why so many pimples on my face - #15318
I am kinda freaking out here because I keep wondering why so many pimples on my face are showing up! Like, just last week, everything was fine, but then bam! My face just exploded with acne. It's so frustrating! I'm 24 and usually have pretty good skin, but now I'm dealing with red bumps everywhere, like seriously, I can't even recognize myself in the mirror. I've tried some over-the-counter creams but they don't seem to be working. Could stress be a factor? I mean, I've got a lot going on work-wise right now. My friend said it might be hormonal changes or diet issues since I'd been eating junk food lately, but isn't that a bit too simple? I’m also worried that maybe I’ve been using the wrong makeup, but I really thought I was being careful about that… What could possibly be going wrong?! These pimples are driving me crazy! I even started washing my face more, but that doesn't seem to help. Why so many pimples on my face all of a sudden? Is it something I should see a doc about? I’d appreciate any insights or personal stories from anyone dealing with the same issue.
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Doctors’ responses
Acne can indeed be triggered by a number of factors, and it’s not uncommon to suddenly experience a flare-up even if your skin has been clear before. Stress is a known factor that can aggravate acne by causing your body to produce more androgen hormones, which in turn can lead to increased oil production. Hormonal fluctuations are another possibility, and can be especially common in your mid-20s as your body adapts to different life stages. It’s also worth considering diet—high-glycemic foods like junk food can lead to spikes in insulin levels which sometimes correlate with acne outbreaks. So yes, your friend’s suggestion might not be that far off. When it comes to makeup, non-comedogenic or oil-free products are what you should aim for, as they’re less likely to clog pores. But beware—over-washing your face can strip natural oils, potentially causing your skin to produce even more oil and worsening acne. Stick to a gentle cleanser and not more than twice a day. If over-the-counter products aren’t helping, you might want to consult a dermatologist who can prescribe topical treatments or antibiotics that are more effective. Don’t ignore this if it’s causing significant discomfort or affecting your life. Seeing a doctor would also rule out any specific skin conditions. In the meantime, manage stress as best as you can and consider logging what you eat to identify possible ties between diet and breakouts.
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