What makes Acne Worse?

• FOOD does not affect ACNE
• Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity
• puberty years - Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts
• menstruation
• oral contraceptive pills (OCP) that contain androgenic-like progestins, such as norethindrone acetate, levo/norgestrel
• medications - androgens, bromides, certain cosmetics, lithium, phenytoin, steroids
• irritation and friction from constant washng, rubbing and touching
• Oil from skin products (moisturizers or cosmetics) or grease encountered in the work environment (for example, a kitchen with fry vats)
• Pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms
• Squeezing or picking at blemishes
• Hard scrubbing of the skin
• Stress - stress doesn’t cause acne, but is know to make it worse, as stress and psychological factors are well-known to effect the immune system of people