What Causes Sudden Breakouts?

Breakouts that pop up out of nowhere can be extremely annoying. It is easy to blame your hormones, but it is also likely that some of your habits may be contributing to the problem.

If your skin is suddenly breaking out or if you’ve noticed some random blemishes, you may be wondering what’s causing them. Here are common causes for sudden facial breakouts:

Stress

If you see acne showing up before a nerve-racking first date, a final exam, or a performance review, stress is likely to be the culprit. Rising levels of cortisol (which your brain releases when you’re stressed) cause your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This can then clog your pores and trigger breakouts. 

Although stress does not directly cause acne, it can trigger it and make existing breakouts worse. This only makes it important to manage stress in whatever way you can. Exercising regularly can help, as well as trying relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.

Poor diet

Sometimes, acne may pop up after indulging in sugary treats and processed foods. Sugar and foods that rank high on the glycemic index (empty carbs, junk foods, donuts, and soda) can cause your insulin levels to spike. This promotes inflammation in the skin, which can then trigger breakouts. 

Inflammation caused by a poor diet can also compromise your skin’s clarity. It can contribute to more oil, clogged pores, and aggravated skin conditions (eczema and psoriasis). Just do take note that some people are more vulnerable to these effects. It is best to pay attention to know how your skin reacts after eating such foods.  

Certain skin care products

Trying or switching on to a new beauty product can sometimes lead to breakouts. This is true for both skin and hair care products that contain oils and other ingredients that can clog your pores. The same is also true for those that contain harsh ingredients and synthetic fragrances.  

When buying new products, look for those labelled as “non comedogenic”. This only means that the product is specially formulated as to not clog pores. You should also pay close attention to ingredients that work best for your skin type. If you, for instance, have oily or acne-prone skin, stay away from heavy and rich moisturizers. 

Workout or sweat session

While working out can do wonders for your skin and overall health, it can also leave excess oil and dirt on your skin. Sweat may not necessarily cause acne, but leaving it on your skin for extended periods can trigger issues. This is because it can mix with the bacteria on the skin, resulting in clogged pores and breakouts. 

This only makes it important to immediately wash your face after working out. Don’t forget to apply a moisturizer afterwards. It is also advisable not to wear any makeup prior to working out. And if you’re exercising outdoors, be sure to protect your skin from the sun by working out in a shaded area and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

Environmental factors

A change in weather can affect your complexion. Travelling or moving to a colder place, for instance, can dry your skin and make certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis worse. Too much humidity, on the other hand, can prompt your sebaceous glands to release more oil, triggering breakouts.  

Other factors that can contribute to sudden breakouts include:

• Not washing your sheets or pillowcases regularly
• Changing your laundry detergent or laundry practices
• Talking to your phone for long periods without cleaning it

Treat your skin right

Create a skin care routine that works well for your skin type and the environment you’re in. It is also a good idea to consult a skin or an aesthetic doctor to improve your complexion, as well as address your skin issues. 

At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we have a number of aesthetic treatments that can help improve your skin tone and texture. These include:

Clarifying Facial with Sapphire

This clarifying medical-grade facial can clarify congested skin by removing dead skin cells and impurities and killing acne-causing bacteria. It features the Blue Light Sapphire Therapy, which is US FDA-cleared to minimize pores, clear inflammation, and kill acne-causing bacteria.

VI Peel

This medium-depth chemical peel features a synergistic blend of effective ingredients to address a range of skin problems. It can help clear acne, soften wrinkles, reduce acne scars, and improve freckles and age spots. VI Peel helps stimulate collagen growth to improve your skin tone and promote younger-looking skin. 

Find out why VI Peel is not your average chemical peel treatment.

Laser Genesis Skin Therapy

This FDA-cleared laser treatment can treat and improve enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, and fine lines. Laser Genesis works by gently heating the deeper layers of the skin to promote collagen formation. The new collagen plumps up the treated area, tightens the skin, and improves skin texture. 

Schedule a consultation today

Worried about acne or other skin texture problems? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today! Schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to learn more about the treatments we offer and find out which one is right for you.