Why Is My Face Breaking Out All Of A Sudden? 5 Reasons, Derms Say

To help you get to the bottom of your breakout, we tapped derms for their expert advice. 

These are the most common culprits: 

When it comes to hormonal fluctuations, many point fingers at the menstrual cycle (two-thirds of acne-prone women report having flares before or on their menses1), but acne can also crop up during pregnancy and menopause as well. 

Not to mention, stress can slow down the healing process after the breakout: "[One study on stress and wound healing5] has shown that stress can slow down healing, which may worsen acne and acne scarring," says board-certified dermatologist Jaimie Glick, M.D. 

If a skin care (or hair care!) product contains comedogenic or irritating ingredients, your skin may greet you with a string of blemishes. Or you could have just started a retinol, which caused a "purge." Red flags differ for everyone, though, so you may have to play detective to figure out what might be clogging your pores; some experts even recommend a skin care journal to keep track of any new developments. 

Additionally, "Environmental pollution may cause acne breakouts," says board-certified dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D., co-host of The GIST Show. The tiny particulate matter6 in the air can sneak into your skin, block your pores, cause inflammation, and reduce oxygen7. That's why experts say washing your face every night is nonnegotiable (which we'll explain more later). 

Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN, agrees: "Blood glucose and insulin could affect the skin8 in a couple of different ways," she tells mbg. "First, this spike in blood sugar causes the release of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Insulin then stimulates the production of androgens (male hormones) that can then lead to higher sebum production in the skin and then lead to acne. Secondly, high amounts of insulin in the blood before or after a meal may make the skin create more skin cells, making acne that's already present worse." 

Rather than treating each and every zit like a never-ending game of Whack-A-Mole, here's how you can regularly keep your skin clear: 

While everyone can benefit from a cleanse-treat-moisturize regimen, everyone's skin is entirely unique—and if you're dealing with acne, you might want to see a professional who can give you specific treatments for your individual needs.

Then you have benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid: The former actually kills acne-causing bacteria, P. acnes, "and it also helps to break up and remove dead skin cells that clog our pores," board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, M.D., FAAD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics once shared with mbg. Salicylic acid can also penetrate deep into your pores and unclog them at the source, but the BHA also has anti-inflammatory, skin-calming properties, which makes it a bit gentler than BP. 

When the temperature changes, so should your skin care routine. Again, heading to the derm may be your best bet, as a professional can take a long look at your skin and offer the right swaps; however, generally experts recommend opting for a lightweight moisturizer in the warmer months (perhaps washing your face more frequently, too) and a denser cream once the weather turns crisper. 

What you consume shows up on your skin. If diet is an acne trigger for you, try filling your plate with hydrating, high-fat foods chock-full of antioxidants. (See here for our master list of foods for supple skin.) If there are certain foods you know don't sit well with your skin, perhaps limit those as well.

Specifically, "Melatonin is critically important for your skin and plays a significant role in skin repair from environmental exposure, UV light, stressors, pollution, and so on. We know that production is only at night—so sleep hygiene is crucial for your skin," says board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr, M.D., on an episode of Clean Beauty School. "If you're not resting, you're not generating that melatonin, and your skin isn't repairing itself."

For a quicker fix, these treatments are key: 

For angry pustules, benzoyl peroxide spot treatments can work wonders (if your skin can tolerate it; some find the ingredient way too drying). In fact, it's hailed for shrinking inflammatory, painful pimples: Tap the product onto your blemishes and let it seep in overnight. 

If you have a serum, mask, or spot treatment formulated with salicylic acid (or willow bark extract, the BHA's all-natural cousin), dab a pea-sized dollop on the blemish and let it sit overnight. Again, the BHA can unclog the pores at the source while remaining relatively gentle on the skin. 

To make a spot treatment, Zeichner recommends crushing the aspirin and mixing it in warm water. Next, take a cotton ball or cotton tip applicator, soak it in the mix, and apply to the blemish for three to five minutes. 

Not to mention, green tea has immediate skin-soothing effects, as the caffeine acts as a vasoconstrictor (meaning, it constricts blood vessels) and helps deflate those tender, inflamed pimples. To make a DIY acne treatment, brew a cup of tea, let the bag cool, and place it directly on your breakout for a few minutes.

Another age-old remedy for shrinking a pimple fast: ice. Ice is another vasoconstrictor, as the cold temperature constricts blood vessels—which effectively dials down the redness and inflammation. Wrap a cube in a napkin or paper towel and place it on the blemish for a few minutes; you don't want to place the freezing block directly on the skin, as the intense chill can cause even more redness. 

When all else fails, there's always makeup. You do not have to cover up your blemishes by any means, but we understand how stubborn breakouts can affect your mood and self-esteem. If a pimple or two bothers you, mind these tips:

Sudden breakouts are a special kind of sneak attack. While you may not be able to catch them every time (hence, the "sudden" in "sudden breakouts"), there's a whole lot you can do once the blemish pops up.