
What’s Causing My Breakouts?
7 Surprising Acne Triggers You Need to Know
If you’re constantly asking yourself, “What’s causing my breakouts?” — you’re not alone. Whether you're dealing with the occasional pimple or stubborn acne that won’t go away, understanding the root causes is the first step toward clearer, healthier skin.
While it’s easy to blame one thing, the truth is, breakouts are often triggered by a mix of factors—from internal imbalances to daily habits you might not even notice. Let’s break down the 7 most common (and overlooked) acne triggers—and what you can do about them.
1. Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormonal acne is a major culprit—especially around your period, during pregnancy, or due to conditions like PCOS. When hormone levels (particularly androgens) spike, your skin produces more oil, which clogs pores and leads to breakouts.
What to do: Talk to your dermatologist about hormone-balancing treatments. Incorporate salicylic acid like the cosrx salicylic acid daily gentle cleanser or a niacinamide into your routine to manage oil and inflammation.
2. Diet and Acne
Yes, your diet can cause breakouts. Foods high in refined sugar, dairy, and processed carbs can trigger inflammation and increase oil production. Some studies even link skim milk to acne flare-ups.
What to do: Try reducing dairy and sugar for a few weeks. Focus on whole foods, healthy fats, and plenty of water to support skin health.
3. Skincare Mistakes
Using products that aren’t right for your skin type can actually make things worse. Thick, oily products may be comedogenic (pore-clogging), while harsh cleansers or over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier.
What to do: Look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” and “for acne-prone skin.” Avoid alcohol-based toners and scrubs with large exfoliating beads.
4. Stress Levels
Stress doesn’t just mess with your mood—it messes with your skin. Elevated cortisol levels can increase oil production and inflammation, leading to breakouts.
What to do: Practice daily stress-relief habits—like walking, journaling, or meditation. Even 10 minutes a day can reduce skin-related stress responses.
5. Dirty Pillowcases, Towels & Phones
Your skin comes into contact with more bacteria than you might think. Dirty pillowcases, towels, and phone screens can transfer oil, sweat, and bacteria directly onto your skin, clogging pores and triggering breakouts.
What to do: Wash pillowcases and towels at least once a week, and clean your phone screen daily with a gentle disinfectant wipe.
6. Over-Washing or Over-Exfoliating
It might seem logical to scrub your breakouts away—but over-washing and over-exfoliating can actually strip your skin of natural oils. This causes your skin to produce even more oil to compensate.
What to do: Cleanse your face no more than twice daily with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser. Limit exfoliation to 2–3 times per week with mild exfoliants like BHA like the cosrx bha blackhead power liquid or an AHA like the Ordinary lactic acid 10 ha.
7. Not Properly Removing Makeup
Sleeping in makeup is a fast track to breakouts. Even long-wear or “non-comedogenic” makeup can clog pores if it’s not fully removed at the end of the day.
What to do: Use an oil-based cleanser like the Skin1004 madagascar centella light cleansing oil to remove makeup before using your regular face wash. Double cleansing is your best friend.
Final Thoughts: Your Breakouts Have a Root Cause
Dealing with acne can be discouraging—but it doesn’t have to be a mystery. Whether it’s your hormones, skincare routine, stress, or diet, small adjustments can lead to big improvements. Start by identifying one or two potential triggers and track your progress over a few weeks. And if acne persists, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan.
Your clear skin journey starts with understanding your skin. You’ve got this
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