If you think acne affects only teenagers, then think again. It commonly strikes adults on a daily basis. It can be overwhelming to start noticing breakouts of pimples, blackheads, or zits all over your face and you might not know what to do first.
Before you do anything else, visit or call your local, trusted pharmacist. Licensed pharmacists are always knowledgeable about skin products and will know which products will bring acne relief and which ones won't. Most pharmacists are very willing to help. If you don't already know one, try your local WalMart.
While you are at WalMart, check out some of the available natural remedies and products they have displayed near the pharmacy. Many natural products claim to completely cure your acne. Any good drugstore will also have displays of various supplements claiming to help with acne relief.
Educate yourself on the different causes of acne and you may discover what is causing your own skin to break out. Acne research is lengthy and still ongoing so experts are not absolutely certain about the precise causes of acne. There are a few possible causes, however, that everyone seems to be in agreement on.
Medications
Some medications, such as steroids, barbiturates, and anti-seizure drugs, are thought to contribute to skin disorders. Don't stop taking your prescribed medications, though, before first checking with your physician to see if they could be causing your acne.
Emotional Stress
Increasing evidence suggests that stress may contribute to acne and other skin problems. If you are stressed, try developing an exercise program and following it regularly. Exercise is a proven stress-buster.
Chocolate
Chocolate has not yet been proven to cause acne. Many people insist that eating chocolate will make you break out in pimples but no amount of research has ever proven this theory to be true.
Cosmetics
Since acne is triggered by plugged or blocked pores, we can safely assume that make-up and other cosmetic products containing oil will contribute to acne. Even "safe" products (those that are hypoallergenic and oil-free) may contribute to blackheads or zits because they cover up the skin. Any cosmetic product applied to the skin has the potential to clog the pores and interfere with acne treatment.
Frequently Scrubbing your Face
Acne-prone skin should always be kept clean, but only mild products should be used
to wash it gently. Many people are under the impression that they should scrub their skin using harsh soaps when they have acne but this only aggravates and worsens the condition.
Pollution
High humidity and other unnatural environmental conditions (i.e. smog, fog) can promote acne as well as other disorders. If skin is exposed to humid conditions for a prolonged period of time, swelling occurs (which blocks the pores, thereby contributing to acne).
Dietary habits
Many people notice that certain foods they eat cause their acne to flare up. Your dietary habits can certainly contribute to breakouts and you should note the products causing the most problems so that you can avoid them in the future.
Common food culprits thought to worsen acne include fats and dairy products. Diets rich in zinc should be beneficial if you have acne. Taking zinc supplements is one alternative you might consider for the relief or treatment of acne.
