This article has been reviewed by:
Alexandra Beck
Cosmetician
Did you know that it is estimated that up to 40% of adults over the age of 25 suffer from blemished and acne-prone skin? The triggers and reasons for blemished skin are varied and only partially researched. Often, those affected themselves do not know the reasons for their skin problems and only treat the symptoms. For sustainably clear, healthy and beautiful skin, it is essential to identify the causes of the skin condition and to start there. Every body is individual and so there is unfortunately no magic formula for causes and treatment.
In the following, we will introduce you to the reasons for blemished skin. Maybe some of the triggers apply to you. In this case, we recommend a self-experiment, for example, the renunciation of acne-promoting foods.
Reasons for impure skin at a glance
Hormone fluctuations as a reason for blemished skin
The female body is subject to various hormonal fluctuations in the course of life, which can be a reason for blemished skin and acne:
- The menstrual cycle causes rising and falling hormone levels in the body. Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle and the hormone level, the skin changes with it. Menstrual acne usually occurs on day 18 to 21 of the cycle. During this period, testosterone levels are particularly high, which promotes sebum production.
- If the pill is discontinued as a contraceptive, the hormone balance can become unbalanced. Many pills inhibit sebum production with their hormonal active ingredients. If the pill is no longer taken, sebum production is stimulated again and impure skin is promoted.
- During pregnancy, a woman’s hormone balance changes. More male hormones, so-called androgens, are released, which promote blemished skin and pimple formation. Learn more about causes, optimal skin care and dangerous ingredients for pimples during pregnancy.
- During menopause, in addition to the familiar symptoms such as hot flashes, skin problems such as dryness, hypersensitivity or acne often occur. Here again, hormones play a role. The production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone decreases, as a result of which the skin renews itself more slowly, retains less moisture, reacts hypersensitively and tends to develop blemishes.
The wrong diet as the reason for blemished skin
Some foods have a proven effect on skin appearance and promote blemished skin and acne.
These include milk, among others. Excessive consumption of dairy products enlarges sebaceous glands and promotes inflammation in the body. Dermatologist Dr. Adler calls acne a disease of civilization and a symptom of the milk-in-mass and latte macchiato generation. The recommended dose for an adult is a maximum of 200ml of milk a day.
A link has also been established between trans fatty acids and acne. Trans fatty acids are found in industrially hydrogenated fats which are used, among other things, in the production of chips, fast food, ready-to-eat pizza and French fries. Trans fats increase the production of talc and the keratinization of pores, contributing to blemished skin and acne.
If you want to learn more about nutrition for blemished skin click here.
Acne experts agree that foods with a high glycemic index also have a negative effect on the appearance of the skin. By consuming high-glycemic foods, carbohydrates are quickly released in the body and cause a large release of insulin. Insulin release indirectly stimulates the release of androgens. These are responsible for excessive sebum production and cornification of the skin, promoting the development of skin blemishes.
Examples of high-glycemic foods are:
White sugar and sugary foods, white bread, potatoes, corn, white rice, bananas, grapes, beer, sodas, milk chocolate.
The wrong care as a reason for blemished skin
Blemished skin or acne can have various causes, so it is all the more important to know the needs of the skin and to care for it accordingly. If the skin is “over cared for” or treated with the wrong products, even more skin irritations and impurities can arise as a reaction.
Learn more about what you need to pay attention to when caring for blemished skin.
Stress and nicotine as reasons for blemished skin
Studies are inconclusive, but experts believe that stress is an important factor in adult acne. Under stress, the body produces hormones that stimulate increased skin cell and sebum production. Excessive sebum and many skin cells form the optimal basis for the development of blemishes and acne.
Under stress, smokers like to reach for a cigarette, which is a risk factor for blemished skin. Smoking constricts the blood vessels, which means that the skin is less well supplied with oxygen. In addition, smoking releases many pro-inflammatory substances that can further aggravate a skin condition.
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