Cystic and nodular acne can cause permanent damage to the skin in the form of scars.
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Recently, leading dietitian and nutritionist Nmami Agarwal shared 4 major reasons of acne breakout. She said, “Your acne might not be a skincare problem… it might be more deep-rooted. Breakouts often start inside before they show up on your face.”
Acne can be described as a common skin condition when the pores of the skin tend to get clogged. Blocked pores cause blackheads, whiteheads, and several different kinds of pimples. Pimples can be filled with pus and may cause discomfort and bumps on the skin. There are 4 types of acne namely cystic acne, fungal acne, hormonal acne, and nodular acne. Acne does not only impact the skin but the self-esteem too.
Cystic and nodular acne can cause permanent damage to the skin in the form of scars. While acne can affect anyone at some point of time, they are quite common among teenagers going through hormonal changes. If you have a family history of developing acne, you may be at higher risk of developing them.
Recently, leading dietitian and nutritionist Nmami Agarwal shared 4 major reasons of acne breakout. She said, “Your acne might not be a skincare problem… it might be more deep-rooted. Breakouts often start inside before they show up on your face.” 1
1. Insulin Spikes: The nutritionist said “high insulin increases IGF-I, which stimulates excess oil (sebum) production and clogged pores.” Insulin spikes can be triggered by refined carbs, sugar, low protein, and stress. Consumption of high-glycemic carbs and sugar can lead to rapid blood glucose rise. Other chief causes are low protein or low fibre meals, chronic stress (cortisol release), and incomplete sleep. Such spikes can cause fat storage and energy crashes.
2. Androgen Imbalance: Nmami disclosed that “androgens activate sebaceous glands that produce more oil thus leading to acne formation. The major causes behind this include PCOS/PCOD, processed foods, poor sleep, and irregular cycles.
Androgen imbalances, especially higher levels of testosterone and other male hormones in both men and women, directly cause acne by boosting sebum (oil) production, that clogs pores. These imbalances can cause hormonal acne, commonly appearing along the jawline and T-zone. Androgens can stimulate sebaceous glands to generate excessive oil that can lead to acne, inflammation, and clogging of pores. High androgen levels can occur due to puberty, stress, PCOS, or start/stop of hormonal birth control.
3. Gut Imbalance: The nutritionist shared that “gut imbalance increases systematic inflammation and disrupts estrogen detoxification.” The chief causes include poor digestion, food intolerances, frequent antibiotics, and low fibre diet. A poor gut may not absorb vital nutrients such as zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3, essential for repairing the skin barrier.
Gut bacteria can regulate androgen and estrogen levels, an imbalance that can surge androgen activity which can stimulate excess sebum and leading to clogging of pores. Poor gut health allows toxins and bacteria enter the bloodstream thus triggering immune responses that leads to acne, eczema, and skin irritation.
4. Missing Micronutrients: Nmami revealed that “these nutrients regulate skin cell turnover, reduce inflammation, and support hormone balance.” The major cause of micronutrient deficiency includes low zinc, low vitamin A, low iron, and low omega-3.
Missing micronutrients can be vital and can be a major cause of acne breakouts that can affect skin health. Deficiency of necessary vitamins and minerals can disrupt skin cell turnover, surge sebum production, and hamper body’s ability to manage inflammation.
Check the post below:
How does insulin spike contribute to acne breakouts?
Insulin spikes increase IGF-I levels, stimulating excess oil (sebum) production which clogs pores. This can be triggered by high-glycemic carbs, sugar, low protein or fiber diets, chronic stress, and poor sleep, all of which may lead to acne formation.
What is the role of androgen imbalance in causing acne?
Androgen imbalance, such as elevated testosterone levels, activates sebaceous glands to produce excessive oil, leading to clogged pores and acne. It is commonly linked to conditions like PCOS, poor sleep, processed foods, and hormonal fluctuations.
Can gut health affect acne, and if so, how?
Yes, gut imbalance increases systemic inflammation and disrupts estrogen detoxification, which can surge androgen activity causing excess sebum production. Poor gut health also impairs nutrient absorption critical for skin repair and can trigger immune reactions causing acne and other skin issues.
Which micronutrient deficiencies are commonly linked to acne breakouts?
Deficiencies in zinc, vitamin A, iron, and omega-3 are linked to acne because these micronutrients regulate skin cell turnover, reduce inflammation, and support hormonal balance, all essential for healthy skin.
How can understanding these causes improve acne treatment outcomes?
Recognizing acne’s underlying causes such as hormonal imbalances, diet-induced insulin spikes, gut health issues, and micronutrient deficiencies allows for targeted lifestyle and dietary interventions, potentially leading to more effective and lasting acne management.
Dietitian and nutritionist Nmami Agarwal via Instagram|4 major reasons of acne breakout
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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