Breakouts 101 – Why They Happen and How to Prevent and Treat Them for Clear, Healthy Skin

Breakouts 101 – Why They Happen and How to Prevent and Treat Them for Clear, Healthy Skin

Few things are more frustrating than waking up to an unexpected breakout. Whether it is a single, stubborn pimple or a full-blown flare-up, breakouts can be a source of stress and discomfort. If you have ever wondered why your skin seems to be working against you despite your best efforts, you are not alone.

Breakouts are caused by a combination of factors, including clogged pores, excess oil production, bacteria, and inflammation. While they are commonly associated with oily or acne-prone skin, breakouts can happen to anyone—at any age. Understanding what triggers your breakouts and how to treat them effectively can help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved.

The good news is that there are many ways to manage and even prevent breakouts. With the right skincare routine, lifestyle habits, and professional treatments, you can take control of your skin and reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts. Keep reading to learn more about what causes breakouts, the best ways to prevent them, and how medical-grade skincare and in-clinic treatments can help you maintain a smooth, blemish-free complexion.

Why Do Breakouts Happen?

Breakouts are one of the most common skin concerns, affecting people of all ages and skin types. While they may seem to appear out of nowhere, the reality is that breakouts are caused by a combination of internal and external factors that disrupt the skin’s balance. When hair follicles or pores become clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria, it creates the perfect environment for inflammation to develop. This results in various types of blemishes, including whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, each with different levels of severity.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved.

Understanding what triggers your breakouts is essential in developing an effective treatment plan. While breakouts can be frustrating, the good news is that once you identify the cause, you can take targeted steps to prevent and manage them more effectively. Here are some of the key factors that contribute to breakouts.

1. Excess Oil Production

Sebum is the skin’s natural oil, which plays a vital role in keeping the skin hydrated and protected. However, when the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, it mixes with dead skin cells and debris, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Overactive oil production is often linked to hormonal fluctuations, genetics, and environmental factors such as humidity.

2. Bacteria Growth

The presence of acne-causing bacteria, known as Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes), can trigger breakouts and make them worse. When trapped inside a clogged pore, this bacteria feeds on sebum, leading to inflammation, redness, and pus-filled pimples. If left untreated, bacterial overgrowth can cause deeper, more painful blemishes like nodules and cysts.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormones play a major role in regulating oil production and skin cell turnover. This is why acne is often associated with puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and even menopause. During these times, hormonal imbalances can lead to increased sebum production, resulting in more frequent breakouts. Additionally, stress can increase cortisol levels, further stimulating oil production and making acne worse.

4. Diet and Lifestyle

While diet alone is not the sole cause of breakouts, certain foods have been linked to increased acne flare-ups. A high intake of refined sugars, dairy, and processed foods can lead to spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which may increase inflammation and oil production. Additionally, chronic stress, poor sleep habits, and a lack of hydration can weaken the skin’s ability to heal and defend itself against breakouts.

5. Improper Skincare Routine

Using the wrong skincare products or overloading your skin with too many active ingredients can disrupt its natural balance and cause breakouts. Some common skincare mistakes include the following. 

• Using harsh cleansers that strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate.
• Over-exfoliating, which can damage the skin barrier and cause irritation.
• Applying heavy, pore-clogging products that contain comedogenic ingredients, leading to blocked pores.
• Skipping sunscreen, which can lead to inflammation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne scars.

Maintaining a consistent, well-balanced skincare routine with the right ingredients for your skin type is essential to keeping breakouts under control.

6. Environmental Factors

Your surroundings can also play a role in how often you experience breakouts. Pollution, humidity, sweat buildup, and exposure to irritants such as harsh chemicals or makeup can trigger flare-ups. Wearing dirty face masks, touching your face frequently, or not cleaning your phone screen can also contribute to bacteria buildup on the skin, leading to breakouts.

7. Genetics and Skin Type

Some people are more prone to breakouts due to genetics. If your parents or siblings have a history of acne, you may have a higher likelihood of developing it as well. Additionally, your skin type plays a significant role—oily and combination skin types are more prone to clogged pores and breakouts compared to dry skin types.

What You Can Do About It

Recognizing what is causing your breakouts is the first step in finding an effective solution. While breakouts can be frustrating, they are treatable with the right skincare routine, medical-grade treatments, and lifestyle adjustments. If you are struggling with persistent acne, consider consulting with a medical aesthetics professional who can assess your skin type, identify triggers, and recommend targeted treatments to keep your skin clear and healthy.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved.

Skin Types Prone to Breakouts

While breakouts can affect anyone, certain skin types are more prone to developing blemishes. Understanding your skin type can help you choose the right skincare products and treatments.

• Oily Skin – Produces more sebum, leading to clogged pores and frequent breakouts.
• Combination Skin – Has both oily and dry areas, with breakouts often occurring in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
• Acne-Prone Skin – Has a genetic tendency to develop breakouts easily due to overactive oil glands and bacterial buildup.
• Sensitive Skin – More prone to inflammation and irritation, which can trigger acne flare-ups.

No matter your skin type, taking a targeted approach to skincare can help manage breakouts effectively.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved.

How to Prevent Breakouts

Preventing breakouts requires a combination of proper skincare, healthy lifestyle habits, and professional treatments. Here are some of the best ways to keep your skin clear and balanced.

1. Cleanse Your Skin Properly

Washing your face twice a day with a gentle, medical-grade cleanser helps remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing too aggressively, as this can irritate the skin and worsen breakouts.

2. Use Non-Comedogenic Skincare Products

Look for skincare products labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning they will not clog pores. Heavy creams and pore-clogging ingredients can contribute to breakouts.

3. Incorporate Active Ingredients

Certain ingredients are highly effective in preventing and treating breakouts.

• Salicylic Acid – Exfoliates inside the pores to prevent clogging.
• Benzoyl Peroxide – Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
• Niacinamide – Helps regulate oil production and soothes irritation.
• Retinol – Promotes cell turnover and unclogs pores.

4. Avoid Touching Your Face

Bacteria and dirt from your hands can transfer to your skin, leading to clogged pores and infections.

5. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Reducing sugar, dairy, and processed foods may help decrease breakouts. Eating antioxidant-rich foods and staying hydrated supports overall skin health.

6. Manage Stress and Sleep Well

Stress increases cortisol levels, which can lead to more oil production and breakouts. Prioritizing sleep, exercise, and relaxation techniques can help regulate hormones and keep your skin clear.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved.

Professional Treatments for Breakouts

If your breakouts persist despite a good skincare routine, medical aesthetic treatments can help clear your skin and prevent future breakouts. At APT Medical Aesthetics, we offer the following professional treatments.

• Chemical Peels – Remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture.
• Microneedling with RF – Stimulates collagen production and reduces post-acne scars.
• HydraFacial© – Deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin while extracting impurities.
• BBL – Targets inflammation and can help to reduce acne-related redness.
• Medical-Grade Skincare – Customized skincare regimens tailored to your skin’s unique needs.

Each treatment is personalized to your skin type and concerns to deliver the best results.

FAQ – Can I Wear Makeup If I Have Breakouts?

Yes, you can wear makeup, but it is important to choose non-comedogenic products that will not clog your pores. Look for lightweight, oil-free foundations and avoid heavy, thick formulas. Always remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day using a gentle cleanser and double cleansing method to prevent buildup. If you are experiencing a severe breakout, giving your skin a break from makeup can also help speed up the healing process.

All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved.

Are You Struggling With Breakouts? APT Medical Aesthetics Can Help

Breakouts can be frustrating, but with the right approach, clear, healthy skin is possible. Whether you need guidance on the best medical-grade skincare products, a customized treatment plan, or expert advice on managing breakouts, our team at APT Medical Aesthetics is here to help.

We offer personalized consultations to assess your skin, identify breakout triggers, and recommend the most effective treatments for long-term results. With our advanced skincare technology and professional expertise, you can achieve a smoother, blemish-free complexion and feel confident in your skin again.

Book a consultation with us today to start your journey toward clear, healthy skin.