woman with acne smiling

How to Get Rid of Breakouts : Causes, Care & Prevention

Are you breaking out all of a sudden? Here is everything you need to know about breakouts on the face & body. Including the most common causes and prevention tips.

What's in this article:

What is a breakout?

A skin breakout refers to the sudden appearance of many pimples, blackheads, whiteheads or other blemishes on the skin. These breakouts typically occur when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, leading to inflammation and the development of various types of acne. Breakouts can affect people of all ages and are most commonly observed on the face, neck, chest and back. Various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, genetics, diet and skincare habits, can contribute to causing a sudden outburst of pimples on the face.
one girl with clear skin & one with acne

The 5 types of breakouts:

There are several types of breakouts that can affect the skin, here are five common types of skin breakouts:

  1. Acne Vulgaris:
    Acne vulgaris is perhaps the most common type of skin breakout. It includes blackheads, whiteheads, pustules and cysts and is often caused by excess oil production, clogged pores and bacterial inflammation.
  2. Hormonal Breakouts: 
    Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, can lead to hormonal acne. It typically presents as deep, painful cysts along the jawline and chin.
  3. Comedonal Acne: 
    This type of acne is characterised by non-inflammatory blemishes like blackheads and whiteheads. It's often seen in individuals with oily skin and occurs due to clogged hair follicles.
  4. Cystic Acne: 
    Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that involves large, painful, inflamed cysts deep beneath the skin's surface. It can result in scarring if not treated properly.
  5. Rosacea: 
    Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes facial redness, visible blood vessels and sometimes pimple-like bumps. It often affects individuals with fair skin and can worsen over time if left untreated.

Understanding the type of breakout you're experiencing is crucial for choosing the right treatment approach, as different types of breakouts may require different strategies for management and prevention. Consulting with a dermatologist can help determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific skin condition.

4 Common areas for breakouts:

Breakouts can occur on various parts of the body, but some areas are more commonly affected than others. Here are some common areas where breakouts tend to occur:

  1. Face: 
    The face is one of the most common areas for breakouts, including acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Breakouts on the face can be particularly distressing as they are often highly visible. Cheeks and the forehead tend to be the primary areas where most people spot breakouts.

  2. Back: 
    Breakouts on the back, known as "bacne," are common due to the high density of oil glands in this area. Sweating and friction from clothing can also contribute to breakouts on the back. 

  3. Chest: 
    The chest area is another common location for breakouts. Tight clothing, sweat, and friction can all contribute to the development of chest acne.

  4. Chin and Jawline: 
    Breakouts on the chin and jawline are often linked to hormonal fluctuations, during menstruation or pregnancy. These breakouts may include cysts and painful pimples.
6 common causes of breakouts

The Common causes of breakouts:

Skin breakouts can occur for various reasons, understanding these common causes is essential for effective prevention and management. Some of the primary factors contributing to skin breakouts include:
  1. Excess Sebum Production: 
    Overproduction of sebum, the skin's natural oil, can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. This is often influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
  2. Clogged Pores: 
    When dead skin cells and sebum accumulate in hair follicles, pores become blocked. This provides an ideal environment for the growth of acne-causing bacteria, leading to the development of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.
  3. Bacterial Growth: 
    Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a bacterium found on the skin's surface. When it multiplies excessively, it can trigger inflammation and breakouts.
  4. Diet: 
    High-glycemic foods, sugar, and dairy products have been linked to an increased risk of breakouts in some individuals. These foods can influence hormone levels and inflammation, contributing to acne development.
  5. Stress: 
    Stress can lead to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can stimulate oil production and trigger breakouts. Stress-related habits like touching the face or picking at blemishes can also worsen skin issues
  6. Genetics: 
    Family history can play a role in an individual's susceptibility to breakouts. If your parents or siblings had acne, you may be more prone to it as well.

Understanding the specific causes of your skin breakouts can help tailor an effective treatment and prevention plan.

girl looking at her acne
Facts Overview

Breakout facts:

 1. Characteristics: Breakouts are a common skin concern characterised by the sudden appearance of pimples or blemishes on the face, chest or back.

2. Causes: Factors contributing to breakouts include excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, hormonal changes and certain medications.

3. Prevention: Good skin care practices, such as regular cleansing, exfoliation and using non-comedogenic products, can help prevent breakouts.

4. Treatment: Over-the-counter or prescription treatments like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Benzoyl Peroxide and topical antibiotics are effective for managing and clearing breakouts.

Nivea DermaSkin products range
How to get rid of a breakout

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Skincare routine to reduce breakouts

The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Range is designed for a night time skincare routine, consisting of vegan-friendly products to help combat the visibility of blemishes. The range combines three main ingredients; Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid, to help revitalise blemish-prone skin.

Cleansing:

Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice a day, in the morning and evening to remove dirt, excess oil and impurities from your skin's surface. The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel helps to remove unwanted sebum to help avoid the appearance of new impurities. This gel is also formulated with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide to help reduce and prevent reappearance of blemishes.

Exfoliation:

Exfoliating your skin 1-2 times a week with a mild exfoliant can help to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Made with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, the NIVEA Derma Anti-Blemish Scrub is specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin to help unclog pores and reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads without drying out the skin.

When exfoliating, it's important to be gentle to avoid over-exfoliation, which can be counterproductive.

Toner:

Use a toner to help balance your skin's pH levels and remove any remaining traces of dirt or makeup. The NIVEA Derma Clear Skin Toner, for blemish-prone skin, is formulated with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, to help rebalance the skin and hydrate it without clogging pores.

Discover NIVEA’s Derma Skin Range

It's important to remember to be patient with your skincare routine for breakouts. Results may take time, and consistency is key. If your breakout is severe or persistent, consider consulting a dermatologist for personalised advice and treatment options.

10 ways to prevent breakouts

How to prevent breakouts on the face and skin?

Preventing breakouts on your skin involves a combination of good skincare habits, a healthy lifestyle, and being mindful of factors that can trigger acne. Here are some tips to help prevent breakouts:

  1. Use Non-comedogenic Products:
    Choose skincare and makeup products labelled as "non-comedogenic" to reduce the risk of clogging your pores.

  2. Avoid Touching Your Face:
    Touching your face can transfer bacteria and oils from your hands to your skin, leading to sudden breakouts on your face. Try to avoid touching your face unnecessarily.

  3. Regularly Wash Pillowcases and Bedding:
    Bacteria and oils from your hair and face can accumulate on your pillowcases and sheets. Change them regularly to prevent sudden small pimples appearing on your face.

  4. Balanced Diet:
    Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sugary and processed foods, as they can contribute to acne.

  5. Hydration:
    Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and help flush out toxins. You should drink between 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day.

  6. Manage Stress:
    High stress levels can trigger breakouts. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

  7. Regular Exercise:
    Exercise increases blood flow, which can help nourish skin cells and keep them healthy. Shower and cleanse your skin after exercising to remove sweat and bacteria.

  8. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure:
    While sunlight can temporarily improve acne, it can also lead to long-term skin damage. Skin damage can disrupt the protective barrier, leading to increased inflammation and acne-causing bacteria, resulting in breakouts. Use sunscreen to protect your skin when outdoors.

  9. Don't Overuse Acne Products:
    Using too many acne products or using them too frequently can irritate your skin. Follow the instructions and be patient; it can take time for acne treatments to show results.

  10. Avoid Squeezing Pimples:
    Squeezing or picking at pimples can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring. Leave them alone or seek professional help if necessary.

Summary

  • Breakouts are skin conditions that can affect anyone, but with the right knowledge and care, they can be effectively managed and prevented. Understanding the various types of breakouts, as well as their common causes, such as hormonal fluctuations and dietary choices, is crucial in developing an effective skincare routine. 

  • Additionally, lifestyle adjustments like stress management, a balanced diet and adequate hydration can significantly contribute to clear and healthy skin. With this comprehensive guide, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce breakouts and maintain radiant, blemish-free skin.

Frequently Asked Question

Q1: What causes breakouts?

Breakouts are primarily caused by clogged hair follicles due to a combination of excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria.

Q2: How can I prevent breakouts?

To prevent breakouts, maintain good skin care practices, avoid pore-clogging products, keep your skin clean and manage factors like stress and diet.

Q3: Can my diet affect breakouts?

Some people find that certain foods, like dairy or high-glycemic foods, can trigger breakouts. It's not the case for everyone, but paying attention to your diet and its impact on your skin can be beneficial.

Q4: Is it okay to pop pimples or acne?

Popping pimples can lead to scarring and infection. It's generally best to avoid it and let them heal naturally or seek professional extraction.

Q5: Can hormonal changes cause breakouts?

Yes, hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can trigger breakouts in some individuals.

Q6: What skincare products should I use for breakouts?

Look for products with ingredients like Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide, and ensure they are labelled as non-comedogenic (won't clog pores).

Q7: How long does it take to see improvements in breakouts with treatment?

Improvement timelines vary, but with consistent treatment, you can often see results within a few weeks to a few months. With consistent use of the NIVEA Derma range, you could see visible improvements in 7 days.

Q8: Are there any natural remedies for breakouts?

Some natural remedies like Tea Tree Oil or Aloe Vera may help, but they might not work for everyone. Consult a dermatologist for guidance.

Q9: Can stress worsen breakouts?

Yes, stress can lead to hormonal changes that exacerbate breakouts. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can help.

Q10: When should I see a dermatologist for my breakouts?

You should consult a dermatologist if your breakouts are severe, persistent, or if over-the-counter treatments are ineffective. They can provide tailored treatment options.