What makes acne worse?

Acne may affect some of us more emotionally and deeply than what is apparent on the skin surface. Our faces define us as individuals and are the presenting feature with which we interact with those around us. By affecting the face, acne can directly affect self-image by making us look and feel unattractive — which leads to embarrassment, lack of self-confidence and lowered self esteem.

1-     Hormones: It is now well established that androgenic hormones leading to pore blockage and increased oil production in acne. Pore blockage leads to buildup of oil within the pore (blackheads and whiteheads). As the oil becomes blocked in the pore, bacteria start to grow, leading to inflamed red bumps or “zits” (papules, pustules). Some of these large sacs of oil may rupture, causing large red lumps (nodules).

2-     Scrubbing: If you scrub with an abrasive soap or pick at your skin or rub it too much, the walls of the pores may break and cause more pimples. Squeezing or popping blackheads and whiteheads usually causes more problems, including scars. Too much washing (more than 2 or 3 times a day) can make your skin dry and cause the oil glands to work harder.

3-     Certain foods: Foods like chocolate, sweets, colas, and fried foods do not make acne worse. But if a certain food does seem to make acne worse, try eliminating it for a few weeks and see if that helps. New studies suggest that milk products may worsen acne in some patients.

4-     Certain make up / hair care products: Some types of makeup may block pores; a water-based, oil-free makeup is best. Moisturizers containing oil may also make acne worse. Avoid oil-based moisturizers and cocoa butter. Also, do not use any greasy makeup removers. Similarly, hair length and grooming products such as conditioners, gels and hairspray may contribute to acne by blocking pores. Damp hair can also contribute to acne if allowed to come into contact with the neck, back, and shoulders for long periods of times.

5-     Psychological / mental stress: Psychological factors (stress, negative emotions) can influence the generation and aggravation of skin disorders, which can result in some skin diseases especially acne.  In addition, environmental toxicity can also aggravate acne. 

Considering the aggravating role of the above mentioned factors in acne, acne prevention may be achieved by avoiding these aggravating factors which can block pores, especially some thick moisturizer creams, retained sweat or moisture under hats, pads, helmets and damp clothing.

All in all, there is no single disease which causes more psychic trauma, more maladjustment between parents and children, more general insecurity and feelings of inferiority, and greater sums of psychic suffering than does acne. You should, therefore, not only try your best to treat it but also to prevent it in the first place.