The environment and weather you spend most of your time in largely contributes to your skin condition. Humidity and unclean environment makes you more susceptible to acne vulgaris. Besides external environmental factors, personal hygiene is equally important.

There are certain medical conditions wherein acne is one of the symptoms amongst many others. Diabetes, thyroid problems, PCOD (polycystic ovarian syndrome), Jacob’s syndrome etc are few diseases characterized by acne. Under these conditions, it is more important to focus on the root cause and not just treat acne because unless the main problem is addressed, acne would keep coming back.

Certain drugs are known to cause acne as a potential side effect. Sedative drugs, corticosteroids, mood stabilizing drugs, anabolic-androgenic steroids commonly used by athletes, and anti-aging hormone drugs are most common drugs that can cause acne as a side effect.

Most cosmetics that you use are laden with harmful chemicals. Therefore, they may actually worsen your acne condition. A number of skin products are comodegenic and clog pores. This aggravates acne vulgaris. It is advisable to avoid oil based make up and beauty products and use hypoallergenic products. Water based and mineral based skin care products are good for people prone to acne.

It is truly said that what you eat is what you look like. In other words, what you feed your body, shows outside. Apart from vitamin and mineral deficiencies, wrong food can trigger acne condition. Dairy products are common culprits because they contain androgen hormones. These hormones are responsible for over production of sebum. Other known triggers that cause acne break outs are desserts, chocolates, coffee, soy, corn, wheat, oily and greasy food.

Acne can often be a result of certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Following vitamins and minerals are especially required in adequate quantity for healthy and glowing skin:

a. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an important vitamin that builds up the protective tissue of the skin. It is known to decrease production of sebum, thereby preventing the development of acne. Vitamin A is also an important antioxidant that helps in eliminating stress. Some of the foods that contain good amount of this essential vitamin are sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, carrots, pepper and liver.

b. Vitamin C

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is known to improve immunity and is great for the skin. It helps fight against infections and reduces stress. Vitamin C is adequately found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, green chillies, guavas, green leafy veggies, etc.

c. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an essential vitamin that helps in rejuvenating the skin. It is responsible for the glow and sheen of your skin. It is also responsible in retaining skin elasticity and moisture and eliminating free radicals that result from cellular metabolism. Vitamin E also helps in diminishing acne scars. This vitamin is found in sunflower seeds, paprika, almonds, nuts, peanuts, etc.

d. Omega-3 fatty acids

These are known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Flax seeds, salmon and walnuts are excellent sources of natural omega 3 fatty acids.

e. Zinc: Zinc reduces inflammation and balances the immune system. It also regulates hormonal levels. Some of the foods rich in zinc are oysters, wheat germ, veal liver, sesame seeds, low fat beef etc.

Stress is inevitable and can play havoc to one’s physical, emotional and mental health. The skin has nerve endings that release chemicals called neuropeptides. These chemicals are typical stress-induced chemicals. Under stress, there is more release of these chemicals in order to protect the immune system. This process causes inflammation in the skin and that is one of the most common causes of acne.

Effective stress management techniques like walking, yoga, tai chi, relaxation therapies, massages, hypnosis, etc work really well in enhancing your over all well being.

Stress is inevitable and can play havoc to one’s physical, emotional and mental health. The skin has nerve endings that release chemicals called neuropeptides. These chemicals are typical stress-induced chemicals. Under stress, there is more release of these chemicals in order to protect the immune system. This process causes inflammation in the skin and that is one of the most common causes of acne.

Over secretion of natural oil attracts more bacteria which in turn aggravates the condition. This type of acne is known as Propionbacterium Acne. These bacteria are otherwise non-pathogenic, but when the skin is contaminated with dirt and oil, they cause skin infection commonly known as acne vulgaris. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat bacteria infused acne.

Sometimes, it just runs in the blood. A person is more likely to suffer from acne if it is a hereditary predisposition. As per scientific studies, any person who has first degree relatives who have acne is 3% to 4% more likely to develop acne.

Androgen hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands thereby causing them to get enlarged and secrete sebum. This natural oil then rises to the top of hair follicles and surfaces onto the skin. Overproduction of sebum is a normal phenomenon during adolescence, menstruation and pregnancy. Accumulation of sebum causes different types of acne lesions.