5 Reasons You May Be Suffering with Acne (and How to Treat It!)

Let’s face it, we've all experienced those pesky breakouts that seem to appear at the most inconvenient times (before a date, birthday, or big event, boo!) You may have read a lot about acne this Acne Awareness Month, from skincare products claiming to cure every blemish you have, to the hottest facial, or even tools which can help. In this blog post, we’re starting at the root of the problem; we'll be exploring five common reasons why you may be suffering from acne and sharing some expert tips on how to manage acne effectively. Remember, while no skincare product can magically make acne disappear, many products can support in prevention and aggravation. Let’s get started!

1. Hormonal havoc

Ladies, hormones can be a real culprit when it comes to acne. Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially during puberty, menstrual cycles, and even pregnancy, can trigger breakouts.

For many women, hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycles can trigger breakouts. The rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle can influence sebum production and the skin's inflammatory response. In the days leading up to menstruation, the increase in progesterone can stimulate the production of sebum, making the skin more prone to clogging and breakouts. This is commonly referred to as premenstrual acne.

Of course, puberty is another period of time that is notorious for wreaking havoc on the skin. This is often due to hormonal surges which can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil, known as sebum, similar to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. This increased sebum production, combined with dead skin cells and bacteria, can clog the hair follicles and result in the formation of acne. Hormonal acne tends to be more persistent and harder to treat than other types of acne because the underlying cause is internal rather than external.

While we can't wave a magic wand and change your hormones, we can recommend skincare products that help control acne-prone skin. Medik8's Blemish Control Pads, enriched with exfoliating acids and soothing botanicals, are a great option to keep those hormonal breakouts in check. These pads gently exfoliate the skin, remove excess oil, and calm inflammation, reducing the severity and frequency of breakouts.

2. Clogged pores

When your pores become clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, it creates a perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. This often leads to the development of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples; all of which we’re not usually happy to wake up to in the morning, but are so natural to experience.

So, how can you prevent clogged pores? Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is crucial to prevent clogged pores. Consider incorporating Medik8's Pore Cleanse Gel Intense into your regimen. This gentle cleanser contains alpha-hydroxy acids and salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce excess oil, helping to keep those breakouts at bay. Regular use of this cleanser will help remove impurities and prevent future clogging, resulting in clearer and smoother skin - something we all hope to achieve!

3. Stress and lifestyle

Put your hand in the air if you’re guilty of this one! We all know that stress can take a toll on our bodies, and our skin is no exception. High stress levels can trigger hormonal imbalances, leading to breakouts. Additionally, an unhealthy lifestyle, including poor diet and lack of sleep, can contribute to acne flare-ups. Stress can also worsen existing acne by prolonging the healing process and increasing inflammation.

While we can't eliminate stress entirely, we can recommend some self-care practices to help manage it. Consider treating yourself to a little me-time in the form of a calming facial at our salon, where you can relax and rejuvenate. Our favourite is our Signature Clarity Facial if you’re looking to decongest your skin. Additionally, consider trying Medik8's Calmwise Cleanser, which contains soothing botanicals like chamomile and niacinamide to calm stressed-out skin. This cleanser helps to reduce redness, inflammation, and irritation, providing a soothing and comforting experience for your skin.

Pssst, keep your eyes peeled for a brand new facial treatment coming to Beauty Within Salon in July; specifically for acne. Did somebody say anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory blue-light LED?

4. Skincare product overload

It may be tempting to try every skincare product on the market in hopes of achieving clear skin, but using too many products or harsh ingredients can actually exacerbate acne. Overloading your skin with multiple products can disrupt its natural balance, leading to increased oil production and irritation.

The solution? Simplify your routine and opt for gentle, non-comedogenic products. Medik8's Balance Moisturiser with Glycolic Acid Activator are a great dynamic duo to start with. The moisturiser is incredibly lightweight and consists of blemish-fighting ingredients combined with hydrating properties. The activator then protects the skin’s natural microbiome, achieving the ultimate skin balance. What a dream team!

If you're worried you're going to walk into the drugstore and take the entire contents of the blemish aisle home, we recommend booking in for a free skincare schedule consultation. This appointment will consist of talking through your skincare concerns with one of our highly-trained therapists who can recommend the appropriate products for your needs, without compromising results. We know - it's just what you needed eh? Book now.

5. Genetics

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, acne is simply in our genes. If your parents or siblings struggled with acne, there's a higher likelihood that you may too. Genetic factors can influence the size and activity of your sebaceous glands, as well as your skin's overall sensitivity. While we can't change our DNA, we can still take proactive steps to manage acne-prone skin.

New to Beauty Within is the game-changing Clinisoothe+. Clinisoothe+ is a powerful antimicrobial solution that helps to maintain a healthy skin balance. Its gentle, non-irritating formula effectively reduces acne-causing bacteria, calms inflammation, and supports the skin's natural healing process. By including Clinisoothe+ in your daily regimen, you can minimise the impact of your genetic predisposition to acne and promote clearer, healthier-looking skin.

The NHS have stated that 95% of individuals aged 11-30 have been affected by acne at some point, so it’s incredibly common! Therefore, don’t let it get you down, as that’ll likely make you more stressed, and aggravate it further. Embrace it, take steps to prevent it with us here at Beauty Within Salon, or seek further professional support if you’re really stuck!

Shop now or get in touch for a free skincare schedule where we can put together a bespoke routine for your skincare needs. And remember, beauty is within.