That Crazy Thing Called Acne

Everyone hates that 4 letter word! If you're lucky you never have to worry about acne but for most of us it's inevitable.

Acne always seems to rear it's ugly head when you don't want it....not that we ever want it.

Acne is the visible end result of hormonal, bacterial and inflammatory disturbances that take place at the level of the oil pore (pilosebaceous follicle).

The number one cause of acne is the production of sex hormones, known as androgen, that begins at puberty. This is why majority of acne sufferers are adolescents and teens. Hormones are responsible for acne flare-ups during menstruation and pregnancy.

Stress can also cause the production of hormones, such as cortisol, which can aggravate acne.

Make-up clogs the pores and oily make-up adds more oil, which only adds to the problem if oily skin already exists.

Vitamins are good for your body, but an excess of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can cause acne flare-ups. These vitamins are good for the skin, but shouldn't be overused.

For some people, a diet that is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can actually aggravate their acne. (NOTE: Diet does not cause the acne!)

Harsh exfoliators can damage skin and spread infections. Picking and squeezing can actually send the infection deeper into the skin and can cause scarring.

Environmental irritants such as high humidity and pollution can cause acne.

Want a few tips on how to avoid that 4 letter word? Follow these 8 simple steps for preventing acne and keeping your skin clean, beautiful and at it's healthiest:

1. Remove every trace of make-up/cosmetic on your face. Use cotton ball and moisturizing cream to avoid damaging your skin.

2. Use lukewarm water. If you make it too hot, you will dehydrate your skin, making it more prone to damage. If it's too cold, it can dry your skin.

3. Stay away from strong or harsh soaps/cleansers. Strong soaps can dry your skin and strip off natural lipids. Choose a product with the least amount of chemical additives.

4. Rinse face well to remove all residue of soap or cleanser. Residues left behind can actually clog your pores. Rinse several times.

5. Massage face by mildly rotating upwards. Remember that hard rubbing will actually do more harm than good.

6. Pat dry with soft, non-abrasive towel. Never rub your face.

7. Use a toner on your face. Toning makes your face feel smooth and refreshed and helps to reduce and tighten pores.

8. Finish off with a moisturizer to replenish the natural oils that have been lost. Moisturizing is a must. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing.