Information for You

It's not known what causes the increased production of sebum that leads to acne. But certain things — including hormones, bacteria, some medications and heredity may play a role.

Contrary to general opinion, foods have little effect on acne. Acne also isn't caused by dirt. In fact, scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can make acne worse. Hormonal changes in your body can provoke or aggravate acne.

Such changes are common in: 

• Teenagers, both in boys and girls
• Women and girls several days before their periods
• Pregnant women
• People using certain medications

Other risk factors include:

• Direct skin exposure to greasy or oily substances, or to certain cosmetics
• Heredity — if your parents had acne, you may have it too 
• Friction or pressure on your skin caused by items such as telephones or cell phones, hats, collars and backpacks ...

To be continued ...

Other useful information

09.10.09:

23.06.09: Acne (Part I) Acne can be distressing and annoyingly persistent. The lesions heal slowly, when some heal, the new ones appear. So if you decide to struggle with them by yourself the battle will be long-lasting.