Probiotics for Bacterial Vaginosis: Types, Effectiveness, Dosage
Can Breast Implants Cause Acne?
I have not heard of silicone breast implants causing or aggravating adult acne. Acne is a common condition often aggravated by stress or foods, but many other situations have been implicated in exacerbating this terrible condition.
I am not aware of any cases where silicone breast implants have been implicated.
I think it also would be very difficult for anyone to scientifically implicate silicone given the fact that there are so many other possible causes of aggravating acne.
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Experiencing acne during your period is common — and a nuisance. Products you use during an active breakout, like salicylic acid, can help prevent breakouts. In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe medication.
As if being bloated, crampy, and cranky as all get out isn't bad enough, some of us also get period acne. As a matter of fact, 65 percent of people report a worsening of their acne during their period.
Here's what to know about managing and treating period-related acne and whether you're dealing with run-of-the-mill breakouts or stubborn, painful chin cysts.
Before going into battle, it's always best to know who your opponent is. In the case of period acne, this means knowing how to differentiate a hormonal break out from a regular one.
The easiest way to do this is to look at the timing. Acne that's related to your period is more likely to flare up during the week leading up to your period or during your period. Plus, it tends to clear up or improve when your period is ending or over.
Already have acne? You might notice that it gets worse during this time. If you tend to have clear skin, you might notice a pimple or two pop up.
Those dang hormones. That's why.
Your hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. Just before your period starts, estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This can trigger your sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your skin. Too much can result in clogged pores and breakouts.
Hormones can also increase skin inflammation and the production of acne-causing bacteria.
These hormonal fluctuations just before your period may also be responsible for other fun period things, including moodiness, sore breasts, and weird poop (aka PMS).
PMS is also associated with increased stress, which might also worsen acne.
Unlike other PMS symptoms, period-related acne doesn't always go away once your period starts. You can blame your hormones for this, too.
Testosterone, a male hormone that we all have in our bodies regardless of our birth sex, affects us differently depending on levels of our other hormones.
When your hormone levels fluctuate toward the end of your period, testosterone can also trigger sebaceous gland sensitivity. Again, the result is more sebum and clogged pores.
Notice a deep, throbbing pain in your chin or along your jawline? It's not unusual for hormonal acne, especially cysts, to pop up in these areas. They might not look like much on the surface, but they can cause a world of pain.
Seeing any kind of lump anywhere near your vaginal area can set off some major alarm bells. Before you panic, know that some people do report vulvar breakouts before their period.
Hormones can be to blame for breakouts in this area, but there are other possible period-related causes, too.
Menstrual pads, for instance, can rub against your skin, irritating your hair follicles and leading to ingrown hairs and folliculitis.
Other period products can also cause contact dermatitis, which is a reaction to something that touches the skin. Scented tampons, pads, and wipes can do it.
The deep pimples and cysts that sometimes come with periods can be pretty painful for some, but there are things you can do to ease the pain.
To get relief during a painful breakout, try:
Period-related acne can be particularly stubborn. You can help speed up the healing process with a mix of over-the-counter (OTC) products.
Here are some other things you can do to deal with breakouts:
One of the most frustrating aspects of period acne is that it usually just keeps coming back. Here are things you can do throughout your cycle to stay two steps ahead of those pesky hormones.
OTC acne productsThe same products that can help an active breakout can also help you prevent another one.
The Mayo Clinic recommends starting with benzoyl peroxide products in a lower strength and gradually increasing over a few weeks.
Products containing alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, can help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. They also help stimulate the growth of new skin cells so your skin looks smoother and clearer.
Salicylic acid products are a good option, too. They're available without a prescription in strengths that run from 0.5 to 5 percent. They keep your pores from clogging to prevent breakouts. To avoid irritation, start with a lower strength and work your way up until you know what your skin can handle.
DietThere's some evidence that regulating your blood sugar levels by eating foods that have a low glycemic index (GI) can help with hormonal acne. The GI is a measure of the rate at which a food spikes blood sugar levels.
High-GI foods have been shown to worsen acne. They include:
Many of these same foods have been linked to increased inflammation, which also plays a role in acne.
If you can, try to limit your intake of these foods. You don't need to completely avoid them, but reducing them might give your skin a boost.
Prescription treatmentsIf you continue to have period acne after trying OTC and home treatments for three cycles, consider talking to your healthcare provider or a dermatologist about prescription acne treatments.
They may recommend using one or a combination of the following:
Noticing other issues with your cycle, like irregular periods? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could be why.
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that can cause a range of symptoms.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have acne along with any of the following:
If you don't already have a dermatologist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
Zits happen, especially around menstruation. You can thank your hormones for that.
OTC acne treatments and some tweaks to your routine should be enough to help get rid of pimples. If those don't seem to cut it, talk to your healthcare provider about prescription treatment.
Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she's not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddleboard.
The Top Acne Causes, And What To Do About Them
The only thing more frustrating than waking up with a new pimple is having to ask yourself, "But why am I breaking out?" Not knowing where it came from makes it hard to determine the best treatment method. That's why we're getting to the bottom of the potential acne causes. Is it stress? A hormonal breakout? Or just irritation from testing a new product? It can be hard to get to the bottom of it, but worry no more. Clear your mind — and your skin — with this guide to the most common pimple causes.
Once you know what's causing acne to flare up, it's easy to come up with the right acne solutions for you. In addition to knowing the best skin-care ingredients for fighting breakouts, sometimes lifestyle changes are needed to combat spots. Reducing stress, cutting down on sugar, and getting more sleep can work wonders for some people, while others may find their pimples are actually due to an allergic reaction from their laundry detergent or even their toothpaste.
Ahead, we rounded up the most common causes of acne out there — keep scrolling to decode your breakouts.
Popular Acne Causes:— Additional reporting by Jessica Harrington
Acne Causes: GeneticsDid your mom or dad have acne? Do your siblings currently? Unfortunately, it just might run in the family. Studies show that a "positive family history of acne in parents was associated with increased acne risk in their offspring." File this one under "not your fault."
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Acne Causes: HormonesHormones called androgens overstimulate the skin's oil glands, which frequently leads to a breakout around menstruation. (If you break out along your jawline, this is the likely culprit.) Some women find relief by going on oral medications, such as contraceptives, but you'll need to discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.
Similarly, for some women, pregnancy can cause a spike in acne. Progesterone increases during pregnancy, which can affect the skin's oil levels. While several safe treatment options exist, others such as isotretinoin and tetracycline can cause birth defects. To be safe, talk with your obstetrician before embarking on a new skin-care routine.
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Acne Causes: Picking Your FaceYou know that whitehead that's just begging to be popped? Leave it alone. Same with every other type of acne. Picking at your skin introduces more germs, increases the chances of scarring, and can increase inflammation — which means more breakouts.
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Acne Causes: StressEver notice how your skin seems to break out right before a big event like a job interview? It's not a coincidence. Simply put, stress is terrible for your body — and that includes your skin. Stress raises levels of cortisol, which increases inflammation and causes oil glands to go into overdrive. While completely avoiding stress is impossible, you can improve your skin (and overall well-being) by meditating, relaxing, spending time with animals, or doing anything else that calms you.
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Acne Causes: Improper TreatmentUnfortunately, cleansing your face isn't enough to make acne flee. To battle pimples, you'll need ammunition in the form of over-the-counter or prescription treatments. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that causes acne, so it's highly effective as a preventative measure. Likewise, salicylic acid can keep pores from clogging.
When that's not enough, a dermatologist can offer help. Oral and topical antibiotics, topical retinoid creams, and chemical peels can all make a difference.
But keep in mind: even when armed with the right acne treatments, these things take time. Miracles don't happen overnight, so if you expect your skin to clear up in days, you'll be disappointed. Depending on your age, it may take up to three months for your skin cells to turn over and reveal new skin. Be consistent with your skin-care regimen, and be patient.
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Acne Causes: WeatherFirst things first: that idea that a little sunshine helps acne? It's a myth. But weather changes can affect your skin. Changing climates and seasonal shifts might be the cause of your breakout. If you've recently moved or have taken a vacation, see an aesthetician or dermatologist. Usually they'll be able to help your skin get back to normal.
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Acne Causes: MedicationsSome prescriptions list acne as a potential side effect. To get to the bottom of your breakout, it's worth looking at your Rx or contacting your doctor about the potential link.
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Acne Causes: Lack of SleepEver think your acne is getting worse overnight? It could be. Not sleeping enough inflicts stress on the body, which raises levels of cortisol, the so-called "stress hormone." In turn, cortisol creates breakouts. Aim for eight hours of sleep per night, even if you have to wear a sleep mask or earplugs to catch those zzz's.
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Acne Causes: Working OutSweat itself doesn't cause breakouts, but it can mix with oils in your pores — and that can lead to acne. Friction can also aggravate acne, so wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabrics; synthetic fabrics such as Lycra and nylon can rub against skin, trap sweat, and clog pores. To avoid this, shower as soon as possible post sweat sesh and use a body wash with salicylic acid to keep pores clean.
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Acne Causes: DietWant to change your skin? Change your diet. Lowering your consumption of dairy, caffeine, peanuts, seaweed, sugar, and soy can lead to clearer skin. Good-for-your-skin foods include salmon, dark leafy greens like kale, and antioxidant-rich green tea. Give it a month and see what happens. After all, you are what you eat.
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Acne Causes: TravelMany frequent fliers experience acne after a trip. The air in planes is very dry, which can trick your skin into producing even more oil. If you have to be up in the air, pack a noncomedogenic moisturizer in your carry-on.
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Acne Causes: Testing New ProductsComedogenic ingredients build up in pores, and unfortunately, they're in plenty of beauty products. Looking for products with "noncomedogenic" labels is a good place to start, but you'll also want to check the ingredient list.
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Acne Causes: Under or Over CleansingCleansing your face of sebum, makeup, and dirt is important. Some acne sufferers, however, believe that washing more frequently will lead to better skin — that's not always the case. Cleansing in the morning and evening is all that's necessary. Any more than that, and you could irritate or dry out your skin.
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Acne Causes: Allergic ReactionEspecially for people with sensitive skin, allergic reactions to things like your laundry detergent and dryer sheets can lead to pimples. Some people even develop contact dermatitis and mistake it for acne. Swap your usual soap for fragrance-free detergent, skip the dryer sheets, and this could clear things up.
Similarly, if you break out around the corners of your mouth, your toothpaste is the likely culprit. And that old tip about using toothpaste to heal a pimple? It's a myth.
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Acne Causes: Dirty Sheets, Makeup Brushes, or PhoneEveryday items like your phone, makeup brushes, and even your bedding can be causing you to breakout. When was the last time you changed your sheets? Bed linens can harbor bacteria, which are more than happy to multiply on your face. Change your pillowcases at least twice a week. That goes for towels, too.
If you're breaking out on your cheeks, your phone could be the culprit. Pressing a phone to your skin can lead to a breakout. Once a week, clean your phone with an alcohol wipe — and if you've been on the phone for more than 15 minutes, it might not be a bad idea to cleanse your face, too.
Lastly, on your list of things to do, washing makeup brushes probably ranks pretty low, but it's a worthy use of your time if acne is a concern. Otherwise, bacteria grows — and dirty brushes will just transfer that bacteria to your face.
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Acne Causes: Sleeping With Makeup OnWe know, we know — you're tired. But hitting the pillow without washing your face is a surefire way to trigger a breakout. If you're too exhausted to do a full skin-care routine, get the worst of it off with a cleansing wipe.
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