Your Complete Guide to the Causes of Acne and Treatment

You stress out, break out, and then stress out about breaking out,

Sometimes your skin is clear; sometimes it’s not.

Welcome to the wonderful world of acne breakouts.

If there’s one takeaway from reading NC, it is that everyone has a system for preventing and treating breakouts.

But to truly understand the real causes of acne, you must go back to basics.

Otherwise, how can you begin to treat it successfully?

Understanding the Causes of Acne

Stress, breakouts, stress about breakouts – a vicious cycle many of us know all too well.

Acne doesn’t play favourites, and whether you’re in your teens or your 30s, chances are you’ve experienced the frustration of those unexpected blemishes.

But why does acne appear in the first place? And more importantly, how do we stop it? It is a complex condition, with several factors working together beneath the skin’s surface.

Let’s examine what happens when a breakout occurs and how you can start targeting the root cause.

You might also want to explore our comprehensive free guides, available here.

The Basics of Acne Formation

Acne isn’t just a teenage rite of passage – it affects people at all stages of life, and understanding how it forms is key to managing it.

Clogged pores, excess oil production, bacteria, and inflammation cause acne. However, the real story starts with the sebaceous glands scattered throughout the skin.

These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that helps to lubricate and protect our skin.

The problem starts when these glands overproduce sebum, often due to hormonal fluctuations, genetics, or other internal factors.

When sebum mixes with dead skin cells and debris, it can clog hair follicles, creating the perfect breeding ground for cutibacterium acnes – the bacteria responsible for acne.

As this bacteria feeds on the excess oil, it causes inflammation, which leads to the red, angry pimples we know too well.

Over time, this leads to the formation of comedones, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and even cysts.

What’s Happening Under the Skin?

The sebaceous glands, which lie just beneath the surface of your skin, play a crucial role in acne development.

These glands produce sebum, which coats the skin and hair and helps to protect it. However, when sebum production becomes excessive, it can trap dead skin cells inside the follicles, leading to blockages.

This leads to a two-pronged problem: The trapped oil creates an oxygen-deprived environment where cutibacterium acnes thrives.

Second, the accumulation of oil and skin cells causes inflammation, the body’s natural response to infection. The result? A breakout.

While C. acnes is a major player, it’s not the only factor. Hormones, diet, genetics, and even your skincare routine can contribute to excess oil production and clogged pores.

For example, stress can increase hormone levels, which in turn increase sebum production.

Certain foods, particularly those high in sugar or dairy, can also trigger an inflammatory response, making acne worse.

Who’s at Risk?

It’s not just teenagers who experience acne. While it is more common during adolescence due to hormonal changes, it can also affect adults. It’s estimated that 85% of people will experience acne at some point.

Those between the ages of 25 and 34 are particularly vulnerable, with 8% of this group experiencing acne, while 3% of those aged 35 to 44 still suffer from it.

Men tend to experience acne more aggressively than women, but women often see breakouts related to their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or birth control use.

People with darker skin are at higher risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, in which dark spots linger long after the pimple has healed.

Tackling the Root Cause of Acne

The key to controlling acne is addressing its root causes, not just the symptoms. While slathering on harsh treatments to dry out blemishes is tempting, this approach often worsens the situation.

Drying out your skin can cause your sebaceous glands to overcompensate, producing even more oil; this oil feeds bacteria and sets off a vicious cycle.

Instead, a more balanced approach is required; our folks at NC HQ recommend starting by addressing the oil on your skin’s surface with targeted treatments like salicylic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells and keeps pores clear.

Topical treatments like resorcinol or benzoyl peroxide can also help reduce bacteria and inflammation. However, attacking the bacteria is only part of the solution; you must also restore your skin’s natural barrier function.

The Power of Prevention

The best way to prevent acne is to keep your skin healthy and balanced from the inside out. A good skincare routine will keep your skin’s natural acid mantle intact, and you should avoid products that could clog your pores.

Please pay attention to what you eat and keep your skin hydrated by using a pure form of hyaluronic acid, like the type found in our H20 hydrating skin shot, to keep your skin functioning optimally.

Remember to be mindful of your mental health. Stress can exacerbate acne, so find ways to manage it through exercise, mindfulness, or relaxation techniques.

A Deep Dive into Treating Acne

Acne treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and understanding what works for you is key to managing breakouts effectively.

While the market is flooded with products promising instant results, addressing acne requires a well-rounded approach that treats surface symptoms and targets the root causes.

From balancing oil production to calming inflammation and regulating skin turnover, here are ways to control your skin’s health and prevent future breakouts.

For a natural approach to acne treatment, consider using manuka honey, known for its antibacterial and healing properties.

1. Target Excess Oil Production

Excess oil production is often a primary cause of acne. The sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, can become overactive due to hormonal fluctuations, stress, or genetics.

When too much sebum is produced, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog hair follicles. This creates the ideal environment for cutibacterium acnes (the bacteria that causes acne) to thrive.

Treatment Options

Salicylic Acid: This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is a key ingredient in many acne treatments. It penetrates deep into the pores to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, reducing blockages. Keeping your pores clear, it helps prevent acne from forming.

Retinoids (Retinol & Tretinoin): Vitamin A derivatives help regulate cell turnover and prevent clogged pores by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells. Retinoids are particularly effective for persistent or cystic acne. They can also help reduce the appearance of scars by speeding up your skin’s regeneration.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This powerhouse ingredient reduces sebum production, calms inflammation, and enhances the skin’s barrier function. It is gentle enough for most skin types and can be used daily to prevent excess oil from building up. You can find this in our B+ skin shot, which is highly balanced and helps with post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Oil-Free and Non-ComedoNoncomedogenic products labelled “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic ” help your skin from overloading with oils and ingredients that might clog pores.

2. Fight Inflammation and Bacteria

Acne isn’t just about blocked pores—it’s also about inflammation and bacterial overgrowth. When bacteria like cutibacterium acnes multiply, it triggers an inflammatory response in your skin. This leads to redness, swelling, and pimples and pustules.

Treatment Options:

Benzoyl Peroxide: This well-known acne treatment has antibacterial properties that kill C. acne bacteria directly, reducing the amount of bacteria in your pores. Benzoyl peroxide comes in various strengths, but be warned that it can dry out. Therefore, using a single Clarify pH-balancing gel to lock in moisture and maintain hydration is essential for your skin.

Sulfur: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, sulfur can be a great option for mild to moderate acne. It helps reduce excess oil on your skin whilst also calming inflammation.

Tea Tree Oil: This natural antiseptic is often used as a spot treatment. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce acne breakouts without irritating. However, we recommend diluting it with a carrier oil to avoid irritation.

Azelaic Acid is another ingredient that can help calm acne inflammation. It inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria while reducing irritation and redness caused by breakouts. Azelaic acid can also help lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

3. Skin Turnover and Prevent Clogged Pores

Skin cell turnover is a natural process in which the skin sheds dead cells and replaces them with new ones.

However, this process can become disrupted if the person has acne-prone skin, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells in the pores.

This accumulation, known as hyperkeratosis, is a significant factor in the formation of acne.

Treatment Options:

Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and prevents them from blocking pores. Gentle chemical exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), particularly glycolic acid, can help slough off dead skin cells, but they should be applied carefully to avoid irritation.

Retinoids: As mentioned earlier, retinoids are highly effective at speeding up skin turnover. By promoting cell regeneration, they prevent clogged pores and reduce the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Retinoids also help improve skin texture and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

4. Restore the Skin’s Barrier Function

Acne treatments, especially those involving strong acids or active ingredients, can sometimes weaken your skin’s protective barrier. When this happens, the skin can become dry, irritated, and more susceptible to breakouts. Restoring the skin’s barrier is crucial for maintaining healthy, clear skin.

Treatment Options:

Moisturise regularly: Moisturising is essential, even if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Choose lightweight, noncomedogenic products that hydrate your skin without clogging pores. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides can help replenish lost moisture and restore balance.

Barrier Repair Serums: Products containing ingredients such as ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol help rebuild your skin’s lipid barrier. A healthy skin barrier helps prevent moisture loss and protects your skin from environmental irritants and pollutants that could exacerbate acne.

Sunscreen: Acne treatments, particularly those involving retinoids or chemical exfoliants, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from UV damage.

5. Manage Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal fluctuations are one of the primary causes of acne, particularly in teenagers, pregnant women, and individuals with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hormones like androgens can stimulate your sebaceous glands, leading to excess oil production and acne.

Treatment Options:

Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills can regulate hormones, particularly androgens, to help prevent acne in women. They work by reducing sebum production by the sebaceous glands. However, they should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.

Anti-androgens: Medications like spironolactone can block androgens and reduce sebum production. They are often prescribed for women with hormonal acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments.

Diet and Lifestyle: Reducing stress and maintaining a healthy diet can also positively impact hormonal balance. Foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and E can help reduce inflammation and support skin health. Managing stress through regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and adequate sleep is essential for keeping hormones in check.

6. Consult a Dermatologist for Advanced Treatments

In some cases, over-the-counter treatments might not be enough to manage your acne, especially if it’s severe.

Consulting with a dermatologist for a more personalised treatment would be key, and depending on the severity, they may prescribe oral medications or recommend professional procedures, including those listed below:

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels use more potent exfoliating acids to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, helping to reduce acne and fade scars.

Laser Therapy: Certain lasers target C. acnes bacteria and reduce inflammation, promoting collagen production for scar healing.

Light Therapy: Blue light therapy can kill acne-causing bacteria, while red light therapy reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

To conclude. The naked truth

Acne can be frustrating, but understanding its real causes is the first step toward treatment.

Whether you’re struggling with hormonal breakouts or the occasional flare-up, remember that no two people experience acne the same way.

We are all metabolically different, so we watch out for your skin’s cues and essential sensitivities.

Acne treatment involves more than just choosing the right product—it is about a comprehensive skincare routine that addresses your skin’s specific needs on any given day.

You can regain control over your skin and prevent troublesome breakouts by targeting the root causes of acne, such as excess oil production, bacteria proliferation, inflammation, and poor cell turnover.

Consistency and patience are key to finding the right treatments for your skin.

With the right approach and patience, you can regain control over your skin and prevent those dreaded breakouts from getting out of control.

Keep your skin clean, balanced, and nourished. Most importantly, don’t stress—clearer skin is within reach with a consistent, well-thought-out routine.