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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13055
47 days ago
90

why acne on face - #13055

Sai

I am 22 and freaking out a bit here, can someone please help me figure out why acne on face seems to have taken over my life? Like, I used to have pretty clear skin, just the occasional pimple here and there, but now it feels like my face is a war zone. I don’t know if it's stress from work or what, but I’ve been noticing more and more breakouts, especially around my cheeks and forehead. It's super frustrating. My diet isn’t terrible, I mean, sure, I indulge sometimes, but who doesn’t, right? I even started keeping track of my skincare routine, and I think I’m using too many products—like 3 different moisturizers and stuff, but all I want is to know why acne on face has suddenly decided to pop up. I went to a derm, and they mentioned hormonal changes (great, thanks, body!) but it sounded kinda vague. Can hormonal changes actually cause so many breakouts all of a sudden? I’ve tried a few over-the-counter creams, but I mostly just end up with more redness and irritation. Anyone else deal with why acne on face seems to be more than just a phase? Seriously, is there something I can do to get my skin back to normal without losing my mind?

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Doctors’ responses

It sounds like you’re dealing with quite a frustrating situation, and while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the reasons behind acne can help in managing it effectively. Acne is often influenced by several factors, including hormones, stress, diet, and skincare products, all of which can play a role in what you’re experiencing now. Hormonal changes are indeed a significant cause of acne, especially at your age. Hormones like androgens can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. If you’ve noticed changes in your menstrual cycle or other symptoms like increased hair growth, it might reinforce the hormonal angle. Now, stress can also exacerbate acne, as it often stimulates hormone production that contributes to skin issues. Managing stress is not a cure but reducing stress can positively impact your skin.

It’s also worth scrutinizing your skincare routine. Using too many products, especially ones with harsh ingredients, can irritate your skin more. It might be counterproductive. Try simplifying your routine to include just a gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and a sunscreen. Remember, more does not always mean better. Over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can still be useful, but be mindful of how your skin reacts to them; you might be experiencing irritation due to overuse. A patch-test can be a helpful step before fully integrating a product into your routine.

Diet is sometimes blamed, but it’s more about balance. Some people find that dairy or high-glycemic foods can trigger breakouts, so you might experiment with cutting back on these to see if there’s an improvement. That being said, sudden onset or increasing severity of acne might call for a follow-up with a dermatologist, especially if there’s no relief from conservative measures. They could explore other treatments like prescription topicals or oral medication that target hormonal acne directly. Remember, patience is key, skin improvements can take several weeks, and rushing with too many changes can sometimes backfire.

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