Understanding Acne Triggers and How to Combat Them

Acne is a common skin condition that can affect people of all ages. While many factors contribute to acne development, it’s important to understand that specific triggers can exacerbate the condition, particularly for those already prone to breakouts. At Smooth Effects Kelowna, we believe that identifying these triggers is crucial to developing an effective skincare routine.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is primarily caused by a combination of excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation. While triggers like diet, environment, and products can influence these factors, they do not cause acne in everyone. Each individual’s skin responds differently to various stimuli, which is why understanding your unique triggers is essential for effective treatment.

Acne Causes

Acne causes refer to the underlying factors that lead to the development of acne. These are often biological or physiological conditions that create the environment for acne to form.

Common Causes:

• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, especially androgens, can increase oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores.
• Genetics: A family history of acne can predispose individuals to develop the condition due to inherited skin characteristics and oil production levels.
• Skin Type: Oily skin can contribute to a higher likelihood of developing acne as excess sebum can clog pores.
• Bacterial Overgrowth: The presence of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria can cause inflammation and lead to acne lesions.
• Clogged Pores: The accumulation of dead skin cells and excess oil can block hair follicles, resulting in acne.

Acne Triggers

Acne triggers are external factors or lifestyle choices that can exacerbate or worsen existing acne but are not necessarily the root causes of the condition. Triggers can provoke an acne flare-up in individuals already prone to acne.

Dietary Triggers

• High-Glycemic Foods: These foods (like white bread, sugary cereals, soda, and candy) cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, leading to increased insulin production, which boosts sebum production and encourages skin cell turnover, clogging pores.
• Dairy Products: Milk (especially skim milk), cheese, and yogurt can increase levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), linked to excess sebum production and inflammation, causing acne breakouts.
• Fried and Processed Foods: High in unhealthy fats and oils, these foods can increase sebum production and inflammation in the skin. Processed foods also often contain additives and preservatives that may worsen skin health and contribute to acne.
• Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can trigger inflammation and dilate blood vessels, causing redness and irritation in sensitive individuals, which can worsen acne.
• Excessive Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Found in vegetable oils like corn, sunflower, and soybean oils, excessive omega-6 fatty acids can promote inflammation, worsening acne.
• Seafood (High in Iodine): High amounts of iodine in seafood like shrimp, lobster, crab, and seaweed can irritate the pores when consumed in excess, potentially causing or worsening acne breakouts.
• Algae and Sea Vegetables (Including Spirulina and Chlorella): These foods are often rich in iodine, which can accumulate in the skin and irritate pores, leading to clogged pores and acne, particularly in sensitive individuals.
• Meat Alternatives (Soy and Sea Proteins): Derived from soy or sea proteins, many meat alternatives can be high in iodine. Excessive iodine can irritate the skin and clog pores, leading to congestion and breakouts.
• Caffeine: While moderate caffeine consumption may not directly cause acne, excessive intake can lead to dehydration and increased cortisol production, which can increase oil production in the skin.

Supplements

• Whey Protein: Contains amino acids that stimulate insulin production, increasing sebum production and raising IGF-1 levels, linked to acne breakouts.
• Excessive Iodine: Found in some supplements and seafood, excessive iodine can accumulate in the skin and irritate pores, leading to clogged pores and acne.
• B-Vitamin Complex (B6 and B12): High doses can disrupt normal skin processes, leading to acne in some individuals. While essential in small amounts, excess levels may trigger breakouts.
• Biotin (Vitamin B7): Large amounts can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), important for regulating skin's oil production, leading to excess oil production and acne flare-ups.

Environmental Triggers

• Pollution and Air Quality: Dirt, dust, and smog can settle on the skin, mixing with sebum and clogging pores. Pollution causes oxidative stress, weakening the skin’s barrier and contributing to breakouts.
• Sweat and Humidity: Excessive sweating can mix with oils and bacteria, clogging pores. Humidity increases oil production, making the skin more prone to acne.
• Greasy Substances: Working in greasy environments or using comedogenic skincare products can result in oils settling on the skin, clogging pores and causing breakouts.
• Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softeners: Leave behind a fatty wax residue that can irritate and clog pores. Scented detergents and products containing sodium lauryl sulfate may also contribute to breakouts.
• Makeup Wipes/Removers: Many makeup wipes contain irritating and pore-clogging ingredients. If a cleanser cannot effectively remove foundation, it may not be adequately cleaning the skin. Using wipes can also spread dirt and oil back onto the skin. Makeup removing balms often contain waxes that can clog pores.
• Makeup Products: Certain makeup products, especially those containing oils or comedogenic ingredients, can clog pores and contribute to acne. It's essential to use non-comedogenic products and thoroughly remove makeup at the end of the day.
• Friction-Induced Acne (Acne Mechanica): Friction from tight clothing or gear can trap heat, oil, and bacteria against the skin, causing irritation and acne.

Product Ingredients That Can Trigger Acne

• Comedogenic Oils: Examples: Coconut oil, shea butter, mineral oil, and palm oil can clog pores, leading to acne in those with oily or acne-prone skin.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Often found in cleansers and shampoos, SLS can irritate the skin, stripping it of natural oils and leading to increased oil production and potential acne flare-ups.
• Silicones: Examples: Dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane. While they provide a smooth texture, silicones can trap oils and bacteria in the pores, contributing to acne.
• Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to inflammation and acne.
• Alcohol: Certain types of alcohol (like isopropyl alcohol) can dry out the skin, leading to irritation and increased oil production, which can worsen acne.
• Waxes and Heavy Creams: Examples: Beeswax, paraffin, and lanolin. These can create a barrier on the skin, trapping oils and bacteria, which can lead to breakouts.
• Heavy Emollients: Examples: Shea butter, cocoa butter. While they provide moisture, they can also clog pores in acne-prone individuals.
• Parabens: Used as preservatives in many cosmetic products, parabens can cause skin irritation and disrupt hormonal balance, potentially leading to acne.

Physiological Triggers

• Stress: Increases cortisol production, which can lead to heightened oil production and inflammation in the skin, contributing to acne flare-ups.
• Lack of Sleep: Disrupted sleep patterns can affect hormonal balance and the immune system, potentially leading to increased acne.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during menstrual cycles or due to hormonal contraceptives, can lead to acne flare-ups.
• Medications: Certain medications (like steroids or some antidepressants) can increase oil production or cause skin changes, leading to acne breakouts.

Working Together to Identify Triggers

At Smooth Effects Kelowna, we take a comprehensive approach to skincare. We collaborate closely with our clients to identify their specific acne triggers. This process typically involves:

• In-Depth Consultations: We start with a thorough assessment of your skin type, history, and current products. Our experienced team will listen to your concerns and help pinpoint potential triggers in your diet and lifestyle.
• Customized Plans: Based on our findings, we develop tailored skincare routines that focus on balancing your skin. This might include recommending non-comedogenic products, adjusting your diet, or incorporating treatments designed to strengthen your skin barrier.
• Ongoing Support: Our commitment doesn’t end with your initial visit. We provide ongoing support and check-ins to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your routine.

If you’re struggling with acne or want to learn more about how to identify your specific triggers, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us today. Together, we can pave the way to healthier, happier skin!

For deeper insights into how acne affects the skin barrier and microbiome, read our Understanding Acne, the Skin Barrier, and the Microbiome Blog Post. And for tips on our favourite ingredients and treatments for managing acne, visit our Favourite Ingredients and Treatments For Acne Blog Post!