Why Does Acne Get Worse at Night
Acne often feels more noticeable and bothersome at night, and there are several biological and behavioral reasons why this happens. Understanding these factors can help you manage breakouts more effectively.
Your Skin’s Oil Production Peaks
One of the main reasons acne worsens at night is that your skin naturally produces more oil during evening hours. Throughout the day, your skin has been exposed to environmental stressors, and by nighttime, oil production increases as your body prepares for rest. This excess oil combines with dead skin cells and bacteria that have accumulated during the day, creating the perfect environment for acne to develop or worsen.
Sleep Disruption and Hormonal Changes
Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep directly impacts acne development. When you don’t get enough rest, your skin’s protective barrier weakens, making it more prone to damage and inflammation. Additionally, lack of sleep disrupts your hormonal balance. Your body produces higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, when you’re fatigued. Elevated cortisol levels trigger increased oil production and inflammation in the skin, which can cause acne to flare up or become more severe during nighttime hours.
Stress and Cortisol Release
Stress is a major acne trigger, and nighttime can be when stress and anxiety peak for many people. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which increases oil production and causes inflammation. This makes your skin more sensitive and weakens your immune system’s ability to fight off bacteria. If you’re lying in bed worrying about work, relationships, or other concerns, your cortisol levels remain elevated, exacerbating acne symptoms.
Friction and Pressure from Bedding
Your pillowcase and bedding can contribute to nighttime acne worsening. Throughout the night, your face rubs against your pillow, creating friction that irritates the skin. Additionally, bacteria, dust, and oils accumulate on pillowcases over time. This friction combined with bacterial exposure can trigger inflammation and cause existing acne to become more inflamed or lead to new breakouts.
Sweat and Heat
As your body temperature rises during sleep, you may sweat more than you realize. Sweat mixes with bacteria and dead skin cells on your face, clogging pores and worsening acne. The warmth of your bed also creates a humid environment that bacteria thrive in, making nighttime an ideal breeding ground for acne-causing microorganisms.
Reduced Immune Response
Your immune system naturally weakens during sleep, making it harder for your body to fight off bacteria that cause acne. While sleep is essential for healing, the temporary reduction in immune function during the early stages of sleep means your skin is less able to combat acne-causing bacteria during nighttime hours.
Nighttime Skincare Mistakes
How you care for your skin before bed matters significantly. If you wash your face too aggressively or use harsh products, you can damage your skin barrier. When your skin barrier is compromised, it produces more oil to compensate, which can lead to increased acne. Additionally, using heavy or comedogenic products at night can clog pores while you sleep for extended periods.
Hormonal Fluctuations
For many people, particularly women, hormonal fluctuations follow a daily cycle. Certain hormones peak at different times of day, and for some individuals, nighttime hormonal shifts can trigger increased sebum production and inflammation. This is especially true for people with hormonal acne, which often appears along the jawline and chin.
What You Can Do
To minimize nighttime acne worsening, maintain a consistent sleep schedule and aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep. Wash your pillowcase regularly and consider using a clean pillowcase every night. Use gentle, non-comedogenic skincare products in the evening, and avoid picking at acne before bed. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help reduce cortisol levels. If acne persists despite these efforts, consult a dermatologist to rule out underlying hormonal imbalances or other skin conditions.
Sources
https://int.livhospital.com/cause-acne-acne/
https://www.advanceddermatologypc.com/conditions/acne/
