Experiencing problems with acne can be very frustrating and embarrassing. That’s why it’s important to remember a few simple facts. First of all, virtually everyone experiences this type of issue at some point or another. Secondly, when cared for properly, most acne does not cause long-term skin damage. And finally, though some acne is unavoidable, you can do yourself a big favor by following a simple anti-acne regimen. In this article, we will discuss a few of the most common causes of acne, along with a few important solutions that you can put into effect.
● Hormones. One of the main factors that contributes to acne problems is hormonal imbalances that lead to overproduction of oil on the skin. This is why teenagers are especially susceptible to acne breakouts.
● Diet. The food you eat can make acne problems more likely. However, the main dietary culprit is not grease, as is commonly believed, but rather, simple sugars.
● Environment. Here’s another caveat to that last point: being in a greasy environment (say, working at a fast food restaurant) can indeed lead to acne breakouts.
● Stress. As you may be aware, stress is bad for the body in many ways. Acne is just another risk on a very long list of problems that can be caused or contributed to by stress.
● Certain skin products. When choosing makeup, sunscreen, and other topical skin products, always ensure that they are non-comedogenic, AKA non-acne causing.
● Clogged pores. As you’ve probably noticed, most of these risk factors listed above are problematic because they can lead to the pores of the skin becoming clogged--which is itself the most common direct cause of acne.
What can I do to reduce breakouts?
Here are a few simple steps you can take:
● Make lifestyle changes. Consider which of the following factors listed above may be contributing to your acne breakouts. Many of them can be altered in one way or another. For example, you may need to consider making changes to your diet, adopting stress management techniques, or switching to non-comedogenic skincare products.
● Use a medication-strength cleanser. In addition to making changes for a healthier lifestyle, using a medication-strength cleanser, or a cleanser and moisturizer combo, can also help prevent the buildup of oil and dead skin cells responsible for most acne breakouts.
● Visit your dermatologist. If you have tried all of the recommendations above and your symptoms are still not improving, your dermatologist may be able to recommend an alternative course of action.
Skinstyle.com has a comprehensive selection of highly effective acne cleansers and products. It's a great place to start!