Acne, those pesky blemishes that seem to pop up at the worst times, is a common skin concern for many people, especially in the humid climate of the Philippines. It's not just annoying or painful. From the throbbing discomfort of inflamed spots to the embarrassment of visible breakouts and the lasting scars they might leave behind, acne takes a toll on your skin and confidence.
But whether you get a few pimples now and then or battle constant breakouts, knowing what causes acne is key to finding ways to clear up your skin.
And if you’re looking for that particular cause, DMD Skin Sciences is here to help! Read on as we will break down what causes acne, its different types, and where they tend to appear on your body. Let’s get to the bottom of acne so you can finally achieve clear, healthy skin!
Pinpointing Forehead and Chin Acne Causes
Let's start by looking at some common acne hotspots. Ever noticed how acne seems to have its favorite spots on your face? Breakouts on your forehead or chin aren't just random; they can be linked to specific causes.
Forehead Acne Causes
Your forehead is part of the T-zone, an area known for being oilier than other parts of your face. But there's more to it than just excess sebum. Here are some common culprits for forehead acne:
- Hair Care Products: Shampoos, conditioners, and styling gels can leave behind residue that clogs your pores and triggers breakouts along your hairline and forehead.
- Hats and Headbands: Wearing tight hats or headbands can trap sweat and oil against your forehead, creating a breeding ground for acne-causing fungus and bacteria.
- Stress: High stress levels can lead to hormonal imbalances, which increase oil production and worsen acne on your forehead.
Chin Acne Causes
This pattern is common in hormonal acne. Although hormonal fluctuations can contribute to acne on your chin and cheeks, other factors often come into play:
- Touching Your Face: Frequently touching your face transfers dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your skin, potentially leading to breakouts.
- Phone Use: Your phone screen accumulates a surprising amount of bacteria, which can transfer to your skin during calls.
- Friction: Items that come in contact with your chin and cheeks, like scarves, collars, or even your hair, can cause friction and irritation, triggering acne.
Of course, while certain areas of your face might be more acne-prone, breakouts aren't just about location. Let's explore how your environment and daily habits can influence acne formation across your skin.
Environmental and Lifestyle Causes of Acne
The Philippines’ high humidity levels can increase sweat and oil production, creating a perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria and fungi to thrive. Additionally, air pollution, which is unfortunately prevalent in many urban areas, can clog pores and irritate the skin, leading to inflammation and breakouts.
Your lifestyle choices also matter when it comes to what causes acne. While there are many myths surrounding acne triggers, some lifestyle factors are known to influence breakouts. Eating greasy or sugary foods can spike your blood sugar levels, which in turn can increase oil production and worsen acne. Some individuals may develop acne after consuming dairy, especially skim milk. Stress is another big factor, as it can trigger hormonal imbalances that lead to breakouts.
Here's the kicker, though: not all acne is created equal. Did you know there are different types of acne, and not all of them are just because of oily skin or clogged pores?
Bacterial and Fungal Acne: What You Need to Know
We'll start by looking at two common ones: bacterial and fungal acne.
What is Bacterial Acne?
Bacterial acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is the most common type of acne. It is characterized by red, swollen bumpy lesions called papules that can be frustrating and persistent.
The key player in bacterial acne is Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a type of bacteria that naturally lives on your skin. While it’s usually harmless, it can become problematic when:
- Your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, creating an oxygen-free environment where P. acnes thrives.
- The bacteria multiply rapidly, triggering an inflammatory response in your skin.
- Your immune system reacts to the overgrowth of bacteria, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes pain.
Bacterial acne presents as a mix of whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed pimples, often appearing wherever oil glands are present—face, chest, and/or back.
What is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne, despite its name, isn't actually acne. It's a skin condition called Malassezia folliculitis or Pityrosporum folliculitis. This happens when there's too much of a certain type of yeast on your skin called Malassezia furfur or Pityrosporum ovale.
When you have this condition, you might see small, itchy bumps on your skin. These bumps often appear in clusters and can pop up suddenly.
But what exactly causes fungal acne?
- Warm, Humid Environments: Malassezia thrives in warm, moist conditions, which is why fungal acne is more common in hot and humid climates like the Philippines.
- Tight Clothing: Clothing that traps sweat, sebum, and moisture can create an environment that encourages fungal growth.
- Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to fungal infections, including fungal acne.
How to Tell the Difference
Bacterial and fungal acne can look like twins at first glance. But don't be fooled—these lookalike breakouts have some key differences. It's important to distinguish between bacterial and fungal acne, as they require different treatment approaches.
Here are a few clues:
- Location: Bacterial acne can appear anywhere on the face, back, or chest, while fungal acne is often concentrated on the hairline, upper back, chest, shoulders, and arms.
- Appearance: Bacterial acne typically presents as red, inflamed pimples or pustules, while fungal acne often appears as tinier, itchy fluid-filled bumps or pustules.
- How To Treat Acne: Bacterial acne usually responds well to over-the-counter or prescription treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Fungal acne, on the other hand, requires antifungal medications.
If you're unsure about the type of acne you have, consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. You can book one with us here.
While bacterial and fungal acne can be challenging to deal with, there's another common type that's closely tied to our body's internal processes: hormonal acne.
The Science Behind Hormonal Acne Causes
Hormonal acne is closely linked to the fluctuations in your body's hormone levels. It's a common issue, especially among women, and can often flare up during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
When your hormones change, they can tell your skin to make more oil called sebum, which helps moisturize your skin. Sometimes this happens when you have more androgens, which are hormones found in both guys and girls. While this oil is important for keeping your skin healthy, too much can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
Hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to one of the most severe forms that require special attention: cystic acne.
What Causes Cystic Acne?
Unlike the familiar surface-level pimples, cystic acne forms deep under the skin, creating painful, inflamed nodules or cysts filled with pus. These large, tender blemishes can persist for weeks or months, often leaving behind lasting scars as unwelcome reminders of their presence.
What's the reason for cystic acne? Aside from hormonal imbalances, we have two more factors:
- Bacterial Infection: Remember our talk about bacteria in acne? With cystic acne, P. acnes bacteria wreak even more havoc. Deep in clogged pores, these bacteria multiply quickly, causing severe inflammation and painful cysts.
- Genetic Predisposition: Some people are more likely to get cystic acne because of their genes, which affect how their skin reacts to hormones and microorganisms..
Now that we know what we're up against, let's talk about solutions. Whether you're dealing with the occasional pimple or battling severe breakouts, there's a treatment out there for you. Read on if you’re ready to kick acne to the curb!
Navigating Acne Treatment Options
Acne treatment isn't one-size-fits-all. The most effective approach depends on the type and severity of your acne, as well as your individual skin needs and preferences. Let's explore your options.
Daily Skincare Habits
Start with these basic steps to manage acne and promote overall skin health:
- Keep your skin clean: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, sweat, and dirt.
- Choose the right products: Look for "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" labels to avoid clogging your pores. This means it's less likely to clog your pores and cause pimples. An example of this is DMD’s AZELANE Face Soap, which regulates oil production and helps dry up acne lesions without clogging pores.
- Hands off: Be mindful of how often you touch your face, and avoid resting your chin in your hands.
- Clean your phone: Regularly sanitize your phone screen to prevent transferring bacteria to your skin.
- Choose breathable fabrics: Opt for loose-fitting clothing that doesn't trap sweat against your skin.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Since your daily habits can significantly impact your skin's health, you can make the following changes:
- Adjust your diet: Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and dairy products. Incorporate more fiber to the diet, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
- Prioritize rest: Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep nightly to allow your body to repair itself.
Over-the-Counter Solutions
For mild to moderate acne, try these active ingredients:
- Salicylic Acid: This unclogs pores and reduces inflammation. Try our Mission: Skin Acnoregulin Spray to experience its effects.
- Retinoid: Retinol helps regulate skin cell turnover, preventing clogged pores and reducing breakouts. Try our MISSION: SKIN° Retinol 1% Defender Cream for better results.
Prescription Medications
For more severe or persistent acne, consider these options under a dermatologist's guidance:
- Topical Treatments: Prescription-strength retinoids or antibiotics can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
- Oral Antibiotics: These combat inflammation and bacteria in moderate to severe acne.
- Hormonal Therapies: Birth control pills or anti-androgen drugs can help regulate hormone-related acne.
- Isotretinoin: Definitive treatment for severe cystic acne, this powerful medication reduces oil production, shrinks and deactivates hyperactive oil glands.
Treating Cystic Acne
Cystic acne often requires a more intensive approach:
- Oral Medications: As mentioned above, antibiotics, hormonal therapies, or isotretinoin may be prescribed.
- Other Therapies: In some cases, comedone extraction as these comedones constitute the initial step to acne formation.
Remember, what works best can vary from person to person. And if finding the right acne solution is overwhelming for you, that's where DMD Skin Sciences comes in.
Our Skincare Solutions
At DMD Skin Sciences, we understand the frustration and emotional toll that acne can take. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to achieve clear, healthy skin.
Expert Guidance and Personalized Care
Our team of expert dermatologists is dedicated to helping you uncover the root causes of your acne. Whether your breakouts are triggered by hormones, bacteria, lifestyle factors, or a combination of these, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you.
The DMD Glow Program
For a comprehensive approach to acne treatment, consider our signature DMD Glow Program. It’s an online acne solution designed to help you eliminate persistent breakouts and achieve lasting clear skin. This science-backed program combines personalized guidance with effective skincare routines.
You'll start with a quick online consultation with Dr. Mike, who will assess your skin, acne type, and history to tailor a treatment plan specifically for you. Based on this assessment, you'll receive a customized skincare regimen featuring dermatologist-tested products designed to address your unique concerns and target the root causes of your acne. Throughout your journey to clear skin, we'll provide ongoing support and guidance, ensuring you stay on track and achieve your goals.
Dematologist-Tested Products
Our skincare line is formulated with ingredients designed to combat acne and promote skin health. Each product is designed specifically for acne-prone skin, addressing your unique concerns effectively. Check them out here.