Know what is secretly triggering your acne

Dr Blossom Kochhar

Acne is the most common skin disorder which predictably occurs first during the teenage years. Researches state that over 70 per cent adolescents are affected by a recognisable form of acne.
A lot of research has been done on acne, but there still is no conclusive medical theory as to what really causes it. However, the visible acne in the form of blackheads and whiteheads is closely associated with hyper activity of the oil glands and congestion of the skin pores. Seborrhea or excessive oiliness on the skin surface is the general precondition to the formation of acne.
While we might have googled many times how to treat acne but what we don’t collect information on is why do get acne. Before looking into the solution first let us look at what is causing the trouble and maybe we will be able to completely avoid acne but at least not do things that can trigger it.

Prolonged stress and anxiety
Stress is one reason which is the least visible but can cause maximum damage. While we are in distress our digestive system is not able to perform to its capability which leads to problems in our stomach which ultimately reflects on our skin in the form of acne. For example, students appearing for examinations have to cope with a sudden outbreak of acne.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency
A highly inflammatory form of acne is not uncommon amongst anaemic women who require frequent doses of Vitamin B12. The eight B vitamins are necessary for nearly every process within the body. They help turn food into energy and affect the health of our nervous system, metabolism, organs, muscles, skin, and hair. They’re also essential for cell growth, development, and overall functioning. As such, they offer serious benefits to skin health, since our skin is constantly regenerating. The healthier your skin, the faster it renews.

Use of Wrong Cosmetics
Unfortunately, some of the skin creams, make-up, products contain derivatives of fatty acids and oils which are potent acne-stimulants. The biggest culprits amongst the skin care products are the vanishing creams which have a high absorption rate. While buying makeup it is extremely important to see its ingredients, you might find some ingredients which are not suitable for your skin or make your face oily which leads to formation of bacteria on your face leading to acne.
Another thing you have to be careful about while using makeup to check the expiry date of your make up products. Many times we feel that so much product is left and we continue using it, but there Is a reason that’s why an expiry date is mentioned on the product, the ingredients in it have a definite lifespan and over usage can lead to adverse effects on your skin.

Continual Touch and Picking
We all have that nagging feeling of touching our pimple to see if it has reduced in size but by touching it again and again, we are aggravating it as our hands have so much bacteria on it which acts as a fodder for acne.  An n-going irritation, pressure applied, picking, wearing tight sweat bands and rubbing increase the acne and heighten the risk of scarring.

Cooking and Fried food
Fried, oily food is one of the biggest culprits for acne. Oily food clog our pores, doesn’t let our skin breathe and the result is acne prone skin. Household women cooking heavy and deep-fried food are exposed to flying grease or oil particles in the air and fumes; it can worsen their acne condition.

Hot and Humid Weather
Intense heat and humidity often lead to excessive sweating. This coupled with low evaporation of sweat irritates the acne condition. It is very important to keep your face clean at all times and follow a good skin care routine.

Iodine-Rich Foods and Drugs
Spinach, toothpastes, asthmas and cold remedies contain iodides, bromides and fluorides. Research shows they adversely affect the acne condition.

Hysterectomy and Menopause
In these conditions, the level of oestrogen in women drops, resulting in an out of proportion dominance of androgen. Sometimes this results in an outbreak of acne and hairiness. Though these situations are inevitable there are medicines which you can take after consulting your doctor.

Hormonal changes
Androgen is a type of hormone, the levels of which rise when adolescence begins. In women, it gets converted into oestrogen. Rising androgen levels cause the oil glands under the skin to grow. The enlarged gland produces more sebum. Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in the pores, causing bacteria to grow.

Family history with acne
If one of your parents or another close blood relative had deep, painful pimples, you have a greater risk of developing this type of acne.

Smoking is a reason too
People who smoke have more chances of getting acne as due to the smoke the pores of our skin get clogged and the dirt goes deep into the skin and causes irritation leading to rashes and acne.

Dr Blossom Kochhar is Founder and Chairperson of Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies