INFLAMMATION
Diet
White grains with a high glycaemic load, like bread, are seen as a cause. As well as sugary and processed foods with a high glycaemic load, which set off a chain reaction that might be responsible for an acne breakout. Studies have also shown that eating dairy products can prompt the release of insulin, growth factors, and hormones in the body that may all play a role in acne.
Hormones
The menstrual cycle is a trigger and tends to impact skin the week before a period. A surge in progesterone increases sebum production, causing spots. Equally, women coming off of the Pill and subsequent hormone fluctuations can cause dramatic changes to the skin.
Stress
High stress causes the adrenal gland to produce more testosterone, heightening the propensity for blocked pores and acne, and with today’s increasingly busy lifestyles, we are pushed to our breakout limits.
Other
Continuous usage of clogging skincare and cosmetics, as well as excessive washing and the use of facial irritants such as certain botanicals, which may irritate and clog the hair follicle.
The key causes
Acne is categorised as “chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands”. This occurs when excessive oil production creates blockages in your pores. These blockages appear as blackheads or whiteheads on the surface of the skin. Inflammation caused by bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes or P.acnes turns them into the red, pussy spots that we most commonly associate with the term “acne”. It is a misconception that acne is caused by poor hygiene or diet. Hormonal factors and stress play more of a role, however certain food groups like dairy can aggravate spots.
