Why do I get acne?

You usually get a pimple when the pores of your skin become blocked with a mix of oil, dead skin and bacteria. This shows up on the surface as inflammation in the form of a whitehead, blackhead or cyst. Eventually, the pores become clogged and push their contents to the skin’s surface. It is important to note that it is multifactorial. You can be hit with a zit for many reasons, some of which you can control and others you can’t. It is not a definitive list—because so many things can cause breakouts at different times in your life. But if any of these issues ring a bell, here’s what you can do.

• You could have oily skin

Some people are genetically programmed to make more oil. Skin cells stick together within the follicles (especially if you aren’t exfoliating) and then trap oil from reaching the surface. This causes oil to fill the pore, which when melded with any bacteria in the area, leads to acne.

• Your beauty products could be getting in the way

You might be trying really hard to eat better, sleep more often and stick to your anti-acne routine. But if your products aren’t working for you, they could be causing acne. Mineral oil, for example, which is in many moisturizers, could clog your pores and cause blackheads or whiteheads. Fragrance, if you’re sensitive to it, could also increase inflammation and make you more prone to zits.

• You’re about to get your period

Just before you get your period, oestrogen and progesterone levels fall, and testosterone levels are higher than usual. This triggers your sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum. Too much can result in clogged pores and breakouts. This is true in the case of medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which cause an overproduction of androgens, which can cause hormonal acne. These are usually seen on the bottom half of the face.

• You’re stressed out

When you’re nervous, upset or overwhelmed, your body is in a fight-or-flight mode for longer than it should be. This causes the production of a corticotropin-releasing hormone and cortisol. These promote the overproduction of oil, which leads to a worsened inflammation.

• You’re eating sugary foods

When blood sugar levels spike, the body produces more insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Eating foods with a high glycemic index can cause breakouts. Increased insulin ups the level of androgens, which increases sebum production.

• You’re not washing your face enough (or you’re over-washing it)

To help prevent pimples, it’s important to remove excess oil, makeup, and sweat daily, so you can prevent congestion. Exfoliating is key too. You can ensure that you break down the glue between dead skin cells so they don’t stick together and accumulate. But, at the same time, if you over-cleanse, you could dehydrate your skin, which could make things worse. When skin is too dry, it causes a backup of dead skin, as well as excess sebum production to overcompensate, which hampers the balance even further.

What are the different kinds of acne?

The five main kinds of acne are whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules and cysts.

Also Read: Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

What are the major topical skincare ingredients I can use?

When it comes to tackling acne, topical ingredients are the most effective. They work to prevent, inhibit and treat them. These are some of the most popular ones you’ll spot on ingredient labels:

• Salicylic acid 

The structure of the salicylic acid molecule makes it oil soluble, so it is able to break down the oil collected in the pores. It is able to penetrate so deep into the skin, unclogging pores and cleaning it deeply. Using an acne spot corrector gel that contains salicylic acid helps in controlling oil production and prevents breakouts. This is an ideal ingredient to use if you have blackheads or whiteheads and it works as a great preventative agent. 

• Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide works by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria and peeling dead skin cells away. It can cause dryness and irritation if you apply too much of it though, so doctors suggest layering it as a spot treatment. 

• Retinoids

Retinoids increase the turnover rate by getting rid of the top layer of dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new collagen and healthy new skin. It works as the gold standard for acne therapy. 

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids

AHAs like glycolic acid is water soluble, it exfoliates the dead skin cells on the surface, to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. 

• Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a comedolytic, so it breaks down pore blockages and keeps new ones from forming, and it is able to get rid of the bacteria on the surface, reducing redness and inflammation in the process. 

The Conclusion 

Having acne can be a difficult thing to deal with, but remember, your worth as a person is not defined by the presence or absence of it. When you incorporate the right products into your routine, the road to clear skin doesn't seem like a bumpy ride. By consistently following this routine, you can help regulate oil production, unclog pores, and prevent future breakouts. Achieving radiant and acne-free skin won't seem like a far-fetched dream anymore. 

FAQs 

1. What can I do as soon as I feel a zit coming on?

Keep your hands off! You don’t want to risk transferring any bacteria from your fingers onto the inflamed area and making it worse. Pros suggest icing the area—it soothes and may reduce redness. You may want to treat the area with small amounts of salicylic acid, and then layer a moisturizer to prevent dryness.

2. What measures can I take to prevent oily skin? 

Blotting excess oil from your skin is an excellent way of preventing excess oil appearance throughout the day. Keep in mind to cleanse your face even after exercising. Never skip putting on sunscreen. 

3. What causes acne on the face? 

Acne is caused when sebum and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles. It is also caused due to hormonal changes seen during puberty which can increase oil production, leading to acne. Factors like stress and diet can also contribute to acne outbreaks.

Being homebound has become a necessity. But it is also the ideal time to show some love to your skin and health. The skincare market is booming at present as many of us regularly dedicate more time to skincare. We have highlighted some skin concerns which are specific to women of colour and the different ways to deal with them here.

1.Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone is a very common concern among those of colour. Melanin is present in every skin tone, but the darker tones have an excess of it. Often the melanin-producing cells either produce excess or lesser melanin, thus leading to hyperpigmentation. It also occurs from sun exposure, hormonal imbalance and even during the prepartum and postpartum phases.

Treatment

The best way to treat hyperpigmentation is to use a combination of Vitamin C and Sunscreen, according to research. If you are looking to introduce these two powerful products in your skincare routine, look no further and grab our Anti-Ageing Duo, now! This duo can reduce blemishes and target hyperpigmentation along with protecting your skin from sun damage.

2.Acne

For many of us, acne contributed as a major terror in our teenage years and it continues to be so for some adults too. Excess sebum production, dirt and pollution, hormonal changes, hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells are aggravators of acne.

Treatment

To minimize acne, keeping the skin thoroughly clean is the key. If it is not treated in time, eventually it can lead to acne scarring which is even more difficult to remove. Here’s what you can do:

• Use a gentle cleanser in your AM routine and double cleanse your skin at night. Our Daily Duet Cleanser is your one-stop destination for something like this!
• Use a lightweight yet hydrating moisturiser that is suitable for your skin type
• The diet and lifestyle significantly affect the appearance of acne. Avoid fast food and anything too oily or sugary. Instead have more fruits and other vitamin-C, D and E rich food. Dairy can also be the reason for your acne, according to studies
• Drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily

3.Dark Circles

Under-eye dark circles affect every age group and the appearance is even more prominent among women of colour. The skin underneath the eyes is thin and fragile and hence, cannot cover the hyperpigmentation. Staying up late, poor blood circulation and too much screen time majorly impact the appearance of dark circles. For some people, it is a genetic occurrence.

Treatment

To get rid of dark circles, there are a few tricks that you can implement. Targeted skincare is the key to diminishing the appearance of dark circles. The following are the different approaches you may take:

• Changing your lifestyle, getting more sleep, letting go of addictions like smoking or alcoholism are the most effective ways to slowly but surely reduce dark circles
• You can also use under eye creams to massage around the eyes which improve the blood circulation and eventually the under eye dark circles

4.Pollution

Pollution is unavoidable in India and it is also a major cause of damaged skin. The dirt and grime combined with sebum lead to many skin problems like acne and inflammations. Thus, one cannot deny that pollution is a major aggravator to adverse skin issues.

Treatment

The only way to prevent skin damage caused by pollution is a thorough cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting routine daily with products from Foxtale, that can reverse the impact of pollution damage on the skin.

Moreover, when you go out, cover your exposed skin as much as possible. In the present situation, this is a viable option as you have to wear face masks on a daily basis.

5.Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks occur mostly among mature women, but they can also occur at any age for many reasons. Rapidly gaining or losing weight over a short period is a major reason behind the stretch marks. They are not harmful, but many women feel they affect their overall beauty and such feelings often trigger insecurities and body dysmorphia in extreme cases.

Treatment

• Using retinoids, and collagen-rich creams and products dedicatedly can somewhat reduce stretch marks
• There are surgical and cosmetic treatments like skin firmly which also give instant results
• Regular exercises to tone the muscles and skin also helps
• Drinking a lot of water also keeps the skin hydrated and eventually improves the elasticity and thus reduces the stretch marks

6.Razor Bumps

Razor bumps are very common among Indian women of all ages. Getting rid of body hair is a common practice and shaving with a razor is the quickest solution that comes to mind due to the convenience. Unfortunately, it leads to ingrown hair which is especially common among women of colour. It has been witnessed that hair shafts of women of colour are curved, which primarily leads to the problem. Again, it is not harmful but at times, razor bumps can get inflamed and can cause itchiness too.

Treatment

• A safety razor is a good solution to prevent razor bumps
• Also, practice shaving in one direction with shaving cream to avoid this problem
• Laser treatment is a permanent solution to ingrown hair but it may have certain side effects