Few things are more frustrating than doing your skincare routine religiously and still experiencing breakouts. You’re spending a lot of money on skincare products and following a strict regimen every night (sometimes even twice a day!) and yet, your skin refuses to cooperate.
Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many other people still break out despite their best efforts at caring for their skin. Here are possible reasons why it’s happening and what you can do to solve them:
You’re not using the right products
Just because one product works for another person, it doesn’t mean that it’ll work for you. Everyone’s skin is different, and we all require an individualized approach to skincare. That said, you might still be experiencing breakouts because you’re using the wrong skincare products. Either they are too harsh on your skin (which can irritate it) or they are simply not the right formulation for your skin type.
A good workaround for this problem is to consult a dermatologist to find out which skincare products may work best for your skin. Of course, this is not a guarantee that they will work or work immediately; generally, you will have to wait for four to six weeks to see if they are effective or not. If they work, stick with them. But if not, you have to deal with a bit more trial and error.
You’re not visiting a dermatologist
Not everyone who has acne needs to go to a dermatologist. If your acne is severe and isn’t going away no matter what you do though, then it’s enough to warrant a visit to the dermatologist. They can help you figure out the right type of treatment for your skin, form an effective skincare regimen, and even recommend treatments like a facial that can help breathe new life into your skin.
You’re not keeping a healthy diet
Your diet is a major determinant of health, including the general health of your skin. As such, having a diet rich in salt, refined carbohydrates, sugars, and saturated fats can cause or exacerbate acne. While it is okay to indulge once in a while, a diet that consists mostly of these foods can increase your risk of breakouts, and, at the same time, make your skin look older than it really is.
Try cutting down on sugars, refined carbohydrates, salt, and unhealthy fats from your diet. Aside from being healthier for your body overall, a balanced diet can decrease the risk of breakouts and even make your skin look younger and more supple.
You are going through hormonal changes
Hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy can contribute to acne because they trigger oil production which, in turn, increases the risk of acne. These hormonal changes are a normal part of life and will naturally subside over time, but if they don’t, it’s best to consult your doctor.
While you can’t suppress hormones during puberty or pregnancy, you can reduce your risk of acne by eating a healthy diet, managing your stress, and using the right products for your skin.
You are too stressed
Just like an unhealthy diet and hormones, stress is a major contributing factor to acne. Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which increases the oil production in your skin glands. This can lead to clogged pores and pimples. So, if you are chronically stressed, it may be why you can’t seem to get rid of your acne or avoid breakouts.
The best way to address this problem is to find ways to manage your stress effectively. Most sources of stress are normal parts of our lives (e.g. school, work, family, etc.), so, if you cannot avoid them, you need to learn how to cope in order to reduce their impact on your stress levels. For example, you can find outlets, such as:
- Exercising
- Engaging in your hobbies
- Spending time with loved ones
- Bonding with your pet
- Listening to music
- Learning something new
You have an underlying medical condition
Stubborn acne and frequent breakouts can be signs of an underlying medical problem, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a condition wherein multiple cysts in the ovaries cause hormone imbalances. It leads to excessive hair growth, weight gain, menstrual problems, and acne, among others.
To rule out possible conditions, visit your doctor for a checkup.
Breakouts are frustrating, especially when you’re trying so hard to prevent them—stubborn acne even more so. Nevertheless, all hope is not lost. If you’re still breaking out even with a full skincare regimen, one or more of these reasons may be the cause.
