10 Surprising Causes of Acne Breakouts

Have you spent hours, weeks, or even months searching for the best acne treatment? Dallas’ Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner explains that the most appropriate acne treatment for you will depend on how severe and persistent your acne is.

If you’ve tried everything to prevent or get rid of acne and haven’t been successful, there are some lesser-known causes of flare-ups you may not have heard about. Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Turner says, “Acne breakouts are a common skin issue that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. While most of us are familiar with the usual suspects—like hormonal changes and improper skincare routines—there are some surprising causes of acne breakouts that many people may not be aware of.”

Continue reading to learn more about 10 unexpected factors that can contribute to those frustrating blemishes and some prevention tips you can try.

1.    Not Washing Your Face at Night

If you want to prevent acne, you have to wash your face every single night before bed. When you don’t wash your face, all of the dirt, oil, and other grime from the day can accumulate on the surface of the skin and get onto your pillowcase. Although skipping this part of your routine once or twice won’t be likely to cause irreparable damage, not washing your face can eventually lead to increased signs of aging, dryness, breakouts, and infections.

2.    Dirty Pillowcases and Bedding

Your pillowcase and bedding may seem harmless, but they can harbor a surprising number of acne-causing culprits. Dead skin cells, oils, and bacteria accumulate on these surfaces over time. When you rest your face on them night after night, you expose your skin to potential breakouts. Regularly washing your pillowcases and bedding every few days can help prevent this unexpected cause of acne.

3.    Dehydration

Our skin needs to be hydrated to prevent acne breakouts. Dehydration can trigger excess production of oil, which can lead to flare-ups, since acne-causing bacteria love to eat the natural substance, known as sebum.

4.    Too Many Skincare Products

Experimenting with too many skincare products—such as switching to a new product or adding a new product to your regimen without giving it enough time to work—is another sneaky cause of acne breakouts. New preservatives and active products can cause irritation, which ups the risk of pimples.

5.    Stress

The link between stress and acne is more profound than many people realize. Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can stimulate the oil glands in your skin to produce more. Excess oil can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. To manage stress and its impact on your skin, consider relaxation techniques.

6.    Lack of Sleep

Sleep is essential for overall health, including the health of your skin. When you don't get enough sleep, your body may release more stress hormones like cortisol, leading to increased oil production and, subsequently, acne breakouts. Just be sure to sleep on a clean pillow!

7.    Haircare Products

You may be surprised to find out that the haircare products you use can contribute to acne breakouts, especially if they contain ingredients like silicones, fragrances, or certain oils. When these products come into contact with your skin, they can clog pores and lead to acne along the hairline, forehead, or cheeks. To avoid this, be mindful of the products you use, and wash your face after applying them.

8.    Over-Exfoliation

Exfoliating your skin is essential to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. However, over-exfoliating can have the opposite effect, leading to irritation and acne breakouts.

9.    Allergens in Skincare Products

Skincare products are meant to improve your skin's condition, but they can sometimes contain ingredients that trigger allergic reactions in the skin. Fragrances, preservatives, and certain active ingredients can all be culprits in making acne breakouts more likely. Butters and oils from some hair products can also potentially cause breakouts.

10. Sweaty Workouts

When you don’t rinse the sweat and grime off of your skin after a workout, it’s likely that all of the dirt, oil, bacteria, and makeup residue can accumulate and block the pores. That doesn’t mean you have to quit exercising! Just remember to do what you can, such as removing makeup prior to your workouts and wiping down equipment after. This can make future workouts less likely to cause future breakouts!

For more advice on the causes of this skin condition and the best acne treatments, contact Dallas’ Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner. Call (214) 373-7546 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.