REASON FOR ACNE
Acne is a very common skin condition that causes pimples mostly on the face, forehead, chest, shoulders and upper back. There are a variety of causes including genetics, fluctuating hormone levels, stress, high humidity and using oily or greasy personal care products. Acne commonly affects teenagers but can occur at any age. Puberty is a common cause of acne. About 8 in 10 preteens and teens experience it. (1) But hormones aren’t the only thing to blame for those pesky pimples. So if you thought you left breakouts and blemishes behind with that first crush, think again. Cosmetics, your skin-care regimen, and lifestyle choices may also be to blame, as well as factors you’ve never considered. Your hairstyle matters too: Bangs make acne worse by bringing skin-clogging hair products right against your forehead.
1) Frequent cosmetic usage
You might experiment with several new skin-care products a year. That’s good for the cosmetics industry but bad for your skin.
- Switching products or adding a new one before giving it a chance to work “challenges your skin with new preservatives and active ingredients, which can be irritating and cause breakouts". Pore-clogging cosmetics can combine with your natural skin oil to cause breakouts called acne. The problem isn’t only the products, but also how you remove the makeup (i.e) Frank warns.
2) A Diet High in Processed Food and Refined Carbs May Lead to Acne
As teens, we believed that greasy grub and chocolate cake caused our pimples. And that might hold true for you know that you’re an adult. The latest scientific evidence suggests that high-carb diets may predispose you to acne. Specifically, diets high in refined carbohydrates (“white” foods including white bread and white pasta, along with crackers, cake, and cookies) that are high on the glycemic index may increase the development and severity of breakouts, yet more research is needed. The glycemic index is a scale that gauges how much a certain food can affect blood sugar levels. Dairy products have been shown in multiple studies to increase levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which can trigger or worsen acne breakouts. One of the most triggering forms of dairy is cow's milk, especially low-fat milk, which contains a large amount of progesterone-like hormones and has a higher sugar content” than full-fat milk.
3) Stress Is Accompanied by Hormonal Changes That Increase Your Risk for Acne
Stress can worsen acne by leading to a release of inflammatory chemicals called neuropeptides and hormonal changes. Even “good” stress, like getting ready for a big event, might trigger breakouts. That’s why a huge pimple pops up on your wedding day or before a big date.
4) Cell Phones Can Transfer Acne-Causing Bacteria to Your Face
Throughout the day, you expose your cell phone to surfaces with bacteria on them, and when you talk on the phone, you put these bacteria close to your mouth. Plus, if you’re constantly on your cell phone (or regular phone, for that matter), rubbing it against your face can lead to “acne mechanics,” which is pimples caused by friction. (9,19) That bacteria transfer can also happen when you touch your face after texting on your cell phone.
5) Dry Skin, Like Oily Skin, Is Also a Possible Culprit for Breakouts of Acne
It’s true that oily skin is the cause of bad breakouts, but so is the other extreme. Dry skin can have microscopic cracks and fissures in which bacteria can multiply and cause acne.
HOW TO CONTROL ACNE
1) Moisturize
Many acne products contain ingredients that dry the skin, so always use a moisturizer that minimizes dryness and skin peeling. Look for "comedogenic" on the label, which means it should not cause acne. There are moisturizers made for oily, dry, or combination skin.
2) Use makeup sparingly
During a breakout, avoid wearing foundation, powder, or blush. If you do wear makeup, wash it off at the end of the day. If possible, choose oil-free cosmetics without added dyes and chemicals. Choose makeup that is labelled as "comedogenic," meaning it should not cause acne. Read the ingredients list on the product label before buying.
3) Keep your hands off your face.
Avoid touching your face or propping your cheek or chin on your hands. Not only can you spread bacteria, you can also irritate the already inflamed facial skin. Never pick or pop pimples with your fingers, as it can lead to infection and scarring.
4) Stay out of the sun.
The sun's ultraviolet rays can increase inflammation and redness and can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark discoloration). Some acne medications may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a broad-brimmed hat. Whether you have pimples or not, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with 6% zinc oxide or higher and SPF 30 or higher at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Look for "comedogenic" on the sunscreen label to make new pimples less likely. Read the ingredients on the product label to know what you're putting on your skin.
5) Feed your skin.
Most experts agree that certain foods, like chocolate, don't cause pimples. Still, it makes sense to avoid greasy food and junk food and add more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet. Dairy products and foods high in processed sugar may trigger acne. Avoid these.
You must be logged in to post a comment.