Acne

Acne is normally associated with puberty and teenage years, but can be embarrassed no matter what your age. Breakouts generally occur when there is a surge in the hormonal activity in the body or as a reaction to some food types. This explains why the condition is most evident in teenagers and pregnant women, but it is also not uncommon to occur in adults.

 What causes it?

Acne is essentially the blocking of the pores and mainly occur in the face, the upper chest and the back. The glands produce natural oils for the skin, but as hormones increase the production of the glands oils can also increase.  As this happens the pores of the skin will begin to become blocked with excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells, causing a bacteria to be released to try and break through the pores wall so the skin can get rid of the foreign matter. This bacteria, also produced by the sebaceous gland, is what causes the breakouts. As the bacteria reacts with the oils on the skin, it can cause an inflammation to occur and what will cause an outbreak to develop. 

How can I prevent it?

Unfortunately, in the majority of cases, only real difference between those that are affected and those that aren't, come down to family history and hormones. While there are plenty of acne creams available to help when outbreaks occur, there have been some other factors that seem to contribute or help prevent the actual onset of Acne itself. So here are some things you can do to help prevent an outbreak:

• Keep your skin clean

As an outbreak is associated with the clogging up of your pores, it helps to keep skin free of dirt and dead skin cells by following a daily skin routine, starting with Cleansing.

• Wear loose clothing

This one is important if you are exercising or tend to sweat a lot. Tight clothing can cause the back and chest pores to clog if you are producing a lot of sweat. Remember we want to keep those pores clog free.

• Use oil-free products

Especially if your skin tends to be oily all the time.

• Stay away from anabolic steroids

Unless advised by a doctor of course.

• Stress

There has been research of late that finds that breakouts can be more severe if someone is stressed, so take a deep breath and try to relax.

• The use of amphetamines or other related drugs

Just one more reason to 'just say no'.

• Cut down the soft drink, white breads and sweets

Long story short, higher blood sugar and lots of high carbohydrates can lead to events that assist in acne formation

• Eat healthily

Those with low levels of vitamin A in their blood, tend to suffer more from acne than those with higher levels, and the same goes for vitamin E, so get stuck into that healthy food.

Just to denounce one common myth, to date scientific research have not found to agree with the common myth that chocolate causes Acne breakouts.