Whether it's your best friend's wedding or a much-awaited interview, acne comes unannounced, paying no heed to your efforts or how eagerly you've been waiting for D-day. Although it's a common experience, it can be annoying sometimes. Acne can happen to anyone, at any age, and on any type of skin, even if you're no longer a teenager. The reasons are varied, but thankfully, there are ways to eliminate them as quickly as they appear. Read on to learn how to avoid such breakouts. 

What causes acne breakout? 

While the phrase "Prevention is better than cure" is very applicable, sometimes, preventive measures are not enough. Sometimes it's vital to understand the underlying causes. Below are a few reasons responsible for those sudden pesky breakouts:

1.Hormonal imbalance

Changes in hormones or fluctuation during puberty, pregnancy, or any illness can cause an acne breakout. Even hormonal imbalances induced by medicines also have such effects. Thyroid, overweight, and PCOS are a few health conditions that cause hormonal problems leading to breakouts.

2.Stress

Lifestyles these days often cause abnormal stress. A new job, upcoming exams, wedding, relationship, financial crisis- it can be anything. When released excessively, stress hormones cause acute acne breakouts and more severe health issues. 

3.Sudden diet change

If you go for crash dieting or there's a sudden change in your usual diet, the effects are reflected on your skin. Also, oily, spicy, and junk food consumption causes acne breakouts.

4.Dehydration

When your skin is dehydrated, your body increases oil production. What does extra oil lead to? Exactly! Acne. Inculcating healthy habits like drinking plenty of water, and applying a hydrating serum can aid in getting moisturized and supple skin.  

5.Environment

The environment's changes and free radicals can also cause an acne breakout. For example, if you relocate to a new place, your skin takes time to adjust, and often the results are reflected through such breakouts. Moreover, the dirt and pollution clog the pores, which in turn causes the breakout. 

6.Wrong skincare

Last but not least, choosing the wrong skincare product often gets indicated by adverse reactions like acne. If a particular product does not suit you, pimples and acne indicate the problem. 

Skincare routine to treat acne 

There are many long-term and short-term ways to treat acne breakout and even prevent it. Here's a simple yet effective skincare routine you can follow-

AM Routine 

• Use a cleanser 

Cleansing your face helps remove excess sebum and dirt which contributes to acne. Try using a cleanser containing sodium hyaluronate and red algae extract, which restores skin hydration and gives a glow to the face. The daily duet facewash is ideal for acne-prone skin as It contains vitamin B5- a vital ingredient that reduces acne and blemishes over time. 

• Spot correction treatments

Try spot correction treatments that provide the best solutions to address sudden breakouts. One such product is Foxtale Acne Spot Corrector Gel, enriched with several notable ingredients. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and reduces sebum production, while Glycolic acid gently exfoliates and reduces marks and discoloration. The gel also contains Azelaic acid, which controls pigmentation by improving cell turnover and killing acne-causing bacteria. Lastly, niacinamide is included to reduce the severity of acne and redness.

• Moisturize your skin

It's normal to skip applying moisturizer, as one may feel it further aggravates your breakout. But it is important to note that dehydrated skin will trigger the sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum to compensate for the loss. People with skin prone to acne should choose a lightweight moisturizer that is hydrating and will repair the skin barrier. 

• Use an SPF 

Using products containing AHAs can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays; hence it is advisable to wear sunscreen. Sunscreen provides sun protection, evens skin tone, and fights the signs of ageing. Foxtale's matte finish sunscreen is powered with Vitamin E & B5, which prevents free radical damage and reduces the appearance of acne and blemishes. In addition, the presence of niacinamide regulates oil production. 

PM Routine 

• Cleanse

Your skin is also an indicator of how tiring the day has been(the first indicator being the drastic drop in energy levels). Double cleansing is a great way to remove any remnants of makeup and dirt that are settled on your skin. But double cleansing can be tiring. There's a solution to this- Foxtale's hydrating face wash. It doubles as a makeup remover and as a deeply hydrating cleanser. Let this facewash make all your skincare woes go away!  

• Hydrate with a serum 

Applying hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin instantly refreshes it. The daily hydrating serum contains α- bisabolol- a chamomile component known to soothe redness and inflammation-related acne. Moreover, it helps to maintain the moisture level of your skin, which results in a well-hydrated and supple feel. Let's admit it, who wouldn't want to wake up with skin that feels incredibly hydrated and smooth?

• Treat with Acne gel 

To get the best benefits of the gel, include it in your PM routine. It will help in clearing out your pores and reduce acne overnight. Apply a pea-sized amount of the gel on the pimple, wait for it to dry, and follow up with the rest of your routine.

• Moisturize 

As the last step of your routine, apply a moisturizer that will provide an extra boost of plumpness to the skin without making your skin feel too heavy or greasy. 

Here are a few more hacks to keep in mind! 

1.Keep it simple 

Keep the skincare routine simple with minimal products which are gentle and suitable for your skin type. Avoid using skincare products that contain alcohol and other harsh ingredients that can irritate your skin and make acne worse. Be consistent with your skincare routine, and give it time to adjust to the products you're using. 

2.Maintain a healthy and consistent diet

Following a healthy and balanced diet can be a preventive measure against such breakouts in the long run. Also, be consistent about the diet. Avoid suddenly going for a crash diet or changing the composition of your food habits. 

3.Good sleep and no stress

Leading a stress-free life is a dream. But you can compensate for that by getting enough sound sleep. A minimum of 7 hours of deep sleep is essential to help your skin get the necessary rest. Avoid situations that can unnecessarily add to your stress.

4.Take precautions against climate change

Stay prepared to combat skin problems induced by climate change. Whether it is a new season or you are relocating- update your skincare products according to the climate. For example, consider using a more occlusive-based moisturizer for the colder months if your skin tends to dry during winter.

5.Patch test skincare products

Every time you try a new skincare product, it is wise to do a patch test. Also, go through the ingredient list to understand the individual ingredients in the product. Be aware of any ingredient that causes allergic reactions. 

Conclusion 

While sudden acne breakouts can be frustrating, they don't have to be overwhelming. You can quickly get your acne under control by having a good understanding of skincare basics and the right tools on hand. However, it's essential to note that not all acne is created equal, and different breakouts may require different treatment approaches. That's why identifying the root causes of your acne is critical to finding the most effective solution. Whether hormonal changes cause it, stress, or environmental factors, knowing the underlying issue can help you choose the right products to give you clear skin and prevent future breakouts.