Pimples on Face: Here Are 9 Common Reasons Behind Breakouts

Pimples, also known as acne, are a common skin condition that affects many people. While pimples are more common among teenagers, they can also occur during adulthood due to several reasons. By understanding these reasons for pimples on the face, you can take proactive steps to manage and prevent them.

9 Common Reasons for Pimples on the Face

From hormonal changes to poor diet, let's explore the 9 most common reasons for pimples on the face.

1) Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is often a major contributor to the formation of pimples on the face. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty can lead to excessive sebum production, clogging pores and causing pimples.

Androgens, a type of hormone, stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, resulting in the formation of pimples. Moreover, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder, can also cause persistent acne due to increased androgen production.

Tips for managing hormonal imbalance:

•            Consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.

•            Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

•            Avoid excessive stress, as it can contribute to hormonal imbalances.

•            Practice good skincare habits, including gentle cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising.

2) Poor Skincare Routine

A proper skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy and clear skin. Neglecting your skin can lead to various skin issues, including clogged pores, blackheads and pimples on the face. Here's why a proper skincare routine is important:

•            Cleansing: Regularly cleansing your face removes dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog your pores and cause acne.

•            Exfoliation: Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and clean unclog pores, preventing the buildup of sebum that leads to pimples.

•            Moisturising: Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for maintaining a healthy barrier and preventing excess oil production.

Common mistakes in a skincare routine that can lead to acne:

•            Failure to cleanse: Not washing your face regularly can result in the buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores and eventually acne.

•            Using harsh products: Using harsh cleansers or exfoliants can strip away the skin's natural oils, causing it to produce more oil to compensate. This excess oil can block pores and contribute to acne formation.

•            Overwashing: Overwashing the face can strip away too much moisture from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. In response, the skin may produce more oil, again clogging pores and causing breakouts.

•            Using dirty makeup brushes: Dirty brushes can harbour bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells, which can be transferred onto the face during makeup application. This can clog pores and result in pimples.

Recommendations for an effective skincare routine:

•            Cleanse your face twice a day using a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type.

•            Use non-comedogenic and oil-free skincare products.

•            Moisturise your skin regularly to maintain its hydration balance.

•            Avoid touching your face frequently as it spreads bacteria.

•            Wash your makeup brushes regularly to keep them clean.

3) Excessive Sebum Production

Excessive sebum production is one of the main reasons for pimples on the face. When excess sebum combines with dead skin cells and bacteria, it can form a plug in the hair follicles, leading to the development of pimples.

Causes of excessive sebum production:

•            Hormonal changes: During puberty, hormonal fluctuations can trigger an increase in sebum production.

•            Stress: High levels of stress can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.

•            Diet: Consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats can contribute to increased sebum production.

Strategies to control sebum production:

•            Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.

•            Use oil-free or non-comedogenic skincare products.

•            Avoid touching your face frequently.

•            Manage stress levels through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.

4) Clogged Pores

Pores are tiny openings in the skin that release oil and sweat. When these pores become clogged, it can lead to the formation of pimples.

Factors that contribute to clogged pores:

•            Excess oil production: When the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells and block the pores.

•            Dead skin cells: As new skin cells are produced, old cells can build up on the surface of the skin and clog the pores.

•            Bacteria: The presence of bacteria on the skin can cause inflammation and lead to clogged pores.

Methods for unclogging pores and preventing acne:

•            Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

•            Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. However, be careful not to over-exfoliate as it can irritate the skin.

•            Avoiding comedogenic products: Some skincare and makeup products can clog pores. Look for products that are non-comedogenic.

5) Bacterial Infection

When bacteria accumulate in the skin pores, it can trigger an inflammatory response leading to the formation of pimples. Propionibacterium acnes is a microbe naturally found on our skin, especially in areas with a lot of oil glands like the face. While it is usually harmless, an overgrowth of P. acnes can also contribute to inflammation and acne breakouts.

Tips for reducing bacterial infection and promoting skin health:

•            Keep your face clean: Use a gentle cleanser twice a day to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria.

•            Avoid touching your face: Touching your face can transfer bacteria and worsen breakouts.

•            Don't squeeze or pick at pimples: This can introduce more bacteria and cause scarring.

•            Use non-comedogenic products: Choose skincare and makeup products that won't clog your pores.

6) Poor Diet

Research suggests that certain foods can trigger hormonal changes and inflammation in the body, leading to an increase in sebum production and the development of acne. Moreover, high-glycemic index foods, such as sugary snacks, white bread, and soft drinks, are often associated with an increased risk of developing acne. Dairy products and foods high in saturated fats could also contribute to acne breakouts.

Recommended diet changes for clearer skin:

•            Incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats (nuts & seeds) into your diet.

•            Additionally, drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and support overall skin health.

7) Stress and Anxiety

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but did you know that it can also contribute to those pesky pimples on your face? Research says, when you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones such as cortisol, which can lead to an increase in oil production in the skin. This excess oil can clog the pores and result in the formation of pimples.

Similarly, stress can disrupt the balance of hormones in your body, particularly androgens, which are involved in regulating oil production and inflammation. This imbalance can further worsen acne breakouts.

Stress management techniques for improving skin condition:

•            Engage in regular mild-intensity exercise, which helps relieve stress and promotes healthy blood circulation.

•            Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.

•            Sleep for at least 7-8 hours as lack of sleep can worsen stress levels.

•            Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist to reduce anxiety and stress.

8) Genetic Factors

While lifestyle factors such as diet and hygiene play a role in the development of pimples, genetics also contribute significantly. Research has shown that if both your parents had acne, there is a higher chance of you developing it too.

Scientists have identified several genes, such as insulin-like growth factor-I, which are involved in regulating sebum production, inflammation, and the immune response. Variations in these genes can lead to imbalances in sebum production, clogged pores, and bacterial infection, resulting in pimples.

Although you cannot change your genetic makeup, there are measures you can take to manage acne-prone skin effectively:

•            Establish a consistent skincare routine, including cleansing, moisturising, and using non-comedogenic products.

•            Seek professional advice from dermatologists who can recommend appropriate topical treatments or medications.

For more information on genetic factors contributing to pimples, 

Consult Apollo’s Expert Dermatologists

9) Environmental Factors

Environmental factors play a significant role in the formation of pimples. Common environmental triggers for acne breakouts include:

•            Humidity: High levels of humidity can lead to increased oil production, clogging pores and causing breakouts.

•            Pollution: Air pollution can deposit harmful particles onto the skin, leading to inflammation and breakouts.

•            UV Radiation: Excessive sun exposure can damage the skin's barrier, leading to increased sebum production and acne.

•            Harsh Weather Conditions: Extremes in temperature, wind, or cold weather can stress the skin and trigger acne flare-ups.

Tips for minimising the impact of environmental factors on the skin:

•            Cleanse your face twice a day using a gentle cleanser.

•            Use non-comedogenic skincare products.

•            Protect your skin from UV radiation by applying sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30.

•            Keep your bedding and towels clean by washing them regularly.

Takeaway

While we all want clear and flawless skin, it's important to understand the reasons behind pimples to effectively address them. Remember, everyone's skin is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to consult with a dermatologist for personalised advice and treatment options tailored to your specific skin concerns. They can guide you in creating a suitable skincare routine and recommend appropriate medications or treatments if necessary.

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Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.