Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, this skin disease occurs as hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin.

They manifest as blackheads or whiteheads, pimples, greasy skin, and sometimes even scarring.

White heads:

This type is most likely the result of underexfoliating: When you’re not sloughing off dead skin cells effectively, they can pile up on the skin’s surface and block your pores, which leads to a buildup of oil and those whiteheads.

Pimples:

Pimples are often caused by hormones – for instance, cortisol, a hormone that flares up when you’re stressed and causes inflammation and excess oiliness. But it’s also no myth that breakouts can be linked to your menstrual cycle. In the days right before your period, your estrogen levels nosedive while your testosterone (an androgen that cranks up oil production) holds steady. All that excess oil can block hair follicles and lead to deep, red pimples.

Black heads:

If you have acne, chances are pretty good that you also tend to get blackheads—they’re caused by oil and debris that has darkened within clogged pores.

Scarring:

Picking is a major skin sin; it can spread bacteria, cause additional breakouts, and even lead to permanent scarring.

Causes:

The main causes for acne are

Causes:

The main causes for acne are

1. Hormonal Imbalance:
   • PCOS
   • Insulin Resistance
   • Stress
2. Inflammation:
   • Exposure to dust
   • UV rays
   • Overuse of skin care products
   • Gut issues like constipation
   • Fatty diet

Simple ways to get rid of acne:

• Cut down on fried (basically oily) foods, dairy products, white bread and pasta
• Use scarves while outside and a helmet while driving to protect your face from pollution
• Drink lots of water
• Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Try to thoroughly cleanse your face once a month to remove dead skin and control oil secretion
• Wash and rinse your face at least twice daily

Myths about Acne:

What you eat doesn’t affect your skin

We wish! Unfortunately, skimmed milk (when all the cream is removed from whole milk) and refined carbs like white bread, pasta, chips, and cornflakes might actually make acne worse. Include more fruits and veggies instead of oily, sugary junk food!

Sweat causes pimples

Exercise is great for skin, but what about the sweat you work up while you work out? It does not directly cause acne, but a build-up of dirt, germs, and oil on sweaty skin can lead to breakouts. It’s always a good idea to keep your skin clean after your workouts!

If you have pimples, stay off the makeup

You don’t have to miss out because of a breakout. Makeup labelled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic”, (meaning it won’t clog pores), is great for covering up spots. Just don’t forget to wash everything off before going to bed!

The sun is good for pimples

Quite the opposite! Aside from increasing your risk of skin disorders and early wrinkling, the sun’s UV rays can dry out skin. Your body reacts by producing more oil, which can lead to breakouts. Remember this the next time you think of skipping the sunscreen.

Breakouts just mean you don’t wash your face enough

Washing your face twice a day is more than enough. As with UV rays, washing your face too often can dry out your skin, trigger more oil production, and lead to even more pimples!