Acne-prone skin isn’t one of the five primary skin types defined by dermatologists. Rather, it’s a condition defined by skin that easily develops acne lesions like blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, nodules, and cysts. In other words, you can have normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin AND acne-prone skin.

While anyone can have acne-prone skin, it’s more common in oily skin types. People with oily skin tend to produce more sebum, the natural oil produced by glands in the skin that helps moisturize and protect the skin. Balanced oil production is crucial for healthy skin but excess sebum can build up in your pores and lead to breakouts.

As one of the primary skin types, oily skin is often genetic. But it can also be related to physiological or environmental factors. Keep reading to learn more!

Whether you have naturally oily skin or not, certain factors can trigger an increase in oil production or contribute to inflammation that eventually leads to acne. Here are some of the most common triggers for breakouts in acne-prone skin:

1. Hormonal fluctuations

For many people with acne-prone skin, changing hormone levels are both an underlying cause and a trigger for ongoing breakouts. Hormonal fluctuations are most likely to occur during puberty, menstrual periods, pregnancy, and menopause but can also be related to chronic conditions like PCOS.

Hormones play a key role in sebum production, so you may find that when your hormones are in flux your skin gets more oily. If you’re able to track these changes, you might be able to adjust your skincare to help balance the extra oil production.

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2. Stress

Have you ever noticed that your acne gets worse when you’re enduring a particularly stressful time in your life? There’s a reason for that. Stress causes your body to start producing more cortisol, a hormone that stimulates the sebaceous glands and increases oil production. Incorporating stress-relieving techniques like breathing exercises and meditation can help reduce cortisol levels and prevent stress-related breakouts.

3. Cosmetics and skincare products

Using the wrong skincare products for your skin type can increase your risk for breakouts. Products that are too heavy can sit on the surface of your skin, allowing oil, dead skin, and bacteria to accumulate in your pores. Alternatively, products that contain harsh or irritating ingredients can damage your skin or trigger inflammation which may lead to breakouts.

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4. Dietary factors

It’s a myth that eating greasy foods causes acne. That being said, research shows a correlation between certain dietary factors and more frequent breakouts. High-glycemic foods (like sugar or refined carbohydrates) and dairy products are more likely to blame. Eating these foods can cause a spike in blood pressure which may impact hormone levels and trigger the cycle of increased oil production that leads to breakouts.

5. Environmental factors

Certain environmental conditions can trigger breakouts by irritating your skin or clogging your pores. Unprotected sun exposure, for example, can dry out your skin and cause rebound oil production. Other environmental stressors like high humidity, hot temperatures that lead to sweating, and pollution can contribute to breakouts as well.

6. Physical irritation

When your skin is prone to acne, anything that damages or even irritates your skin can trigger a breakout. Wearing a protective face mask for long hours at work, for example, could contribute to facial acne. Similarly, wearing hats, helmets, or other gear that rubs against your skin can trigger a breakout. Rebuilding your skin’s moisture barrier with an effective moisturizer might help protect against physical irritation.

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7. Hygiene habits

Anything that transfers bacteria to the surface of your skin can contribute to acne. It might be something as seemingly innocuous as touching your face without washing your hands first, or reusing makeup brushes a few too many times. Another common contributor is dirty pillow cases or face masks.

You may not be able to control some factors that affect skin type, but you can learn how to take better care of your own skin. By avoiding acne triggers and following a skincare routine suited to your skin type, you can restore your skin health and reduce the frequency of breakouts.

Remember, it’s all about balance! More specifically, it’s crucial to balance sebum production against your skin’s need for hydration. Depending on your skin type, you might need to take your moisturizing routine to the next level. Or do the opposite and tone it down by switching to a lightweight lotion versus a heavy cream.

To help you personalize your skincare regimen to your unique skin needs, here are some simple tips for caring for acne-prone skin:

• Cleanse twice daily. Wash your face every morning and before bed to remove accumulated dirt, dead skin cells, and oil that could clog your pores and trigger breakouts. Try a gentle resurfacing cleanser like SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.

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• Wash your face after exercising. Even a quick pass with a makeup wipe can help get rid of sweat that might mingle with the oil and dirt on your skin and end up clogging your pores.
• Match your skin’s needs for moisture. Choose a moisturizer suited to your skin type. Heavier creams are good for dry or dehydrated skin while oily skin can benefit from lighter lotions or gel moisturizers. Under- or overdoing it could create conditions ripe for a breakout.
• Stick to non-comedogenic products. When buying skincare products, look for the term “non-comedogenic” on the label to ensure it won’t clog your pores.
• Wear lightweight sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Unprotected sun exposure can damage your skin and trigger breakouts, so make SPF a daily part of your regimen. If your skin is naturally oil, opt for something lightweight and oil-free like EltaMD UV Clear Untinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.

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As a general rule of thumb, be gentle with your skin. If excess oil is a problem for you, consider carrying blotting papers to use during the day. Washing your face too frequently could strip away the sebum that keeps your skin hydrated. Similarly, avoid the temptation to exfoliate too often or you might make matters worse for your skin.

By now it may be clear that your daily skincare regimen could use an update. Whether you need to shift your focus toward barrier repair and deep hydration or prioritize cleansing and exfoliation, we’re here to help. Shop our curated collection of products for acne-prone skin to find your perfect fit.

And don’t forget to sign up for a free membership while you’re at it.

As an Exclusive Beauty Club loyalty member, you’ll get members-only pricing on the top dermatologist-recommended skincare products. Plus, you’ll earn points on every purchase to use as discounts on future orders. You’ll even get a 250-point bonus just for joining!