If you've ever struggled with acne, you've probably heard plenty of advice—wash your face more, stop eating chocolate, or simply "grow out of it." The truth is, acne is much more complex than that. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide and affects teenagers and adults alike. In fact, many women continue to experience acne well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. Understanding what's causing your breakouts is the first step toward finding a treatment plan that actually works.
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This creates inflammation within the skin, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, or deeper, painful nodules. While clogged pores are part of the process, acne is rarely caused by "dirty skin." Instead, it's usually the result of several contributing factors working together.
Hormones are one of the most common causes of acne, particularly in adult women. Changes in hormone levels can increase oil production, making pores more likely to become clogged. Many people notice breakouts around their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, throughout perimenopause, or after starting or stopping certain medications. Hormonal acne often appears along the jawline, chin, and lower face.
Everyone produces natural oils that help protect the skin. However, some people naturally produce more oil than others. When excess oil combines with dead skin cells inside the pore, it creates an environment where acne-causing bacteria can thrive.
Healthy skin naturally sheds old skin cells every day. When those cells don't shed efficiently, they can become trapped inside the pore and contribute to clogged follicles.
Regular exfoliation can help—but over-exfoliating can actually damage the skin barrier and make acne worse.
A naturally occurring bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) lives on everyone's skin. When trapped inside clogged pores, it can contribute to inflammation and acne lesions.
The goal isn't to eliminate all bacteria but to restore a healthy balance within the skin.
If one or both of your parents struggled with acne, you may be more likely to develop it as well. While you can't change your genetics, you can work with a provider to manage the factors you can control.
Stress doesn't directly cause acne, but it can make existing acne worse. When we're under stress, the body releases hormones that may increase oil production and inflammation, contributing to new breakouts.
Not every skincare product is right for every skin type. Heavy creams, pore-clogging ingredients, and products that are too harsh can all contribute to acne. Using products labeled non-comedogenic can help reduce the risk of clogged pores.
Research suggests that certain dietary patterns, particularly those high in refined carbohydrates and high-glycemic foods, may contribute to acne in some individuals. Some studies have also found an association between dairy consumption and acne, although this relationship isn't consistent for everyone. Rather than eliminating entire food groups unnecessarily, it's often more helpful to identify your personal triggers and focus on an overall balanced diet.
False. Over-washing can actually irritate the skin and worsen acne.
False. Adult acne is extremely common, especially among women.
False. Picking at acne increases inflammation and raises the risk of scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Not always. Overusing exfoliants, scrubs, or acne treatments can damage the skin barrier, leading to more irritation and breakouts.
If over-the-counter products aren't improving your acne after several weeks—or if you're developing painful cysts, scarring, or dark marks—it's time to seek professional guidance. The earlier acne is treated, the lower the risk of permanent scarring.
At pureSKIN, we believe acne treatment should never be one-size-fits-all. We take time to understand what's contributing to your breakouts before creating a personalized treatment plan.
Depending on your skin, your treatment may include:
Medical-grade skincare
Prescription medications when appropriate
Chemical peels
Acne facials
Forever Clear BBL® laser treatments
Microneedling for acne scars (when acne is under control)
Hormonal evaluation when clinically appropriate
Every person's acne is different, which is why every treatment plan should be too. Our providers combine medical knowledge with personalized care to help identify the underlying causes of your acne—not just treat the symptoms. Whether you're dealing with occasional breakouts or long-standing acne, our goal is healthier skin, improved confidence, and long-term results.
You don't have to figure out your skin on your own. Schedule an acne consultation with one of our experienced providers, and together we'll develop a treatment plan tailored to your skin, lifestyle, and goals.
