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Most of us know that acne is a roller coaster experience. But why does it happen? Some people associate acne with hormonal changes during their teenage years, others find breakouts pop up after a little too much chocolate, while others blame environmental pollution. Let’s get to the root of why acne is actually a thing.
So, what is acne?
Acne is the second most common skin issue in the world after eczema, so it’s about time we normalized it. Women are more likely to experience acne in their life, but it can become more severe in men.
Before the age of 25, acne can disappear on its own. If it sticks around or starts later in life, it can become more chronic.
What internal factors can cause acne?
Hormonal acne
Hormones — and subsequently, skin issues — are genetically inherited. Because of this, the main cause of acne during and before the age of 18 is hereditary. The likelihood of getting pimples during your teenage years is higher if one (or both) of your parents dealt with it during their youth.
Acne that occurs later in life is called hormonal acne, which is caused due to excessive production of sex hormones. A hormonal imbalance can lead to excess sebum production. Since steroid hormone levels increase during the last phase of the menstrual cycle, about 70% of women experience breakouts while on their period. One or two pimples before your cycle can also happen if you don’t normally experience acne. But for those who have acne, you’ll often notice a bigger flare up — usually on your chin — about a week before your period starts.
Hormonal acne can also be trigged by certain conditions associated with a sharp change in your hormonal status, like during pregnancy, after giving birth, or after an abortion.
Your endocrine glands and acne are also inextricably linked. Conditions involving the pituitary gland, the adrenal glands, or male and female genital organs affect acne. For example, if you have hyperandrogenism (increased production of male hormones in women) acne is a very common side effect. Healing holistically is never surface-level; it’s always important to get to the root of the problem. With cases of hormonal acne, it’s sometimes not enough to simply visit your dermatologist. A consultation with an endocrinologist or gynecologist can give you a much better picture.
Hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis is an increase in the upper layer of the skin (stratum corneum). Lack of vitamin A, exposure to toxins, prolonged pressure or friction of the skin, and exposure to petroleum-based skin products are the main causes of hyperkeratosis.
Warm and humid climates
Humidity can also cause acne flare ups and worsen long-standing acne. Using a detoxifying solution like the Glow Dust Facial Mask can help balance your skin during hotter summer months. Formulated using a powerful combination of kalonite (white clay), illite (french yellow clay), arrowroot starch, and turmeric powder, this mask works to gently soak up excessive oil and draw out impurities from your skin.
Comedogenic makeup and skincare
Acne can be caused by the products you use on a daily basis. Acne-provoking products contain comedogenic ingredients like lanolin and its derivatives (think sulfur and D and C red pigments). Mineral and vegetable oils are often found in acne-aggravating cosmetics too. It can be a vicious cycle when you’re using cosmetics to cover up your breakouts but they end up aggravating your acne even more.
Take a close look at the ingredients in your creams, lotions, powders, and sunscreens — products that are full of chemicals can trigger redness and skin inflammation. After taking an inventory of what products you need to toss, try our Red Erase Facial Scrub for gentle, natural exfoliation that works to calm redness with skin superfoods like chickpea flour, turmeric, and colloidal oatmeal.
We believe it’s best to opt for natural solutions that work with your skin, not against it. Our incredible founders Jaz and her husband Jamil have created a line of natural, turmeric-powered skincare products that focus on natural, holistic ingredients that truly nourish your skin.
We use turmeric for reducing redness and shrinking the appearance of breakouts — a method that has been proved throughout generations.
Yellow Beauty is here to support you at every stage of your skincare journey. Did this article help you learn something new? Let us know in the comments below!
