Why You’re Breaking Out: Causes and Fixes

Breakouts can feel frustrating, unpredictable, and sometimes even overwhelming. But here’s the truth: acne isn’t random. Whether it’s a single spot before your period or a cluster that won’t budge, your skin is always sending signals.

The good news? By understanding your skin type, the different types of breakouts, and their common triggers, you can start to decode what your skin is telling you — and support it in a gentle, consistent way.

This guide explores:

• How different skin types influence breakouts.

• What breakout locations can reveal.

• The difference between hormonal acne and fungal acne.

• Lifestyle and skincare triggers you might not expect.

• Practical, non-toxic ways to support your skin.

Step 1: Understand Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type is the foundation of understanding breakouts:

• Oily skin: More prone to blackheads and clogged pores due to higher oil (sebum) production.

• Dry skin: Can still break out when the barrier is compromised — cracks let bacteria in, or oil overproduction happens as compensation.

• Combination skin: Oily T-zone + dry cheeks means dealing with both congestion and dryness.

• Sensitive skin: Breakouts often triggered by irritation, fragrance, or environmental stressors.

Understanding your baseline helps you spot what’s “normal” for you and when something is off.

Step 2: Breakouts by Location

Face mapping isn’t perfect science, but patterns are useful:

• Forehead: Stress, lack of sleep, hair product buildup, or sometimes fungal acne.

• Cheeks: Contact irritation (phones, pillowcases) or environmental factors like pollution.

• Chin & jawline: Strongly linked to hormones, often appearing before or during your period.

• Nose: Larger pores = more congestion, blackheads, and oil-related breakouts.

Step 3: Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is one of the most common (and stubborn) types.

What it looks like:

• Deep, often painful spots along the chin and jawline.

• Flare-ups around the menstrual cycle.

Why it happens:

• Progesterone rises before your period → more oil.

• Testosterone activity can peak → sebaceous glands overproduce sebum.

• Lower estrogen in the luteal phase → less natural balance.

Supportive steps:

• Balance blood sugar to reduce oil-triggering insulin spikes.

• Use barrier-supportive, hormone-safe skincare.

• Track your cycle to prepare your routine for breakout-prone days.

Step 4: Fungal Acne

Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) isn’t “true acne,” but it’s often mistaken for it.

What it looks like:

• Small, uniform, itchy bumps.

• Clusters on the forehead, chest, or back.

Causes:

• Overgrowth of yeast on the skin.

• Triggered by humidity, sweat, or heavy oils.

Supportive steps:

• Simplify your routine, choose lightweight/oil-free products.

• Change out of sweaty clothes quickly.

• Antifungal treatments may help — check with a dermatologist.

Step 5: Lifestyle Triggers

Breakouts are influenced by more than skincare:

• Stress: Raises cortisol → increases oil and slows healing.

• Sleep: Lack of rest disrupts repair cycles and increases inflammation.

• Diet: Research is mixed, but some notice breakouts from high sugar or dairy. Track your own patterns.

• Hydration: Dehydrated skin often produces extra oil, leading to congestion.

Step 6: Skincare Triggers

Sometimes products are the culprits:

• Over-cleansing: Strips skin barrier, leading to oil overproduction.

• Heavy products: Pore-clogging creams or makeup.

• Poor cleansing at night: SPF or makeup residue left behind can clog pores.

Step 7: Gentle Fixes

Instead of chasing harsh treatments, focus on steady support:

• Keep your routine simple (cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen).

• Add actives slowly and thoughtfully (like niacinamide or salicylic acid).

• Prioritise sleep, stress relief, hydration, and balanced meals.

• Maintain practical habits: fresh pillowcases, clean phone screens, washed makeup brushes.

• Practice patience — skin heals slowly, usually in 4–6 week cycles.

Breakouts are never a reflection of your worth. They’re signals — invitations to slow down, listen, and support your skin from both the outside and the inside.

🧡 For a deeper dive into the science and holistic strategies, tune into the Glowfully by Aléora podcast — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Substack, and at www.byaleora.com/podcast.

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