What causes my acne breakouts?

There are very few things more frustrating than to have had clear skin, and then to develop acne "out of the blue".  Many factors go into the development of acne, including genetic infuences, hormonal influences, sometimes weather and ultraviolet radiation.  In some situations, there are persons who have hormonal abnormalities, such as Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease, that are associated with intractable acne. I refer some of my female patients with stubborn acne, to their gynecologist for a hormonal evaluation.