What Causes Acne?

Diet

A study(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884775/) suggests that following a diet with a lot of processed foods and refined carbs can leave you with acne. Researchers believe foods, including cookies, cake, crackers, white pasta, and white bread, have a high glycemic index(GI) that triggers inflammation and overproduction of sebum, leading to acne.

Pore-Clogging Sunscreens

If you have acne-prone skin, forget sunscreens that are not oil-free, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Heavier sunscreens can lead to clogged pores, promoting acne.

Stress

According to one study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082169/), stress causes inflammation and hormonal changes. This can lead to severe breakouts.

What At-Home Acne Treatments Do You Approve of?

  • Tree tea oil
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Green tea
  • Honey
  • Egg whites

Which Acne Treatments Do You Disapprove of?

  • Topical antibiotics
  • Topical retinoids
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Oral antibiotics
  • Hormonal therapies

Do You Have Any Additional Tips for Treating Acne at Home?

Steer clear of coconut oil, lemon juice and baking soda. Using coconut oil can lead to clogged pores, making your acne worse. On the other hand, lemon juice can cause dry, red and irritated skin. The same can happen if you use baking soda.

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Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

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