The Acne Breakdown – Causes, Myths & Treatment Options

June is Acne Awareness Month, and at Young Skin Med, we’re diving deep into one of the most common skin conditions affecting both teens and adults. From frustrating flare ups to long term solutions, this blog is here to clear the confusion and your skin.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is complex. While every case is unique, there are a few common culprits behind breakouts:

• Hormones: Shifts during puberty, menstruation, or stress can increase oil production

• Stress: It doesn’t directly cause acne, but it can make it worse

• Diet: High glycemic foods (like sugary snacks and white bread) may trigger inflammation and excess oil

• Skincare mistakes: Heavy makeup, not washing your face after sweating, and pore clogging sunscreens can all play a role, especially in summer
  

Busting Acne Myths

Let’s set the record straight on a few common myths:

• Acne is not caused by dirty skin. In fact, overwashing can irritate skin and worsen breakouts

• Chocolate doesn’t directly cause acne, but diets high in sugar and processed foods might contribute

• Tanning does not help acne. It can damage the skin and increase the risk of post acne marks
  

How We Treat Acne at Young Skin Med

There is no one size fits all approach to acne treatment. Our dermatology team considers your skin type, lifestyle, and acne severity before creating a personalized plan. Some options we may recommend include:

• Topical treatments like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide

• Oral medications including antibiotics or isotretinoin (Accutane)

• In office treatments such as extractions, facials, or lasers

We also walk you through exactly how to apply your treatment plan and are always available to adjust it based on your progress.

Want to learn more? Visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s resource on acne treatments: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/treat