Pimples and acne are as much a health issue as beauty blight; a sigh that is something is not right below the surface. Though the exact cause is not known, there are many ways to nip this problem in its tracks. Skincare routine, genetics and hormones, and the kind of daily environmental onslaughts we are exposed are all likely to nurture the formation of acne.

Oh those Hormones!

Hormones give us our gender characteristics and help us in more ways than one. During puberty, the body undergoes a transformation. The skin on the face too undergoes this process, thus resulting in oilier skin. This is caused by androgens. The sebaceous glands produce extra oil and this oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria on the skin's surface. Pores are blocked and bacteria multiply, causing inflammation. Result? The dreaded word Acne! Teenagers are the traditional sufferers of acne but acne affects adults too. Monthly female cycles and pregnancy may contribute to acne. 
 

Like Father, Like Son!
 
If your parents suffered or suffer from acne, chances are you will be suffering from it too. Many studies have been conducted to support this claim. Though not genetically linked, the children of acne sufferers are more often than not, acne sufferers themselves.

Other Factors
 
Pill Popper
Certain drugs like anti depressants and relaxants worsen acne. The same rings true with lithium and certain forms of steroids.
 

Colour me Beautiful
Cosmetics with pore clogging ingredients and oils clog pores. They don’t allow the skin to breath and affect the over-production of sebum. Opt for oil free and non comodogenic cosmetics instead.

Over-abrasive cleansing
Over cleaning facial skin can dry out skin. Exfoliants with harsh and abrasive beads also aggravate the skin. As such, please stick to gentle scrubs and DO NOT scrub infected areas.

Flare Up Factors
 
Below are some factors that can also cause acne to flare up and rear its ugly head.

Exercise
Its not that exercise that makes you break out. It’s the sweat as it can mix with dirt, oil and bacteria, leading to breakouts.

Hairline breakouts
Ditch your oil based hair lotions and styling creams. Use instead oil free and pore clogging products.

Hanging on your handphones often
Wash off your handphone several times a week by wiping it down with a tiny bit of alcohol or disinfecting wipes. Result? Chin and cheeks will remain acne free!

Hats off!
Love the snug fitting clothes but hate the fact it may cause body acne to worsen? And have u ever noticed how wearing a helmet leaves you feeling hot and sweaty? All these encourage breakouts and clog pores. Friction and pressure against skin are acne stimulants.

Environmental hazards
If you work in a garage or a humid factory, you may find that breakouts are a common thing. It goes without saying that oil clogs pores.

Do stub out the Butts
Smoking breaks down collagen that keeps you smooth. It cuts out oxygen flow to the skin by as much as 30%, giving your faced a lifeless appearance and worsening acne.

Do watch the booze
Happy hours every other day? Even a few glasses of alcohol can dry out skin and over stimulate the production of sebum.

Scrub a Dub-Dub!
Avoid heavy and hard-handed scrubbing at all costs! This causes infections and leads to scarring. 
 
Watch Your Diet!
Though not directly linked to acne, certain foods can affect acne flare ups.
 
Read on the next article: Types of Acne