What causes acne breakouts?

By Dr Magnus Lynch
MA(Cantab) DPhil(Oxon) MRCS FRCP
Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatological Surgeon

The causes of breakouts depend on the individual, and therefore to tailor the answers to you we will need to ask you a few questions.

Greasy / oily skincare products or excessive makeup: These can block pores (the openings of hair follicles) and trigger acne breakouts.

Occlusion: Mechanical blockage of hair follicles through occlusion with tight clothes or more recently masks can lead to acne breakouts. A change in hormonal contraception, for example stopping the combined oral contraceptive pill, changing to a new brand or starting progesterone only contraception can trigger an outbreak. This is considered a form of hormonal acne.

Corticosteroids: Topical steroids are widely used for the treatment of conditions such as eczema on the face. They can worsen acne and rosacea. Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisolone) are also prescribed in tablet form for the treatment of a wide range of conditions and can trigger outbreaks.

Testosterone and Anabolic steroids: Testosterone levels increase around puberty and this is a significant contributor to the acne flares that are seen at this age. Testosterone may also be prescribed medically for certain conditions and this can cause significant acne. Anabolic steroid hormones related to testosterone and are sometimes abused by athletes and body builders and can result in very severe acne flares.

Related Articles

• What causes acne?
• What is acne?
• What treatments are effective for hormonal acne?

About Dr Magnus Lynch

I am a London-based Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon. My NHS practice is at Guy's Hospital and is focused on Mohs micrographic surgery and the treatment of complex skin cancers. My private practice additionally focuses on laser treatments, regenerative dermatology, rosacea, acne, pigmentation and scarring. I have particular expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, including minimally-invasive techniques, Mohs micrographic surgery, and facial reconstructive surgery. I studied at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, and completed my dermatology training and Mohs fellowship at the prestigious St John’s Institute of Dermatology. I graduated from medical school in 2003 and have worked exclusively in Dermatology since 2012.

I lead a research team at King’s College London investigating the molecular biology of skin cancer and skin cancer diagnostics, and I constantly aim to translate the latest findings into better patient care. You can learn more about my Research.

In recent years I have been involved in Media Appearances, including the Channel 5 series 'Skin A&E', where I perform skin surgeries and treat various skin conditions. Filming for the next series has recently completed and the series will be released later in 2025.

How I can help

I consult with private patients at several well-appointed and conveniently located sites across central London:

• London Bridge Hospital: Conveniently situated within The Shard, next to London Bridge station.
• Skin55 Ltd: Located at 55 Harley Street, this beautiful Edwardian building houses one of the largest private dermatology facilities in the UK with a comprehensive laser suite.
• OneWelbeck: Located close to Bond Street underground station. Mohs surgery, lasers, and other skin surgeries are performed in the state-of-the-art surgical suite here.

A new consultation is £250, a follow up consultation is £220. For more information on fees, please visit Prices.