What Causes Acne? (& How It Be Treated)

Acne is a common skin condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. It presents as spots, including whiteheads, blackheads, nodules, pustules, or cysts. While acne can be physically uncomfortable, it often has a significant emotional impact, leading to embarrassment or self-consciousness. This guide explores the causes of acne, frequently asked questions, and available treatments.

Key Takeaways

What Causes Acne?

Acne happens when your skin's tiny pores get clogged with oil and dead skin. Hormonal changes, like during puberty or pregnancy, can make it worse. Poor hygiene, stress, and some medications can also trigger breakouts.

What Can Help Treat Acne?

There are many treatments for acne:

• Topical treatments like Tretinoin or Acnecide Gel clear clogged pores.

• Oral antibiotics like Lymecycline reduce inflammation.

• Hormonal treatments like contraceptive pills help women with hormone-related acne.

Does Lifestyle Matter?

Your lifestyle can affect acne:

• Stress and high sugar diets can worsen breakouts.

• Smoking and some beauty products may clog pores.

• Simple habits like good hygiene and avoiding pore-clogging moisturisers can make a big difference.

What causes acne?

Acne forms when tiny pores in the skin, known as hair follicles, become clogged. This blockage is caused by an overproduction of sebum (oil) from sebaceous glands combined with dead skin cells.

The Role of Sebaceous Glands

Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles and produce oil to keep the skin and hair hydrated. However, when these glands become overactive, they produce excess sebum. This, combined with dead skin cells, blocks the follicles, causing:

• Blackheads: Blockages close to the surface.

• Whiteheads: Blockages deeper within the pore.

Bacterial contamination of these clogged pores can lead to more severe forms of acne, such as pustules and cysts.

Factors That Contribute to Acne

Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly androgens like testosterone, can overstimulate sebaceous glands. This is why:

• Acne is common during puberty.

• Women may experience flare-ups during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or as a result of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Genetics

A family history of acne increases your likelihood of developing it. For example, if your parents experienced acne, you might also be prone to it.

Gender-Specific Causes

• Teenage boys often experience more acne due to higher testosterone levels.

• Adult women are more prone to acne, often linked to hormonal changes from menstruation, pregnancy, or conditions like PCOS.

Common Acne Triggers

Lifestyle and Environment

• Certain cosmetic products may clog pores.

• Regularly wearing items that rub against the skin (e.g., masks or helmets) can exacerbate acne.

Medications

• Some medications for epilepsy, depression, or bipolar disorder may trigger acne.

Stress

Stress can increase inflammation and sebum production, contributing to breakouts.

Summary Table: What Causes Acne?

Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Triggers

Do other triggers cause acne?

Although not direct causes, there are a number of things that can trigger an acne flare-up. This includes certain cosmetic products (which usually vary from one person to another) or regularly wearing items that rub on the affected area.

Smoking and certain medications can also trigger acne, particularly medications used to treat epilepsy, depression and bipolar disorder.

Does creatine cause acne?

NO. There is limited scientific evidence that suggests creatine usage causes acne. Whilst some people claim that their acne was caused by creatine, there is no conclusive evidence that this is the case.

Does vaping cause acne?

NO. There is currently no direct scientific evidence to suggest that vaping causes acne. However, there are some indirect ways in which vaping could contribute to acne breakouts.

Does stress cause acne?

YES. Stress can potentially contribute to acne development by increasing inflammation and oil production in the skin. Additionally, stress can lead to unhealthy habits like poor sleep and a poor diet, which can also contribute to acne breakouts.

Does dairy cause acne?

NO. Currently, there is not enough conclusive evidence that suggests dairy products can cause acne. 

Does chocolate cause acne?

NO. There is no clear scientific evidence that chocolate will directly cause acne however, it is one of the biggest rumoured causes.

Does sugar cause acne?

YES. A high sugar intake can contribute to the development of acne as it leads to increased insulin production which stimulates androgen hormones that can cause acne.

Does milk cause acne?

NO. Whilst some people believe that drinking or consuming milk will cause acne there is no conclusive evidence that backs up this claim. 

Does smoking weed cause acne?

YES. Smoking marijuana can contribute to acne breakouts. Smoking weed increased androgen hormones and also causes inflammation which both contributes to acne forming.

Can kisses cause baby acne?

NO. Kissing a baby is not likely to directly cause acne. Whilst kisses may transfer bacteria and other substances to the baby's skin there is a low chance it will cause baby acne.

Does whey protein cause acne?

YES. There is some evidence that suggests whey protein can contribute to the development of acne. 

Can retinol cause acne?

YES. For some people, using retinol can cause acne to start with, however, continuous use will see your condition improve over time. 

Does moisturiser cause acne?

YES. Moisturiser may cause acne if it is not suitable for your skin type, or if it contains pore-clogging ingredients.

Can niacinamide cause acne?

NO. Niacinamide does not cause acne. In fact, niacinamide can provide anti-acne benefits to the skin by regulating oil production and reducing inflammation.

Can salicylic acid cause acne?

NO. Salicylic acid is used in many skin care products to help treat and prevent acne. However, in some very rare cases conditions can worsen. 

Can Vitamin C cause acne?

NO. Vitamin C is not thought to contribute to acne production. Some people may find however that vitamin C causes skin irritation.

Does hyaluronic acid cause acne?

NO. Hyaluronic acid can actually provide benefits to acne-prone skin as it keeps the skin hydrated without clogging the pores. 

Does masturbation cause acne?

NO. Masturbation does not directly cause acne production. People may think that masturbation has a direct effect on hormone levels however this is not the case. 

Does smoking cause acne?

YES. Smoking can have a direct effect on acne production. It increases the production of sebum in the skin which clogs pores and leads to acne breakouts. 

Does biotin cause acne?

YES. In some cases, biotin can cause acne when it is taken in high dosages. This leads to an imbalance of vitamin B in the skin which leads to acne. 

Does coffee cause acne?

NO. There is no clear evidence that suggests coffee causes acne. Coffee is a stimulant however that can increase stress levels and hormonal fluctuations that may cause acne. 

Does makeup cause acne?

YES. Wearing makeup can contribute to acne development especially if it is not removed properly or if it is applied to oily or dirty skin. 

Does sweat cause acne?

YES. Sweat, when combined with bacteria, oil, or dead skin cells can clog pores and lead to the development of acne. 

Can collagen cause acne?

NO. There is no evidence that suggests that changing collagen levels can contribute to acne in the skin. 

Can dry skin cause acne?

YES. Having dry skin can contribute to acne development. When the skin is dry it may produce more oil to compensate. This can clog the pores and lead to acne.

Can nicotine cause acne?

YES. There is some evidence that suggests nicotine leads to acne. Nicotine narrows the blood vessels and reduces blood flow, decreasing oxygen levels in the skin.

Do eggs cause acne?

NO. Eating eggs or products with egg in them will not directly cause acne to develop. Eggs can in fact be beneficial for the skin as they are a source of vitamin A, D and zinc. 

Does pregnancy cause acne?

YES. Pregnancy can cause acne breakouts for some women. Hormonal fluctuations will lead to increased sebum production which can clog pores and develop acne. 

Does progesterone cause acne?

YES. During the menstrual cycle, hormonal imbalances (including progesterone levels) can lead to an acne breakout.

Can dermarolling cause acne?

YES. Dermarolling, also known as micro-needling, can cause acne as it can cause small tears in the skin that allow bacteria to enter. 

Can multivitamins cause acne?

NO. Multivitamins themselves do not cause acne, however, high dosages of certain vitamins and minerals can cause acne.

Can the pill cause acne?

YES. The contraceptive pill can make acne worse for some women. However, it depends on which pill you use, and some may even make acne better.

Does alcohol cause acne?

YES. Alcohol can contribute to the development of acne as it can dehydrate the skin and disrupt its natural balance. 

Does cheese cause acne?

NO. Currently, there is no clear evidence that suggests cheese will cause acne development however some studies suggest that certain types of cheese can contribute.

Does dermaplaning cause acne?

NO. Dermaplaning, which is a procedure performed to remove skin cells and vellus hairs, does not actively contribute to acne production.

Does the implant cause acne?

YES. The contraceptive implant can cause acne as it affects the hormonal balance in the body. This can affect the production of sebum in the skin. 

Can gluten cause acne?

NO. There is no direct link between acne and gluten. People with celiac disease of gluten sensitivity may experience skin issues. 

Does oestrogen cause acne?

YES. During the menstrual cycle, the oestrogen levels in the female body can fluctuate which can affect acne production. 

Does high testosterone cause acne?

YES. When someone has high testosterone levels their skin will produce extra sebum which can clog the pores and lead to acne formation.

Does HRT cause acne?

YES. When someone is undergoing hormone replacement therapy they may experience acne as a side effect due to hormone imbalances. 

Can anti-depression pills cause acne?

YES. Some anti-depressants can have acne production as a side effect due to the way that these medications affect hormone levels. 

Can ashwagandha cause acne?

NO. There is no scientific evidence that suggests that ashwagandha will cause acne. Ashwagandha has several health benefits including stress relief and reduced inflammation.

Can COVID cause acne?

YES. COVID-19 may cause people to suffer from several skin issues including an acne breakout, although cases of this kind are rare. 

Treating Acne

Topical Treatments

• Tretinoin: Promotes skin cell turnover and unclogs pores.

• Acnecide Gel: Targets bacteria causing acne.

• Treclin Gel: Combines antibiotic and retinoid effects.

Oral Medications

• Lymecycline and Oxytetracycline: Antibiotics that reduce inflammation and bacteria.

Hormonal Treatments

• Anti-androgen contraceptive pills such as Dianette and Clairette can help women manage hormonally driven acne.

FAQs About Acne Treatments

What is Tretinoin, and how does it work?

Tretinoin increases skin cell turnover, unclogs pores, and promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells.

Can I buy acne treatments online?

Yes, you can purchase acne treatments like Tretinoin through UK Meds after completing an online consultation.

How long does it take to see results?

Most treatments require consistent use for several weeks before noticeable improvements occur.

Where to Buy Acne Treatments in the UK

Effective prescription treatments for acne are available online from UK Meds. Simply complete a free online consultation to ensure the medication is right for you.

Final Thoughts

Acne can feel overwhelming, but understanding its causes and exploring tailored treatments can significantly improve your skin health and confidence. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
LinkedIn
Website

Sources

• Causes of Acne - NHS

• Acne: Symptoms and Causes - Mayo Clinic

• Acne - Healthline