Internal Triggers That Cause Acne
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17 March 2026
Internal triggers can play a big role in acne. Here are some common ones:
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Hormonal Fluctuations: Androgen surge during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or conditions like PCOS causes sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum
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Stress: High-stress levels trigger the release of cortisol, which increases sebum production and inflammation
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Diet: High-glycemic diets (processed foods, sugar, white bread) and, for some, dairy products can spike insulin levels and worsen acne
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Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in determining acne severity and persistence
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Gut Health: Digestive issues or poor gut health can cause inflammation throughout the body, triggering acne
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Medications: Drugs containing corticosteroids, lithium, or those used to treat epilepsy can cause acne
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Poor Sleep: Lack of adequate rest can increase stress levels and affect skin health, leading to breakouts
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