You understand that acne involves clogged pores, excess oil, dead skin cells and inflammation.

But there is another frustrating question:

Why does my acne keep coming back?

If you have tried different products and changed your skincare routine without seeing lasting improvement, there may be more going on than simply needing a new cleanser.

Here are seven factors that may contribute to recurring acne.

1. Hormonal Changes

Hormones can influence how much oil your skin produces.

When oil production increases, your pores may become more likely to clog.

This can happen during puberty, but hormonal acne can also affect adults.

Some women notice breakouts around their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, changes in hormonal contraception, perimenopause or menopause.

If your breakouts follow a recurring hormonal pattern, hormones may be one of the factors contributing to your acne.

2. Genetics

Sometimes, your skin is simply more prone to acne.

If acne runs in your family, genetics may influence your tendency towards excess oil production, clogged pores or inflammatory acne.

You cannot change your genetics, but understanding this factor can help you set realistic expectations about your skin.

3. Your Skincare or Hair Products

The products you use every day may sometimes contribute to breakouts.

Heavy or pore-clogging products can aggravate acne in some people.

Consider products such as:

• Moisturisers
• Makeup
• Sunscreens
• Hair oils
• Pomades
• Styling products

If you repeatedly experience breakouts around your forehead or hairline, pay attention to the products that come into contact with those areas.

Look for products labelled non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic where appropriate.

4. Stress

Stress is not usually the sole cause of acne, but it can make existing acne worse.

Stress-related changes in the body may affect oil production and inflammation.

It can also create a frustrating cycle: acne causes stress, and stress may contribute to further flare-ups.

Managing stress may not clear acne on its own, but it can be part of a broader approach to supporting your skin.

5. Diet

You may have heard that certain foods cause acne.

The reality is more complicated.

Some research has found associations between acne and certain dietary patterns, including high-glycaemic foods and cow’s milk.

However, this does not mean that one particular food causes acne in everyone.

Rather than immediately eliminating large numbers of foods, pay attention to patterns and discuss persistent concerns with an appropriate healthcare professional.

6. Sleep and Lifestyle

Your overall lifestyle can also influence your skin.

Poor sleep, ongoing stress and other lifestyle factors may contribute to acne flare-ups, particularly if you are already prone to breakouts.

Lifestyle changes can support your overall wellbeing, but persistent acne may still require appropriate treatment.

7. Medications and Other Health Factors

Some medications can contribute to acne or acne-like breakouts.

Hormonal and other underlying health factors may also play a role in persistent acne.

This is one reason sudden or recurring acne should not always be treated by simply buying another skincare product.

If your acne appears suddenly, persists despite your efforts or occurs alongside other symptoms, professional advice can help determine the appropriate next step.

What Else Can Make Acne Worse?

Even when you cannot control the underlying cause, certain habits can aggravate existing acne.

These include:

• Picking or squeezing pimples
• Scratching acne
• Using harsh skincare products
• Using pore-clogging products
• Constantly changing your routine
• Ongoing stress
• Certain dietary patterns
• Some medications
• Hormonal changes

Stop Picking Your Pimples

It can be tempting to squeeze a pimple, especially when it is noticeable.

However, picking can increase irritation and inflammation and may increase the risk of dark marks and scarring.

Why Your Old Skincare Routine May Stop Working

Your skin can change.

A routine that worked during your teenage years may not work in exactly the same way as you get older.

Hormonal changes, stress, new products and other factors can alter your skin.

This is particularly relevant if you develop acne for the first time as an adult.

So What Can You Do?

The first step is to stop treating every breakout as a completely separate problem.

Look for patterns.

Does your acne appear at a particular time of the month? Does it worsen after using a particular product? Is it concentrated around your hairline? Has your skin changed recently?

Understanding these patterns can help you identify what may be contributing to your breakouts.

Next: How to Prevent Acne: Simple Ways to Reduce Breakouts and Protect Your Skin

If your acne keeps returning, the answer may not be another random product. It may be time to understand your skin more closely.