Tips to Prevent Acne

There are a lot of myths surrounding the causes of acne. One of the more persistent ones is that oily and sweet foods are a cause. One of the reasons this persists is that non-western cultures (which means a non-western diet) tend to have a much lower incidence of acne among their members. As yet, there has been no scientific evidence to back up this belief, but a healthy diet is a boon to all of your bodies systems and organs, including the largest organ, your skin.

There are some things that can make acne worse. Here is a list of some of them.

Oily and gel-based hair care products, or those that are used to de-frizz hair, can aggravate or cause acne. If you use any of these products on your hair and pimples and blackheads appear near your hairline, chances are this is the cause.

Some derivatives of petroleum, such as crude oil, metalworking oils, or cutting oils can lead to acne. Also, coal tar products like coal tar oils and Creosote can as well. These products produce a type of acne called "occupational acne". If you come in frequent contact with these products, take care to keep them from contacting the skin. Make sure that you protect those areas that might come into contact with any of these products and wash any areas that do.

High humidity and excess sweating can cause skin oil to block the pores. Frequent wiping of sweat off the skin can irritate it and aggravate the problem.

Sub-blocks and suntan oils can worsen acne or in some cases cause it.

A common form of acne called acne cosmetica is acne caused by cosmetics. This mild form is strictly the result of the topical application of these products and not due to the normal bodily processes that produce acne. Even if cosmetics don't cause this type of acne they can sometimes make existing acne worse. Stopping the use of the problem cosmetic usually makes it go away.

Acne sometimes forms or worsens in pregnant women. Sometimes though acne is improved by pregnancy.

Tight fitting clothing or other items worn tightly on the body can cause pimples. This type, known as "acne mechanica", can be the result of covered skin, constant pressure, repeated rubbing, or heat. The acne appears at the place where the contact is made. Some of the causes are: · Helmets or helmet straps.
· Straps like those on backpacks.
· Shoulder pads.
· Straps used by soldiers for equipment and weapons.
· Headbands.
· Tight, synthetic uniforms.
· Bra straps.

This type is usually easily remedied. Wear cotton T-shirts under uniforms. Shower after any activity (sports, etc.) where any of these items are worn, and avoid wearing them when possible.

Any condition with elevated hormone levels such as stress can be a problem for acne sufferers. If you're prone to stress, find some stress-reducing activity (meditation, quiet contemplation are 2 examples) to alleviate it. Of course, there are more serious implications for stress and so other important reasons for reducing it.

To further help reduce or prevent acne there are several steps that can help. Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap, but don't wash too often as it will dry and irritate the skin. Avoid touching your face and especially avoid squeezing or picking pimples. Wash your hands before applying makeup. Use oil-free makeup when possible.

Finally, don't let acne get you down. Most people have it some at some point in their lives. With today's available treatments and some precaution and persistence on your part, you can almost certainly get a handle on your acne.

Stephanie McIntyre has been a Platinum eBay Powerseller, an eBay Trading Assistant as well as an Educational Assistant trained by eBay. Her company, eSales Unlimited Inc. specializes in training small business owners in using eBay as an additional revenue stream. She maintains a site with information on selling on eBay.