

While sun exposure might temporarily mask acne’s appearance, it doesn’t treat the underlying causes. Moreover, excessive sun exposure can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Myth: Makeup Causes Acne

Not all makeup causes acne. Look for non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores. Remember to remove makeup thoroughly before bed.

Understanding these myths can help you make more informed decisions about your skincare routine and acne treatment approach.

The Future of Adult Acne Treatment: Emerging Research and Technologies

The field of dermatology is constantly evolving, with new research and technologies emerging to combat adult acne. Here are some promising developments:

Microbiome-Based Treatments

Research into the skin microbiome is revealing new ways to treat acne by promoting beneficial bacteria on the skin. Probiotic skincare products and treatments that target specific strains of acne-causing bacteria are showing promise.

Advanced Light Therapies

Light-based treatments, such as blue light therapy and photodynamic therapy, are becoming more sophisticated and accessible. These treatments can target acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation without the use of harsh chemicals.

Personalized Skincare

Advances in genetic testing and artificial intelligence are paving the way for highly personalized skincare regimens. These approaches consider an individual’s unique skin type, lifestyle factors, and genetic predispositions to create tailored acne treatment plans.

Novel Delivery Systems

Researchers are developing new ways to deliver acne-fighting ingredients more effectively into the skin. Nanotechnology and smart delivery systems may improve the efficacy of traditional acne treatments while minimizing side effects.

While many of these technologies are still in development, they offer hope for even more effective adult acne treatments in the future.

Maintaining Clear Skin: Long-Term Strategies for Adult Acne Management

Successfully managing adult acne often requires a long-term approach. Here are some strategies to help maintain clear skin over time:

Consistency is Key

Stick to your skincare routine, even when your skin improves. Consistency helps maintain the balance your skin needs to stay clear.

Regular Check-Ins

Periodically reassess your skincare routine and treatments. As your skin changes over time, your acne management strategy may need to evolve too.

Holistic Approach

Remember that skin health is connected to overall health. Continue to prioritize a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep.

Be Prepared for Fluctuations

Even with the best care, you may still experience occasional breakouts due to hormonal changes, stress, or other factors. Have a plan in place to address these flare-ups quickly.

Stay Informed

Keep up with the latest research and developments in acne treatment. New products or techniques might offer additional benefits for your skin.

By adopting these long-term strategies, you can work towards maintaining clearer, healthier skin well into adulthood.

Why Am I Suddenly Breaking Out? A Dermatologist and Esthetician Explain

There are a few widespread beauty myths that most of us grow up believing: that sleeping on wet hair will give you a cold, that shaving makes your hair grow back thicker, and that acne only happens to teenagers. For years, this last one felt like a given to me, and when I got out of puberty unscathed by breakouts, I thought I was in the clear.

My aha moment about my skin arrived about a month after my 24th birthday, when I showed up for a facial with esthetician Renée Rouleau, my face dotted with both active breakouts and scars from adult acne. It seems my streak had come to an end. “Is this a typical day for your skin?” she asked me. “I want to say no,” I told her. “But this seems to be what my skin is now. And I need help.”

Meet the Expert

• Renée Rouleau is a celebrity esthetician based in Austin, Texas. She is also the founder and creator of her eponymous skincare line.
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, is the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Zeichner won the Elle Skin Genius Award in 2015 and has been featured in publications, such as Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and InStyle.

Fortunately, while undoubtedly frustrating, adult acne is relatively common. To share the truth about adult acne, I got back in touch with Rouleau as well as Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology.

Here, find clear, trustworthy information about the causes of adult acne and its treatments (much of which helped me clear my own!).

Types of Adult Acne

• Papules: Red bumps that sit on the skin.
• Pustules: Red bumps, similar to papules, that are pus-filled.
• Nodules: Like papules, this type of adult acne can be identified as red bumps. However, they are larger in size.
• Cysts: Tender, under-the-skin bumps.
• Blackheads: A non-inflammatory type of adult acne, blackheads typically occur along the T-zone.
• Whiteheads: Like blackheads, whiteheads are non-inflammatory and commonly occur along the T-zone.

Causes and Prevention of Adult Acne

Stress: Stress and lack of sleep induce the overproduction of the hormone androgens, which encourages our sebaceous glands to create more oil. This is the reason why in stressful periods, people experiencing an increase in acne get more inflamed, pus-filled papules than simple whiteheads or blackheads, according to Rouleau.

Hormones: Zeichner explains that changing or discontinuing birth control can throw off one’s hormonal balance, leading to breakouts. Additionally, fluctuations in hormone levels right before and during a young woman’s period can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce excess oil, resulting in monthly breakouts, according to Rouleau.

Diet: Foods with a high glycemic index have been linked to acne breakouts. These are foods with a high sugar load, which is thought to promote inflammation in the skin. The same is true of cows milk, particularly skim milk, according to Zeichner.

Treatment

1. Dietary Changes

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We recommend this MCT oil for a dairy-free fat substitute.

Diet-wise, Rouleau suggests limiting fried and sugary processed foods, which cause prolonged insulin increases that can contribute to hormonal acne. If cystic acne is your issue, avoiding dairy can help: “Since most dairy cows are given growth hormones, the consumption of milk, cheese, and yogurt become factors that influence endogenous hormones and mimic the hormones that trigger oil production in the skin to ignite the acne process,” Rouleau explains. She suggests doing an experiment by cutting out all dairy products for two weeks to see if this is, indeed, the cause of your cystic breakouts. In the meantime, introduce some skin-loving, dairy-free fats into your diet, like MCT oil.

[Ed. Note: Most acne improvements may need about six weeks to prove themselves, even from dietary changes.]

If you want to indulge a bit, stick to dark chocolate (in moderation), which contains fewer inflammatory ingredients (e.g. sugar and dairy) than milk chocolate. A high-fiber diet and a healthy gut are also believed to promote better skin. You know what they say—you are what you eat.

2. Vitamin Intake

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We recommend this supplement for a high dose of vitamin B6.

Looking for a treatment that will help address multiple causes of acne? An easy fix that handles diet, hormones, and stress all in one is taking vitamin B6 every day of the week before your period. “This supplement may help ease PMS symptoms by improving metabolic function and hormone metabolism,” says Rouleau. This, in turn, will help manage those unwarranted hormonal breakouts. “In addition, vitamin B6 can help the body manufacture neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which aids in the body’s ability to cope with stress.” So, you can count on the supplement helping to tackle more than one common cause of acne.

3. Birth Control

If B6 isn’t enough to help with your hormones, you might consider switching up your birth control routine, whether that means changing the type you’re currently on or starting up with it for the first time. Certain birth control pills can help regulate your hormone levels, and therefore help regulate hormonal breakouts. “Consult with your doctor to experiment with different types of birth control pills,” Rouleau recommends. “Many of my clients have found that making a change can have a positive influence on lessening acne and occasional hormonal breakouts.” Keep in mind that while this method can be effective, it takes time for your body to fully adjust to new birth control.

4. Topical Products

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While what you do on the inside makes a difference, treating acne from the outside is also important. That’s where topical skincare products come in. “You don’t know where your next pimple will pop up, so it is important to treat the entire face,” Zeichner advises. Rather than waiting for your next breakout to show face, follow a skincare routine that will help prevent future blemishes.

Key acne-fighting ingredients include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. “Use a salicylic acid cleanser to remove excess oil and dead cells from your skin’s surface to keep pores clear,” Zeichner says. Make sure to choose a sulfate-free option like the Renée Rouleau AHA/BHA Deep Pore Cleanser to avoid dehydration and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide works to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. If this ingredient is too irritating to use on your whole face, “then reserve it to spot-treat,” says Zeichner.

But don’t make the mistake of overloading your skin with acne fighters. “Especially in the 20s, it’s very important to use products only for your skin type,” says Rouleau. (Take this helpful test to find out what that is for you.)

5. Prescription Treatments

Sometimes, the treatments you can get at the drugstore or department store just don’t cut it, no matter how good they may be. If your acne doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere anytime soon, and you can’t seem to pinpoint its cause on your own, it might be a good time to book an appointment with a dermatologist. They may prescribe retinoids, antibiotics, azelaic acid, or birth control pills, depending on the acne you’re dealing with. They might even recommend laser treatments, which are expensive but effective. That said, it’s a good idea to keep track of your breakouts, diet, and other factors that could be influencing acne, so you can share this with your dermatologist and give them better insight into your individual situation.

6. Light Therapy

Dr. Dennis Gross
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We recommend this light therapy mask to promote clearer skin.

If you’re into trying the latest and greatest in skincare technology, Zeichner recommends checking out an at-home light therapy treatment for your acne: “A light therapy mask is advantageous because it treats the entire face and is non-irritating.” The face is covered in thousands of pipes, which connect oil glands to the surface of the skin; “combine light with your traditional acne treatments for a more powerful approach.”

7. Reduce Your Stress

This is important for reducing breakouts but also for life. We mentioned earlier that taking supplements, such as vitamin B6, can help with stress, but there are also small changes you can make to your lifestyle. Find activities and practices that help you manage stress. Whether it’s yoga, a guided meditation, breathing exercises, a walk, or just carving out some time for yourself, do what keeps you calm and collected—your skin should follow suit. To tackle two treatments in one, consider using a face mask formulated to promote a clear complexion (we love Origins’ Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores, $26) and some well-deserved self-care.

How to Get Rid of Back Acne Once and for All | Get Rid of Bacne

The first thing to know about how to get rid of back acne is that it’s not like the pimples you get on your face. Yes, it’s similar in that the pores clog and bacteria is often to blame, and also you get incredibly confused and angry and emotional about it (especially if you’re on steroids). But it’s different in that it comes with its own rulebook for treating and preventing it.

Luckily bacne is very treatable and very preventable. And I didn’t know all the ways to keep it at bay until I sourced a bunch of board-certified dermatologists for the answers. We got the advice they often give their own patients in regards to back acne, and now they’ve got your back, too: Here’s how to get rid of back acne.

Swap Out Your Shower Products

Start with a benzoyl peroxide (5-10%) body wash:

Nearly all of the dermatologists cited benzoyl peroxide body wash as their top suggestion for clearing bacne, since it aggressively kills the bacteria that cause you to break out back there. But be warned: It can stain your towels and clothing, so rinse thoroughly when done, and maybe wear a white t-shirt to bed afterwards.

Replenix benzoyl peroxide 10% body wash with aloe vera

As an alternative, use zinc-packed dandruff shampoos:

“I find that often ‘back acne’ is actually pityrosporum folliculitis, an overgrowth of a yeast normally found on our skin. Using antifungal shampoos and body washes, daily for 10 days, then weekly for maintenance, is helpful,” says Dr. Debbie Elder.

Dove+Men Care anti-dandruff shampoo with pyrithione zinc

Nizoral zinc anti-dandruff shampoo

Reach back there with a brush:

“Use a long handled cleansing sponge with your acne-fighting body wash, or even a body brush. These clean the back thoroughly in the shower,” says Dr. Nancy Samolitis.

Metene double-sided back brush

Do a back mask:
You can also leave your 10% benzoyl peroxide cleanser on like a mask for 5-10 minutes. I’d never do that on the face but the back can take it, and leaving it on longer helps,” says Dr. Papri Sarkar. 

In a pinch, try a peel:
“If it’s really bad and a person has big event coming up, I recommend a chemical peel. If there’s no time for an in-office one, I recommend doing an over the counter one or using peel pads,” says Dr. Papri Sarkar.

Dr. Dennis Gross salicylic acid peel pads (45 count)

Change Your Diet

Eat more anti-inflammatories: “Increasing foods that fight inflammation, such as green leafy veggies, fish, and tomatoes can be a great addition to your acne regimen,” says Dr. Mariana Atanasovski.

Omega 3s, good. Sugar, bad:
“Low glycemic index choices (meaning low in simple carbohydrates) have good results. So does increasing omega 3s which we can find in salmon, avocado, and walnuts,” says Dr. Sara Greer.

Mind Your Hygiene

Wash your towels and clothes frequently:
“It is important to wash your towels frequently or switch to an antimicrobial fabric so that bacteria doesn’t sit and then keep getting transferred back to the skin,” says Dr. Kavita Mariwalla. Ditto for your clothes, especially anything you’ve sweat in: It becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

Never soak in your own sweat:
“I also remind athletes that getting in the shower and rinsing off soon after a workout can help minimize the effects of irritation from the sweat and occlusion of wet clothing,” says Dr. Hilary C. Reich.

If you can’t shower, wipe yourself off:
Sometimes you’re in a hurry, or prefer to delay the shower til home If so use a wipe, says Dr. Caroline Chang. This will keep pores clear and eliminate some of the urgency to shower (though you should still do so soon).

Anthony shower sheets (12 count)

Alter Your Workout Habits

Sweat wicking fabrics, always:
“Use wicking fabrics when you work out, since they provide maximum cooling and a dry fit. Yes, cotton is breathable, but it holds the moisture next to your skin creating a wonderfully hospitable environment,” says Dr. Brooke Jackson.

Lululemon men’s mesh workout shirt

Compress less: “I often see folliculitis in elite athletes. They will confuse the bumps on their legs, lower back, and groin with acne, when in fact they can be infected hair follicles. A recent trend that may be contributing to this phenomenon is compression. Tight yoga pants, compression shorts and sleeves can occlude and irritate hair follicles, and you can further increase the risk of hair follicle infection with reusing clothing without washing,” says Dr. John Trinidad.

Whey is way bad:
“Stop whey protein shakes and bars! Whey protein supplements have been linked to back acne. For some patients, the acne clears up after the supplements are discontinued,” says Dr. Allison Arthur. Consider switching to a non-whey protein.

Orgain vegan whey protein

This goes without saying, but say no to steroids:
“Eliminate anabolic steroids from your workout regimen. Not only do they cause ‘roid rage’, but they drive deep, scarring acne,” says Dr. Holly Hanson.

Visit a Dermatologist of Your Own

Our failsafe technique on how to get rid of back acne? Talk to a pro. “If your back acne is progressing despite these measures, seek a board certified dermatologist. Your dermatologist can offer more aggressive treatment including prescription creams, short term antibiotics, hormonal therapy, extractions, peels, laser treatments, and even isotretinoin for the most severe cases of nodule-cystic acne to halt acne before it scars. A board-certified dermatologist can also recognize acne-imposters such as steroid folliculitis, fungal folliculitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa,” says Dr. Laura Haygood.

Why Body Acne Is on the Rise

And just because you get facial breakouts doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll also see bumps elsewhere on the body, and vice versa. “Body acne can be completely separate from acne on the face,” explains Engelman. 

Why are you breaking out all of a sudden?

From the emotional to the physical, pandemic-related issues are contributing to the rise in acne. 

For one, there’s the lifestyle change. “You’re sitting, and there’s more friction on your butt, which can lead to butt breakouts,” Mona Gohara, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, previously told Allure. All that rubbing of butt on couch can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts. 

The rise of at-home workouts isn’t helping, either. More time spent in sweaty clothes (because who’s changing right after a workout anymore?), and then sitting in those sweaty clothes on the couch, can cause clogged pores.

There’s also the fact that many of us, for various reasons, aren’t taking as much care of our skin as we used to. “People are exhausted, mentally and physically,” says Gohara. “I’ve been in athleisure since March, and I think the same [thinking applies to] skin care. People aren’t taking care of their skin, because they’re like ‘I can’t deal.'” Forget bells and whistles like sheet masks (or butt masks), people are also showering less, which can lead to oil buildup on the body. Others are showering more, which can lead to irritated skin. 

Diet is also contributing to newfound body breakouts. “If you are like me, while sitting at home, you may be grabbing for those donuts, ice cream, and wine. Pandemic-related poor diet may be exacerbating your acne,” says Chang. “Studies show that high glycemic diets (high sugar and carb foods) and dairy may worsen acne.”

Lastly, there’s the emotional toll that this year has taken. “Pandemic-related stress may contribute to acne flares,” Chang continues. “Stress induces the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and elevates cortisol levels in the body. Stress has been shown to promote oil production and increase inflammation in the skin, in turn, causing acne flares.”

How to treat body acne

What we have here is a perfect storm of acne-causing factors, and absolutely zero of them — from the stress-inducing global pandemic to the fact that it’s exceedingly difficult not to spend many hours per day on the couch — are your fault. This isn’t so simple as “I slept in my makeup and now I have a zit.” It’s a compounding of the communal experience right now, and it’s showing up on backs, chests, and butts. As always, but especially right now, try to be gentle with yourself and your choices.

15 Reasons for Your Face Breaking Out

Take it from someone who’s dealt with acne for more than half her life (wow, what a sad realization): treating breakouts is mad tricky. Because there are as many factors that play into your breakouts as there are pimples on my face right now (i. e. a lot), achieving clear skin once and for all is easier said than done. Just when you think you’ve found a skincare routine that works for you, a new kind of breakout pops up. Or maybe you’ve got recurring acne that keeps showing up in the same place. Whatever the current sitch you’re dealing with, if you’re on the quest for clear skin and you can’t help but come across a few bumps (literally) along the way, there’s a good chance something in your daily routine is contributing to your breakouts. So if you’ve recently found yourself screaming “why am I breaking out?!” at the mirror, we might have some answers for ya.

How do I stop my face from breaking out?

But first—why is your face breaking out? Here’s the thing: Breakouts are mainly triggered by hormones and the overproduction of oil. Essentially, hormones increase your oil production, which clogs your hair follicle and leads to the growth of the zit-causing bacteria known as P. acnes. Everyone’s skin is different, and genetics play a big role in how your body reacts to acne-stimulating hormones. Because of that, no single ingredient or routine will work across the board for everyone, so a good place to start is with a consultation with your dermatologist. Not only can they help you determine the possible factors that contribute to your specific case, but they can also set you up with all the products and advice you need to manage your acne.

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But in the meantime, you might want to reconsider a few patterns you’re probs repeating on a daily basis that could be triggering new breakouts or exacerbating your current cluster of ‘em. Because sometimes even the best skin regimen can’t do its job effectively if you’re constantly repeating bad skincare habits that are working against it. So with the help from two top dermatologists and an aesthetician, we’ve rounded up 15 common (and maybe surprising) acne triggers and little fixes you can make to remedy each one.

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1. Your cloth face mask is causing maskne.

If you’ve noticed more breakouts on your chin, jawline, and cheeks as a result of wearing your cloth face mask, you’re not just seeing things. Turns out, all that sweat, oil, bacteria, and humidity trapped under your face covering can create the perfect breeding ground for breakouts.

The zit fix:

The CDC recommends wearing face masks, so consider switching yours to one that’s made with a breathable fabric and stock up on a few so you always have a clean one ready to go. Oh, and if you’re not washing your face twice a day and your mask after each use, you’re doing it wrong. Remember all that oil and bacteria trapped between your face and your mask? Yeah, you don’t want to reintroduce that if you’re trying to avoid breakouts. And lastly, skip makeup. Since you’re covering your face, you won’t need to wear a heavy foundation underneath it that could cause clogged pores anyway.

CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash

Shani Darden Skin Care Cleansing Serum

Skinfix Barrier+ Foaming Oil Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

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2. You’re not actually dealing with acne.

To make matters even more complicated, sometimes the “acne” you’re trying to treat isn’t *technically* acne, which would explain why your usual acne treatments flat out aren’t working or are maybe even making them worse. If your breakouts are popping up around your hairline, forehead, chest, or back and look like small, itchy red bumps that are roughly the same size, you might actually have fungal acne (aka Malassezia folliculitis). Although it might look like acne to you, this is actually an infection of the hair follicles and needs a different treatment approach.

The zit fix:

Your derm could help you determine if you have fungal acne and set you up with a prescription, but if you’re experiencing a mild case of fungal acne, a regular OTC dandruff shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide might do the trick. Apply the formula to the area of skin, wait 10 minutes, then rinse it off. And because fungal acne thrives on sweat, friction, and excess sebum, be diligent about washing your sweaty clothes and your sweaty body.

Selsun Blue Moisturizing with Aloe Dandruff Shampoo

GIRL+HAIR Clear+ Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Daily Shampoo

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3. You’re not washing your face and pillowcase enough.

During the day, dirt, oil, makeup, and grime build up on the skin. If you don’t wash your face before you go to sleep, all of that garbage then gets transferred to your pillowcase, which gets transferred back to your face again. Board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, says long-term exposure of your skin to this type of soiling, along with the friction of the face rubbing against the pillowcase, may promote inflammation and acne breakouts. But that’s not all! An oily environment may be a breeding ground for bacteria that can infect the skin if there are any raw or open areas—one of the many acne causes.

The zit fix:

Wash your pillowcases every few nights. Oh, and if you haven’t yet, switch to a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction (your hair will thank you, too).

This Pink Satin Pillowcase

Kitsch Leopard Satin Pillowcase

This White Vegan Satin Pillowcase

Night Vegan Satin Pillowcase

This Leopard Satin Pillowcase

Morning Glamour Signature Leopard Animal Print Pillowcase

This Pale Blue Satin Pillowcase

NTBAY Zippered Satin Pillowcases

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4. Your lack of sleep is triggering breakouts.

Not to bore you to sleep, but our bodies undergo daily circadian rhythms, in which certain activities occur in the morning, and others occur while we’re snoozing. “Sleep is a time of rest and repair, and cortisol levels decrease,” Dr. Zeichner explains. “Not getting enough sleep means that our body is exposed to continuously high levels of cortisol, which can trigger breakouts.” Similar to what happens during stressful moments, cortisol-releasing hormones can actually bind to your oil glands, which sends them into overdrive and causes acne.

The zit fix:

Sleep. It’s that simple (ish). Get off your phone to help you fall asleep faster (it causes blue light damage anyway) and get your eight hours.

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5. You’re drying out your face with too much zit cream.

Raise your hand if at the first sight of a bump, you load up the area with spot treatments (hi, me). But Samantha Wright, a licensed aesthetician at the Dangene Institute, suggests not overreacting by over-treating. Topical salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur over-the-counter treatments can dry out your skin and trigger it to produce even more oil and, in turn, zits. Additionally, the active ingredients can slightly burn the top layer of your skin, making it look red and raw if you’re using all the things and far too often.

The zit fix:

You don’t have to toss your usual spot treatment—just don’t overdo it. Two to three times a week or every other night on your zit should do the trick. And if you have a reaction, switch to over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, like Aveeno One Percent Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, to calm the inflammation in the pimple and take down the redness.

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6. Your face scrub is making your breakouts worse.

Not regularly exfoliating is one of the acne causes, yes, but if you’re of the mindset that the more you scrub your skin—whether with a washcloth, rough acne face washes and face scrubs, loofahs, or cleansing brushes—the smoother it will be, I’m here to tell you that your breakouts are only gonna get worse. The idea here is to repair your skin’s protective barrier to keep bacteria out, not cause further trauma by scrubbing the sh*t out of it.

The zit fix:

Wash and exfoliate your face with a mild yet effective formula that contains chemical exfoliators and don’t require scrubbing, like lactic and glycolic acids.

Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

BeautyRx Advanced 10 Percent Exfoliating Pads

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA

Bevel 10% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner

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7. The ingredients in your products are causing acne.

If you’re frustrated because unlike your friends with perfect complexions you actually do take care of your skin, your acne trigger could be the sneaky ingredients in your products. According to cosmetic dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, mineral oil, for example, is a super-heavy moisturizing agent found in some face moisturizers and creams that could clog your pores if you’re prone to blackheads and whiteheads. Coconut oil is also notorious for clogging pores, too. Additionally, fragrance (especially irritating for sensitive skin) and sodium lauryl sulfate (an oil-stripping surfactant) can be found in many products and are common acne causes.

The zit fix:

“Read your labels” is easier said than done if you don’t know what to look for, but a good place to start is by getting rid of any products that contain the aforementioned common irritants, switching to fragrance-free skincare and sulfate-free products. And when in doubt, Dr. Downie says to shop for products marked as noncomedogenic. If you’ve tried all the above and your breakouts continue to worsen, make an appointment with your dermatologist to see if you could be allergic to another ingredient.

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8. Your hair products are clogging your pores.

Those same pore-clogging moisturizing agents and sulfates that sneak their way into your skincare products can also be found in your shampoo, conditioner, and hairstyling formulas. And similar to how they can cause breakouts on your face, the ingredients can seep into the pores on your body and clog them, resulting in chest acne, back acne, and even pimples along your hairline or scalp acne, says Wright.

The zit fix:

First and foremost, switch to a sulfate-free shampoo already. Once you’ve moved on to the conditioning step, clip your hair up and off your back while you let the formula sit. When you rinse, tilt your head over and to the side to keep the potentially pore-clogging and acne-causing residue off your face, chest, and back.

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9. Your sweaty workouts are causing body acne.

Skipping the shower right after working out or not washing your face allows the mixture of makeup, dirt, bacteria, oil, and sweat to find a nice little home in your skin and cause breakouts and clogged pores.

The zit fix:

Before you start sweating, always wash your face to remove your makeup. After you’ve finished your workout, shower (whoa, revolutionary). If you don’t have time, use a facial wipe, like Simple Micellar Cleansing Wipes, to clear away any pore-clogging oil and bacteria.

PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 4% Daily Control

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes

Cleanse by Lauren Napier Parade Flaunt Facial Cleansing Wipes

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10. Your laundry detergent is irritating your skin.

Per Dr. Downie, some of the chemicals in certain laundry detergents can be too harsh for your skin. And once you slip on your clothes or use your bath towels, your complexion might react to the residue that’s left on the fabric, resulting in breakouts on your face, back, butt, chest, etc. If you recently switched to a new detergent because it was on sale (no judgment) and noticed a few breakouts ever since, that might be your problem.

The zit fix:

Choose a detergent that’s fragrance-free, dye-free, and dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin, like Seventh Generation Concentrated Free & Clear Unscented Laundry Detergent.

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11. You’re drying out your skin while sunbathing.

By now, you know that baking in the sun and in tanning beds causes skin cancer, but if that still hasn’t stopped you from hitting the beach without sunscreen, maybe this will: Contrary to popular belief, the sun isn’t healing your acne, it’s actually making it worse. On top of all the other damage, the sun dries out your skin and triggers excess oil production, which, hi, is one of the acne causes.

The zit fix:

For starters, stop going to tanning beds. Period. And if you are in the sun, make sure to slather on a titanium dioxide- or zinc-based sunscreen—(these natural sun protectants are less likely to cause irritation than traditional chemicals), and wear a hat to shield your face from harsh rays.

Badger SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen Cream

amazon.com

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

Eleven by Venus On-The-Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

Coola Mineral Face Matte Moisturizer SPF 30 Matte Tint

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12. Your diet could be causing acne breakouts.

According to Dr. Downie, tomatoes and peppers, two common ingredients in spicy foods, contain acidic lycopene—a somewhat common irritant that can throw off the skin’s pH levels and trigger breakouts around the mouth. But it isn’t just spicy foods that are acne causes. Some people have a reaction to dairy, gluten, or other types of foods. How diet affects the skin is totally dependent on the person.

The zit fix:

Talk to your dermatologist or make an appointment with a gastroenterologist to see if the food you’re eating is the source of your problem or if something more serious is going on in your gastrointestinal tract. And while you’re at it, you could always try incorporating a few healthy foods for clear skin into your diet.

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13. Your smoking habit is damaging your complexion.

Smoking is ruining you in more ways than one, my friend. Every time you light up a cigarette, you decrease the amount of oxygen that goes to the skin on your face, Dr. Downie explains. Smoking not only predisposes you to cancer, but it also causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin that leads to wrinkles and increased pore size. The carcinogens in the smoke also irritate your skin and dry it out, triggering it to produce more oil and, possibly, more breakouts.

The zit fix:

Don’t smoke. It’s as simple as that. You’ll live longer and have clearer skin. Boom.

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14. Your stressful life is causing clogged pores.

Stress causes acne, and acne results in more stress—ah, the very vicious cycle. When you’re under pressure, your skin produces stress hormones, including cortisol, that can stimulate your oil glands to make testosterone, Dr. Downie explains. This then increases your oil production, clogs your pores, and could lead to blind pimples.

The zit fix:

Work out regularly, meditate, get that essential oil diffuser going, and take time out of your busy schedule to focus on yourself, whatever that means to you. All these things will help you release stress so your body doesn’t continue to release hormones that are trying to wreak havoc on your skin.

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15. You’re making your pimple worse by picking your face.

It’s tempting in the moment, but it’s never a good idea to play dermatologist because it’s nearly impossible to pick your own pimple and not make a red mark that could turn into a scar. Even worse, when you try to press the blackhead or pus out of your pore, you run the risk of pushing the bacteria deeper and making the problem worse. Oh, yeah, and you know when you rest your chin in your palm while you’re sitting at your desk? That action of touching your skin also can transfer bacteria from your hand onto your face, Dr. Downie adds.

The zit fix:

Challenge yourself not to pick or even touch your face for unnecessary reasons. If you need to physically put something over your pimple to keep your hands off of it (and to prevent more bacteria from getting to the zit), try a pimple patch, which is a flat, flexible, drug-free patch that protects your spot and allows it to heal faster.

Starface Hydro-Stars Starter Pack

Mighty Patch The Original

Truly Blemish Treatment Acne Patches

And when all else fails—or ideally, before all else begins—head to your dermatologist to find out which of the acne causes is wreaking havoc on your skin. It’s almost like they went to school to fix this kind of thing. Weird.

Brooke Shunatona
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.

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Back acne: common causes and how to treat it

There’s tonnes of information out there on acne – after all, it’s one of the most common skin condition affecting teenagers and adults alike. But what about acne that occurs elsewhere on the body?

Back acne, or ‘bacne’ is more common than you might have thought. While it’s totally normal to experience back and body acne, especially during your teenage years, it can often cause more discomfort and embarrassment than facial acne due to the lack of information out there. Here, we discuss what bacne is, why it happens and how you can treat it.

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What is back acne?

Back acne has the same characteristics of facial ance, including the appearance of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, red spots, oily skin and even scarring. The severity can vary from a spot here and there, to breaking out in larger areas. While it’s most common among boys in puberty, some people may experience it in their late 20s and even 30s! No matter your age, there is no shame in having acne and treatment is available.

What causes bacne?

Just like the pimples on your face, there are many causes of this common skin condition. Most often, acne occurs when the glands produce an excess of oil and dead skin cells that are not removed block the hair follicles.  Another common cause of bacne is an individual’s lifestyle habits, such as working out or having a labour intense job. Sweat that is left on the skin for too long can often lead to breakouts on the back and body.

How can I treat it?

Depending on the cause of your body breakouts, there are several ways to treat bacne. Firstly, it is recommended to start treating the affected body area with the same products and skincare routine that you would use for your face!

Cleanse the skin thoroughly with a cleanser containing ingredients like salicylic acid, such as the Balense Microdermal Gentle Cleanser. Combine this with the Balense Microdermal Cleansing Scrub once or twice a week to really remove any dead skin cells that might be blocking your pores.

If you’re someone who workouts out or generally sweats a lot, consider wearing loose-fitting clothing, especially during a workout, and always wash shortly after sweating.

If you’ve tried everything and your bacne persists, treatment with microdermabrasion can be an effective solution. Microdermabrasions aren’t just for the face and can be used on other areas such as the back to reduce and treat the occurrence of acne. Likewise, laser treatments can be used to target the scarring left from the condition.

If you would like more information on acne treatments and packages at Australian Skin Clinics, visit one of our experiences dermal technicians at your local clinic today.

Adult Acne: Why Am I Breaking Out, and How Do I Treat It?

My college roommate Eve, on the other hand, has more or less accepted zits as a part of life. “As a teenager they made me a bit depressed, but I’m less self-conscious about my skin now,” she says. “I like to focus on the overall condition of my skin. But it does take longer to get ready if I have to cover pimples up.” Whether you’re cool with your acne or not, spending extra time covering up your zits is yet another thing we don’t need in our lives.

Why Am I Breaking Out?

What’s causing this uptick in adult acne for women? The truth is, the answer isn’t completely clear. “Unfortunately, we don’t totally understand the difference in the cause of acne in teens versus adult acne,” New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., says. “The main causes of acne are oil, acne-causing bacteria on your skin, sticky skin cells blocking your pores, and inflammation. Hormonal fluctuations, stress, and diet all likely play a role as well.” One potential difference: “When you’re a teenager, your hormones are naturally fluctuating and you can’t control it,” says Jordana Mattioli, a medical esthetician in NYC. “But when you’re an adult, your hormones are fluctuating because of things like inflammation and stress.”

To clarify here, there’s a difference between the occasional breakout and persistent adult acne. If you’ve got a few zits popping up here and there, the culprit may be easier to identify: It could be anything from overexfoliating to the hair products you use to your pillowcase. We broke down a whole list of reasons you might be breaking out that’s worth a look if your pimples are intermittent. But if you do have chronic acne that never seems to go away, that’s where it gets more complicated.

Adult Acne Treatment and Prevention Tips

The good news: Derms are constantly discovering new ways to treat adult acne. There’s a lot of research underway about how the microbiome—the massive colony of bacteria and organisms that live on our skin (gross, I know, but also kind of cool)—might affect skin conditions like acne and rosacea. Differin launched the first over-the-counter topical retinoid a few years ago—and it’s less than $15. And we’ve come a long way from the old-school method of dehydrating your face and using only “oil free” in an effort to keep skin smooth. Below, Zeichner and Mattioli share their top tips on the best, most up-to-date approaches to dealing with acne as a grown-up. Read them, try them, and know this: It’s not just you.

Cut the heavy creams.

Indulging in over-the-top skin-care products is something I’m personally guilty of. I mean, is there anything better than slathering your skin in a rich, yummy cream right before bed and binging on Netflix? However, those products may be doing more harm than good, even if they feel amazing. “Once women hit their mid 20s, many start buying antiaging products, but the majority are too rich for their skin type,” says Mattioli. “They’re designed for mature skin that doesn’t produce as much oil as it used to.” Oops. Alternatively, she says to use a lightweight moisturizer that won’t clog your pores (look for gel creams, or the phrase noncomedogenic). I love Belif’s Aqua Bomb, which feels like water but still packs a punch. 

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Primera Alpine Berry Water Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

Spot-treat with your products.

Just as you might use a pore-sucking mask on your T-zone, you can do the opposite with your moisturizer, Mattoli says. For example, if your skin isn’t dry on your forehead, use less in that area. “I’ve been dealing with acne my entire life, and if I don’t keep it under control, I will be a breakout mess,” she says. “I only moisturize where I need it.”

Err on the side of gentle.

It’s taken a long time to unlearn the urge to apply 10 different anti-acne products to my face at once, but I’ve realized I need to take it easy. Sure, applying an intense spot treatment to your entire face may be effective, but it will also leave your skin incredibly inflamed. “More is not always better, especially with acne,” Zeichner says. “Higher concentrations of ingredients like benzoyl peroxide have been shown in studies to be no better, but certainly more irritating, than lower concentrations.” A product like Kate Somerville’s Anti Bac Clearing Lotion, for example, is far more gentle at 5%.

Pick the right spot treatment.

When it comes to treatment, all acne is not created equal. Consider what type of acne you have: Do you have scary red bumps? If so, it’s likely bacteria causing the inflammation and you’ll need something that combats it, Mattioli says. “Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation,” Zeichner says. Our pick? Try Paula’s Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment. If you have blackheads and whiteheads, on the other hand, you’ll want something with salicylic acid (which comes in 1% to 2% formulations), like this super-affordable one from The Ordinary that’s only $12. “It helps remove excess oil and exfoliates dead cells from the skin’s surface,” Zeichner says.

Paula’s Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

Simplify your skin-care routine.

Mae West might have quipped that “too much of a good thing can be wonderful,” but that philosophy shouldn’t apply to your acne-treatment game plan. “Applying too many products and washing your face too often causes more harm than good,” Zeichner says. In short, keep it simple. 

Check your diet.

We know it’s probably the last thing you want to hear, but it’s worth a try. “Dietary factors like high glycemic index foods have been shown to aggravate acne in predisposed people,” Zeichner says. “The increased sugar load promotes inflammation that in turn leads to breakouts.” Mattioli recommends cutting back on processed sugary foods in favor of anti-inflammatory options like wild fish, nuts, and fresh fruits, and sticking with organic, hormone-free meat and dairy.

Try yoga.

Seriously. It’s easier said than done, but reducing stress can be crucial in fighting breakouts, as it majorly effects your hormones. “Stress causes hormonal fluctuation that increases oil production and leads to acne breakouts,” Zeichner says. “Anything you can do to minimize stress—yoga, meditation—can help.”

Do light therapy.

It used to be that you needed an appointment for an LED treatment—or you could try the smaller at-home lights that take 45 minutes to treat your face. Dr. Dennis Gross has a futuristic at-home version called SpectraLite FaceWare Pro. “Red light has been shown to be anti-inflammatory, while blue light kills acne-causing bacteria,” Zeichner says. Just make sure to keep your eyes protected.

Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

LightStim for Acne LED Light Therapy

Don’t pick.

As tempting as it is to try to be your own esthetician in your bathroom, you must fight every single urge to squeeze. “Acne in adult women tends to be angry, underground pimples.” Zeichner says. “They are inflamed and cannot be easily opened by picking. It leads to more harm than good, a disrupted skin barrier, inflammation, and potential scarring.”

If all else fails, see a derm.

Derms generally recommend giving products two months to work their magic. If you’re not seeing results, you feel like you’ve tried every spot treatment under the sun, or your pimples are leaving dark scars, get yourself to the derm sooner rather than later. Zeichner’s go-to solutions for adult acne in women: Aczone, an anti-inflammatory gel that “clears pimples while causing almost zero irritation,” and Spironolactone (my personal favorite).

Katheryn Erickson is a writer in Connecticut and former beauty writer for Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @kateeerickson.

Acne – Causes – NHS

Acne is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked.

Sebaceous glands are tiny glands found near the surface of your skin. The glands are attached to hair follicles, which are small holes in your skin that an individual hair grows out of.

Sebaceous glands lubricate the hair and the skin to stop it drying out. They do this by producing an oily substance called sebum.

In acne, the glands begin to produce too much sebum. The excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and both substances form a plug in the follicle.

If the plugged follicle is close to the surface of the skin, it bulges outwards, creating a whitehead. Alternatively, the plugged follicle can be open to the skin, creating a blackhead.

Normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin can then contaminate and infect the plugged follicles, causing papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.

Testosterone 

Teenage acne is thought to be triggered by increased levels of a hormone called testosterone, which occurs during puberty. The hormone plays an important role in stimulating the growth and development of the penis and testicles in boys, and maintaining muscle and bone strength in girls.

The sebaceous glands are particularly sensitive to hormones. It’s thought that increased levels of testosterone cause the glands to produce much more sebum than the skin needs.

Acne in families

Acne can run in families. If your parents had acne, it’s likely that you’ll also develop it.

One study has found that if both your parents had acne, you’re more likely to get more severe acne at an early age. It also found that if one or both of your parents had adult acne, you’re more likely to get adult acne too.

Acne in women

Women are more likely to have adult acne than men. It’s thought that many cases of adult acne are caused by the changes in hormone levels that many women have at certain times.

These times include:

• periods – some women have a flare-up of acne just before their period
• pregnancy – many women have symptoms of acne at this time, usually during the first 3 months of their pregnancy
• polycystic ovary syndrome – a common condition that can cause acne, weight gain and the formation of small cysts inside the ovary

Other triggers

Other possible triggers of an acne flare-up include:

• some cosmetic products – however, this is less common as most products are now tested, so they do not cause spots (non-comedogenic)
• certain medications – such as steroid medicines, lithium (used to treat depression and bipolar disorder) and some drugs used to treat epilepsy
• regularly wearing items that place pressure on an affected area of skin, such as a headband or backpack
• smoking – which can contribute to acne in older people

Acne myths

Despite being one of the most widespread skin conditions, acne is also one of the most poorly understood. There are many myths and misconceptions about it:

‘Acne is caused by a poor diet’

So far, research has not found any foods that cause acne. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is recommended because it’s good for your heart and your health in general.

‘Acne is caused by having dirty skin and poor hygiene’

Most of the biological reactions that trigger acne occur beneath the skin, not on the surface, so the cleanliness of your skin has no effect on your acne. Washing your face more than twice a day could just aggravate your skin.

‘Squeezing blackheads, whiteheads and spots is the best way to get rid of acne’ 

This could actually make symptoms worse and may leave you with scarring.

‘Sexual activity can influence acne’

Having sex or masturbating will not make acne any better or worse.

‘Sunbathing, sunbeds and sunlamps help improve the symptoms of acne’

There’s no conclusive evidence that prolonged exposure to sunlight or using sunbeds or sunlamps can improve acne. Many medicines used to treat acne can make your skin more sensitive to light, so exposure could cause painful damage to your skin, and also increase your risk of skin cancer.

‘Acne is infectious’

You cannot pass acne on to other people.

Page last reviewed: 12 July 2019
Next review due: 12 July 2022

90,000 Why does numbness in the back occur • Spine Clinic of Dr. Razumovsky

Numbness in the back – perhaps not the most common, but, nevertheless, a common symptom that occurs in most cases with diseases of the spine and only in rare cases is caused by diseases of the nervous system that are not directly related to the lesion of the spinal column.

What causes numbness

The feeling of numbness or crawling creeps in medicine is called paresthesia, it is a consequence of irritation of sensitive nerve fibers. When individual nerves are irritated, a feeling of numbness may occur in a limited area of ​​the body, including in a particular area of ​​the back.

Sensory nerve endings enter the spinal cord in the form of a posterior root, when compressed, a feeling of paresthesia can occur in a common area.As a rule, this area is limited to a certain segment of the body, in other words – the area on the back grows numb in the form of a wide strip, as a rule, on one side.

With a common pathological process in the spine, for example, spondylolisthesis or widespread intervertebral hernias, several roots can be squeezed at once, which will lead to a common zone of numbness on the back.

Numbness occurs intermittently

In some people, numbness in the back occurs periodically, so they do not associate it with diseases of the spine, but explain, for example, a cold or an uncomfortable posture.In fact, numbness and pathology in the spinal column in the early stages can occur periodically. Some time later, if untreated, the disease may progress, and the feeling of paresthesia may become permanent.

In some cases, inflammation of the nerve due to exposure to low temperatures or prolonged exposure to a draft can also cause numbness, but in this case, as a rule, the symptoms are severe at first, numbness rarely occurs in isolation and is accompanied by severe pain.After a while, the symptoms subside, while with a lesion of the spine, on the contrary, they progress over time.

What to do if there is numbness in the back

If you periodically have a feeling of numbness in your back , then you need to contact a specialist and undergo an examination to establish the cause of this symptom. If the feeling of numbness has already become permanent, then you need to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Already after the examination and diagnosis, one or another treatment tactic can be developed, depending on the general condition, the presence of concomitant diseases and the severity of the pathological process in the spine.

Lumbago (backache) – causes and symptoms, treatment methods

Symptoms of lumbago (lumbago in the lower back), treatment methods

Lumbago (lumbago) is a syndrome associated with pathologies in the spinal column and is characterized by the appearance of acute sharp pain in the lower back.The symptoms of lumbago are very pronounced – it is impossible to sit, stand, and even more so walk. Qualified help will be provided at a medical facility, but measures to alleviate the condition will be effective at home.

Symptoms and causes of lumbago disease

The development of lumbago in the lower back always follows the same pattern: if there is a displacement or deformation of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, with excessive stress, the nerve endings begin to be strongly excited.The result is severe pain and muscle spasm.

The following causes of lumbago disease are distinguished:

• damage to the intervertebral discs, which can occur with excessive physical exertion;
• displacement of the vertebrae – a consequence of progressive and advanced osteochondrosis;
• developmental anomalies of the vertebrae of a congenital nature;
• benign or malignant tumors localized in the tissues surrounding the spinal column;
• rheumatism of various types;
• inflammatory process that occurs directly in the spine.

Lumbago pain in the lumbar spine is so intense that it is recognized as the main symptom. Often the patient complains that the discomfort does not have an exact localization and is “given” to the buttock or thigh. In this case, we are talking about sciatica – this is a condition in which the sciatic nerve spasms. Your doctor will tell you how to treat lumbago with sciatica during your consultation.

There are other signs of a lumbago in the lower back:

• The strongest spasm of muscle tissue, reflexively arising against the background of pain.Most often, the buttocks and thighs are exposed to it;
• there is no mobility in the lumbar region – at the time of the lumbago, a person freezes in one position and is simply unable to move from severe pain.

It is noteworthy that the patient during a lumbago cannot bend or straighten the lower back, either himself or with the help of strangers. If at the time of lumbago a person is in a prone position, then he reflexively pulls his legs to his stomach.

Diagnosis and treatment of lumbago

Intense symptoms force the patient to immediately seek qualified medical help.And in a medical institution, the patient will first be sent for diagnostics, which includes:

• examination and palpation of the lumbar region by a neurologist;
• X-ray examination of the spinal column;
• tomography of bone and soft tissues of the back.

Laboratory tests of blood and urine will help to identify the inflammatory process in the body.

When shooting in the lower back, it is necessary to take a supine position with slightly raised legs – this will make it possible to relax the muscles and relieve the spasm.In some cases, the patient is placed on his stomach, under which 2-3 high pillows are necessarily placed. Bed rest will need to be observed for 2-3 days, the patient is even forbidden to go to the toilet.

On a mandatory basis, doctors prescribe medication for lumbago in the lower back. The most commonly used drugs are:

• Aspirin, Ibuprofen – anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Diclofenac – powerful pain reliever;
• Dimexide – has a local effect, quickly penetrates the skin.

Injections for the diagnosis of lumbago try not to give, as this external irritation can lead to an increase in the intensity of the spasm. Therefore, tablets, ointments, gels and solutions for compresses are used. In order to ensure restful sleep for the patient, and therefore relaxation, tranquilizers and sleeping pills are included in the treatment regimen.

As a rule, lumbago often recurs, so the attending physician must answer the patient’s question – how to treat an acute lumbago in the lower back, in the leg? At home, to alleviate this condition, the following should be done:

• to put the patient in a horizontal position with the legs raised and bent at the knee joints;
• take any pain reliever;
• Apply a warm compress directly to the area of ​​the lower limb where the pain is localized.

Recovery period

After the main treatment for lumbago, when acute pain and muscle spasm no longer bother, you can begin to restore the patient’s working capacity. Exercises and massage for lumbago, physiotherapy will provide quick rehabilitation and long remission. As part of post-therapeutic manipulations, doctors can prescribe mud therapy, wearing a corset, and spa treatment.

All information about lumbago, as well as how to treat acute lumbago in the lower back during pregnancy, can be obtained from specialists.You can make an appointment or receive an appointment online on our website https://www.dobrobut.com/.

Related services:
Physiotherapy (exercise therapy)
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Yurchenko disclosed details of back surgery

6 days after surgery Makar Yurchenko told on Instagram exactly how his back was repaired. On March 1, in Moscow, a 21-year-old resident of St. Petersburg lay down on the operating table in the Semeynaya clinic to deal once and for all with a big problem – constant pain in the hip and back.So the injuries of the Moto3 2019 season reminded of themselves.

The operation to remove 2 intervertebral hernias of the lumbar spine (one of them pinched the nerve leading to the left leg) ruined him the entire world season of Moto3 2020. His Macaron was to be held again in the Spanish team BOE Skull Rider. The usual way of life with training and competition is destroyed, and it is not clear when exactly everything will return to normal. Almost a week after the renovation, the resident of St. Petersburg feels that his back is still “playing” for someone else’s team – when walking, driving in a car, etc.d.

In any case, Yurchenko does not regret listening to the advice of Ekaterina Gurieva, kickboxer and 7-time Russian champion in women’s motocross. It was impossible to escape from intervertebral hernias – they made themselves felt during any physical work. They could only be deleted.

Racer # 76 underwent surgery, and sports surgeons Serik Makirov and Timur Makirov took care of the rest. As can be seen from the X-rays, Makar left the Moscow clinic with their “autograph” – 6 pins screwed in to fasten 3 vertebrae:

Many have asked what kind of operation.The operation was to remove two intervertebral hernias of the lumbar spine (L4-L5, L5-S1), one of which was in a very neglected state and severely pinched the leg. From this I had severe pains in my hip, it was difficult to lift my left leg and any physical activity seemed either impossible or through aching pain.

The operation was carried out by Professor Serik Kaliulovich Makirov (pictured) and the doctor Timur Rashidovich Makirov. We reached out to these leading experts thanks to @ kate.guryeva777, for which special thanks to her! After all, a sports doctor and an ordinary doctor are like a motorcycle racer and a motorcyclist.I didn’t want to have the operation – it’s not to say anything, but in vain.

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Day 6 is when you have been sleeping for several days without pain in your hip, almost without pain in your back, and you get high! Finally I started getting enough sleep and started enjoying sleep again! I already forgot how it is? In general, a lot of things have accumulated and it is not possible to sit on the spot, so I somehow get out to the city, where more and more questions appear on our roads? Every hole and bump gives off a stabbing pain in the back..? But this is temporary! ⠀ Many people asked what kind of operation. The operation was to remove two intervertebral hernias of the lumbar spine (L4-L5, L5-S1), one of which was in a very neglected state and severely pinched the leg. From this I had severe pains in my hip, it was difficult to lift my left leg and any physical activity seemed either impossible or through aching pain. ⠀ The operation was performed by Professor Serik Kaliulovich Makirov (pictured) and doctor Timur Rashidovich Makirov. We reached out to these top experts thanks to @kate.guryeva777, for which special thanks to her! After all, a sports doctor and an ordinary doctor are like a motorcycle racer and a motorcyclist? I didn’t want to have the operation – it’s not to say anything, but in vain. Keeping you posted on recovery and sensations because three vertebrae are still learning to live with the metal next door✌? But I want to post this photo and thank the doctors for their professionalism and for raising not the first athlete to their feet✊? ⠀ And I also want to say thank you to the guys who, without my knowledge, threw themselves into treatment !? I didn’t open training camps, I don’t practice that, I don’t like whining.But when messages fell on the map, I realized that support is there✊? This money helped to cover part of the treatment, and it’s very nice! I have two arms and two legs, a healthy, but not very strong back, so I will still earn money! Thank you for drowning me? This is the most valuable thing left when you break down. This is real support! ?? Well, now a pleasant announcement: tomorrow I will return to you with very positive news regarding the start of the new MotoGP season in Qatar ✔ Full gas! #MakarON

A post shared by Makar Yurchenko # 76 MakarON (@ makaryurchenko76) on Mar 6, 2020 at 7:17 am PST

90,000 Lipoma on the back – signs, causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Symptoms

• Small lipomas on the back are asymptomatic but easily palpable during massage or hygiene procedures.
• Small lipomas are bumps that are soft to the touch, mobile, painless.
• The skin above the lipoma does not differ from the skin in other areas in color and temperature.
• Large lipomas can put pressure on tissues, causing discomfort, pain.
• If the lipoma compresses the vessels, skin numbness may occur.

Species

The classification of lipomas is as follows:

1) Nodular lipoma – when tissue from fat is enclosed in a dense capsule;

2) Diffuse lipoma – when the wen has no visible outline;

3) Fibrolipoma – if connective and adipose tissues are present inside the lipoma;

4) Angio lipoma – when the wen is penetrated by capillary connections;

5) Myolipoma – at the moment when inside the wen there is a process of internal connection of fat with muscle fibers;

In addition to the above, wen can be divided depending on the volume and chamber quantity.

Reasons

The scientific world remains not fully informed in the study of dorsal lindens. Areas of weak fat layers are considered to be foci of wen, for example: the shoulder and its belt.

Possible factors for the manifestation of wen:

1) Imbalance of proteins and fats in the patient’s body;

2) Disruption of hormones, menopause;

3) Over-saturation of toxins inside the patient’s body;

4) Inflammatory processes of the sebaceous pathways of the body;

5) Hereditary predisposition.

Lipoma on the back occurs in women 2 times more often than in men, and practically does not occur in children. This is the basis for the assumption that the main reason for the appearance is hormonal imbalance.

Diagnostics

In case of small rather soft formations on the back, shoulders, a consultation with a surgeon is necessary. In some cases, it is quite appropriate to make an appointment with an oncologist.

Lipoma diagnosis consists of:

• visual examination and palpation of the neoplasm;
• Soft tissue ultrasound;
• cytology.

Treatment

There is no conservative treatment for back lipoma. If the lipoma is small and does not interfere with normal life, it is under the supervision of the surgeon. Surgical removal of a lipoma on the back is prescribed when:

• lipoma rapidly increases in size;
• if there are prerequisites for its transformation into a malignant tumor;
• lipoma leads to tissue necrosis;
• lipoma interferes with the functioning of organs.

Depending on the size and presence of other tissues in the capsule (except for fatty tissue), the lipoma is removed in several ways, under local or general anesthesia.

Surgical removal takes place through an incision in the skin. The capsule is opened and its contents are scraped out.

Puncture-aspiration method consists in removing the contents of the capsule through a puncture.

Laser removal is an effective and gentle method that does not leave scars or scars.

After any of the above operations, the patient is prescribed antibiotics and antiseptics.

Lyrics Snack Sage The Gemini translate

Like a snack, huh, huh, huh.

Make me want to drop

Stack, yeah, yeah, yeah.

As a snack, yes, yes, yes.

Make me want to drop

Stack, yeah, yeah, yeah.

You are a snack, Hey, yeah!

You look like an appetizer (appetizer)

, Hey, yeah, Hey, yeah.

Eat, eat, e-e, e-e, e-e!

Oh, fold them, fold them, fold them, fold them, fold them, fold them,

Fold (fold)

Pop pies, keep collecting, play black cards (black)

She backs it up, yeah …

These charges continue to stack up (cash out).

You know I only came to rub my back (rub my back) rub

My back, rub my back, rub my back (rub my back)

Tell me how I ended up in the back room with a fat Riri (fat)

Fat Riri (thick)

, Like in the middle of a cup of peanut butter, Reese (rihanna)

I like the way you turn around and break,

And turn around and break and turn around,

And back down and break, (breaking down)

Sweeter than anything I love, especially

When you do it, then you do it.

As a snack, yes, yes, yes.

Make me want to drop

Stack, yeah, yeah, yeah.

As a snack, yes, yes, yes.

Make me want to drop

Stack, yeah, yeah, yeah.

You are a snack, Hey, yeah!

You look like an appetizer (appetizer)

, Hey, yeah, Hey, yeah.

Eat, eat, e-e, e-e, e-e!

You’re here looking like a snack, her ass is shaking like she’s got a generator, thicker than a bowl of oatmeal in the fridge, for all the young girls, she’s a mastermind, she’s got a Range Rover, hella bad, getting dozens of onlookers for all the triple beam guys they want her and the artist dudes with the costumes on the lifts, light on the eyes, small waist, cool tits, nice hips, nice cakes, pulling the bankroll out of their bra, the worst… that I have ever seen, I bet she has a good jaw, it must be wet than the law. waterfalls, wetter than a spa, make the preacher or deacon run in her raw state, she is not beautiful for no reason, she has a head on her shoulder, her hygiene products, the smell is good, the smell does not look like someone painted her, the baby is bad, she is mountains, she is a winner, she is a beautiful work of art, she is a sculpture.

As a snack, yes, yes, yes.

Make me want to drop

Stack, yeah, yeah, yeah.

As a snack, yes, yes, yes.

Make me want to drop

Stack, yeah, yeah, yeah.

You are a snack, Hey, yeah!

You look like an appetizer (appetizer)

, Hey, yeah, Hey, yeah.

Eat, eat, e-e, e-e, e-e!

As a snack, yes, yes, yes.

Lyrics Daggers Speak Louder Than Words Alesana translation

Eyes open to splattered blood,

Cold tile mocks me when I get up to find the knife, still in my back,

Changing thoughts, now slowly with poison,

Take me while I stagger, is that all we were worth?

I lost you forever without regret.

Your once tender words are bleeding from my eyes,

Screams of terror now fill my every breath,

I know you will suffer the day you ever met me,

I will put you to bed when sadness buries the blade deep.

You know I would die for you.

Now I have to choose between a life full of revenge or regret,

When I yearn for revenge, my heart struggles to grab,

Why do you leave me to die, turn and walk away?

Alone, you stood so still as you watched me break,

Did she kill you too? what brings you to the dagger, my friend?

You know I would die for you.

Now I have to choose between a life full of revenge or regret,

When I yearn for revenge, my heart struggles to grab,

Why do you leave me to die, turn and walk away?

My revenge becomes so clear, amid the cold tears left with the devotee,

I see that you will never forget it,

I will hunt you like a dog,

A lie can never hide what I am I saw behind, in you,

Remembering the times that we shared, my friend for life is gone.

Let the embers be the only memory of the days gone by, so long ago.

Why did you leave me to die, turn and walk away?

Why did you leave me to die after you buried Dagger?

You’re dead to me.

I would die for you.

Now I have to choose between a life full of revenge or regret,

When I yearn for revenge, my heart struggles to grab,

Why do you leave me to die, turn and walk away?

You’re dead to me.

(Mock) Turtle – Meinhard lyrics and lyrics

I don’t

know

This kind

inertia 9 0403 Down to myself my

On and on	Over and over
And even further	And even further
Around	Around	‘m chasing down a dream	I’m chasing a dream
Seems a thousand years have passed	It seems like a thousand years have passed
Looking for a thing to last	Looking for something
Reeling writhing	Staggering writhing
Time is fleeting	Time is fleeting
Striking hours with my bones	Striking hours with my bones
90 All alone
90 All alone	90 All alone	9040 I’m crawling on	I’m crawling on
All my confidence has gone	All my confidence is gone
There I collapse	There I will collapse
All my dreams about to die	All my dreams about death
Tumbling down	Collapse
I don’t know
Who am I?	Who am I?
There I collapse	There I will collapse
Tell me what’s going on	Tell me what’s going on
Down to the ground	Down to the ground
Everything wrong has wrong	Everything went wrong
Flipped on my back	Flipped on my back
I withdraw in my shell	I’m going to my sink
Won’t someone please	please
Give me a hand	Give me a hand
Flipped on my back	Flipped on my back
I withdraw in my shell	I’m leaving for my sink
This kind of inertia
Sure feels like hell	Surely feels like hell
In ambition and destruction	In ambition and destruction
All my mind	All my mind
I fade away	I disappear
Swaying in derision	Swaying 40	Pray
how on earth I’d drift astray?	How did I get lost?
Black and cold	Black and cold
My pity soul	My pity soul
I hide inside and cry	I hide inside myself 90ling and cry	Craw	crawling
Seeking some salvation	Seeking salvation
All the world feels like a lie	The whole world feels like a lie
There I collapse	There I will collapse	And my soul has dropped dead	And my soul fell dead
I’m breaking down	I’m breaking down
There is nothing ahead	There is nothing ahead
There I collapse	There I am I will collapse
Just a shell as I fall	Just a shell as I fall
Down to myself
I feel nothing at all	I feel nothing at all
Flipped on my back	Flipped on my back
I shell withdraw in	I’m going to my sink
Won’t someone please	Anyone please
Give me a hand	Give me a hand
Flipped on my back	Flipped on my back
I withdraw in my shell	I’m going to my sink
This kind of inertia	This kind of inertia
Sure feels like hell	Of course it feels like hell

.