A man with a blemish on his nose

Causes and Risk Factors for Acne

Acne can be caused by diet, cosmetics, and other preventable triggers. Learn more about these causes and how to prevent acne breakouts from ruining your day.
Normal skin model on white background
Overview of Sebaceous Glands and Your Skin
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Man looking at himself in the mirror
Does Masturbation Cause Acne?
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Teenage girl drinking glass of milk
The Link Between Milk and Acne
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Group of friends sitting on grass, laughing
Can You Catch Acne From Someone Else?
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
woman looking at face in mirror
How the Menstrual Cycle Affects Acne
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
woman looking at pimple in mirror
Do Hormones Cause Acne?
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Woman Eating chocolate
Does Chocolate Really Cause Acne?
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Mixed Race woman holding cell phone and applying lipstick
Can Your Makeup Be Causing Your Acne?
Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD
Man washing his face with tap water
Prevent and Treat Acne Caused by Cancer Treatment
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
fried chicken on plate
Does Eating Greasy, Fried Food Cause Acne?
Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD
Young woman washing her back
What Causes Butt Pimples
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Close up of teenage girl popping pimple
How Do Acne Breakouts Develop?
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Woman looking at her skin in the mirror
Corticosteroids (Prednisone) and How They Cause Acne
Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH
A table set with a meal
Do Different Anti-Acne Diets Work?
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
When her skin is irritated so is she
How to Prevent Acne Scars
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
cigarette in the hand
Is Smoking Cigarettes a Cause of Acne?
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Female dermatologist examines skin moles or acne of senior patient with dermatoscope
What Causes Acne
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Keeping the health of her skin in check
Different Types of Acne and How It Forms
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Woman looking at her skin in the mirror
How Do You Know If Your Acne Is Hereditary?
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD