Acne causing factors
Breakouts occur for many different reasons. Here is a list of the most popular culprits in which I hope you find helpful:
Genetics Did either of your parents or any other members of your family suffer with acne in the past? Asking them what helped for them may help you.
Cosmetics/Products Many products on the market contain synthetic ingredients that could either clog your pores or irritate your skin so do the research and know what you're putting on your face.
Lack of Sleep & stress are two major factors that cause breakouts. I believe yoga and meditation will help with both of these, but everyone has their own way to decompress so choose whats best for you.
A spike in insulin When insulin levels increase, so does the production of oil and skin cells. With a combination like that, your pores are bound to clog. Dairy products as well as high glycemic foods (sugar, white rice, potatoes, anything with white flour) may possibly be the cause. Try eliminating these foods for a couple weeks reintroducing them one by one and you may find the answers that you're looking for.
Fatty/oily foods Many studies have shown that oil production is indeed linked with fat. Not all fat is bad but it's much better to avoid the hydrogenated and saturated varieties. Makes sense right? Greasy food causes greasy skin!
Food allergy related breakouts are not as common but maybe that's because people aren't aware their breakout is food related. It also doesn't show up right away either occurring usually 4 or 5 days after you've eaten a particular food. Popular food allergies to take into consideration are dairy, gluten, and iodine.
Hormones When my clients experience breakouts in the chin area and/or jaw line, I know it has something to do with their hormones. Menstruation, puberty, pregnancy and menopause could all knock hormones out of whack. Male hormones called androgens that are sometimes added to both dairy and meat, like insulin, can also cause a spike in both sebum and skin cell production. Probiotics, Vitamins A, C, B-Complex vitamins, zinc, and Omega-3's can all help.
Toxins that build up in your system with no release can cause the type of acne related to kidneys, liver, and intestines. Certain foods (causing constipation) as well as pollution, smoke, and alcohol are all factors. Exercise is a great way to release these toxins, as well as saunas and steam rooms. Sweating is the key. Our skin is the largest organ of the body so if you know its bad for your health, it's got to be bad for your skin.
P-Acne is the name of the bacteria which causes acne. It lives on everyone's skin, but when there's an over-production of sebum and skin cells, this bacteria will grow and thrive causing breakouts. Benzol Peroxide with kill the bacteria, and exfoliating sloughs away the accumulated skin cells. You can also reduce insulin spiking foods from your diet as suggested above.
Dry, sensitized, and irritated skin Disturbing the skin's barrier by irritation or sensitization will cause trauma to the P-Acne bacteria living on your skin, resulting in acne. This is why you should never use soap and harsh surfactants or scrubs (apricot scrub) on your face. A common myth is if you dry your skin out, you can get rid of the acne but it is important to know that by doing this, you are actually causing your skin to overproduce sebum to make up for it!
Bacteria can also be picked up from outside sources so always wipe down your phones, change your sheets/pillowcases regularly, clean makeup brushes often, wash/disinfect your hands and always remember, DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE!