If You Have Sudden Breakouts, This May Be What's To Blame

Your skin health may change from time to time, but a sudden breakout may have you questioning how it got there in such a short amount of time. Therefore, it's important to understand that breakouts often occur in the parts of the skin that contain the most oil glands. The formation of a pimple occurs when the hair follicle, or pore, becomes filled with dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria (via Healthline). The skin can then become inflamed, red, and irritated. According to The American Academy of Dermatology Association, adults in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s can get acne, but women tend to get it more often than men.

Though it may not always be in your control, there are other factors that could have a significant impact on your skin. Hormones, diet, skin and hair products, or environmental factors can be a part of the reason why you are having a sudden breakout.

Hormones are a common reason for breakouts through periodic fluctuations of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during menstruation cycles, pregnancy, or menopause. During these times, the body produces more sebum (via Columbia Skin Clinic). Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, can also be affecting your skin. Like the other hormone fluctuations, cortisol also causes your oil glands to produce more sebum and go into overdrive (via Well + Good).

Although it does not always affect everyone who may get a random breakout, what we eat and put inside our bodies can also have a significant impact (via Harvard Health Publishing). Furthermore, a study published in JAMA Dermatol linked the consumption of high-fat foods such as milk and meat, as well as sugary foods and beverages, to those with current acne. The study states that "there was a significant association between current acne and the consumption of fatty and sugary products, sugary beverages, and milk." Unfortunately, last night's ice cream might be the reason for this morning's breakout.

What we put on our bodies may also be causing a pimple or two. This includes different types of makeup, skin or hair products, and lotions. Maybe your breakout happened after trying a new product on your skin. Your foundation, setting powder, bronzer, blush, or other makeup can be comedogenic without you knowing, meaning it has pore-clogging ingredients. According to Acne.org, there are up to 45 ingredients to look out for when avoiding comedogenic ingredients.

When it comes to a sudden breakout, the topic circles back to a consistent mention of excess oil production in the skin. The environment, when warmer and more humid, can cause an increase in oil production. "Humidity envelops skin in a blanket of heat and moisture, which leads to pores expanding wide, an increase in oil production, and a smothering of the skin," Audrey Kunin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, explained to Well + Good. According to a study published in J Cosmet Dermatol, temperature and humidity have a contributing role to acne. It stated, "aggravation of acne was more in summer and rainy season." It is definitely something to keep in mind if you've traveled somewhere that could have affected your skin and during the changing of the seasons.

Additionally, warmer weather or strenuous activity may cause you to sweat. The sweat itself is not the cause, but it is when it dries and mixes with bacteria, dirt, and even makeup, effectively clogging your pores. Sweating with makeup on may also not be the best thing for you (via Foreo).

There are so many factors to be aware of when it comes to a dreaded breakout. Sometimes, you can trace your steps to pinpoint whether it was your hormones, the environment, or something you ate. After the breakout, show yourself some self-love and dive into a comforting skincare routine to help soothe your precious skin.