Things that really give you acne

Acne is the bane of teenagers and many adults. It's unpleasant and shreds your social confidence like nothing else.
Some of the things that cause it you can't really grapple with, as they are a factor of your age, sex and genetics.
But other causes of acne are very much under your control. We've compiled a list of behaviours that make your skin break out, so you can address them.

Predisposition

By and large, those most susceptible to acne are people whose bodies are undergoing hormonal changes.
This includes teenagers, women in the days before they get their period, and pregnant women.
In addition, in some people acne can be caused by medications such as cortisone.
If you come from a family with a history of acne, you're likely to get it, so blame your parents.

Lifestyle factors

Accidents of age and genetics aside, you can actually be responsible for your breakouts in two main ways: with poor hygiene, or with excessive hygiene.
Here's our list of risky skin behaviours.

• You are attacking your skin with soaps and scrubs, which irritates your skin. This is unnecessary, and makes your skin dry. This in turn will stimulate oil production, which will make acne worse. Use water and a gentle cleanser to remove dead skin cells and excess oil.
• Cosmetics as such will not cause acne, but the act of applying them will contaminate your skin with bacteria in the brushes and sponges you use to apply them. Too much make up will clog your pores and irritate your skin. Cleanse your skin gently, and apply a moderate amount of make up with brushes you've cleaned thoroughly.
• Keep hair out of your face. Long hair is often full of conditioners and styling oils. If you hair is in your face, these things can rub off on your skin.
• Picking at your skin can infect it with bacteria. This is true not only for spots, but more generally. If you focus on scratching your face, the patch will soon be irritated. Let it go. Get some worry beads instead.
• Your skin can be irritated by friction caused by your mobile, a stiff piece of clothing, or a bag strap. Accessorize wisely, and keep things - such as your mobile - that are in contact with your face, clean.
• Tanning will make you look better, but it will also dry your skin, which in turn will cause it to produce more oil, which in turn will lead your skin to be more susceptible to breakouts. Go easy with the sun.
• You spend eight hours a day resting your head on your pillowcase. Keep the pillowcase - which is full of your dead skin - clean. Change it twice a week, and make sure your washing power does not leave residue on the fabric - this could also irritate your skin.
• There is no point in washing your face and then wiping it in an old towel full of bacteria. Use disposable towels to pat your face dry.
• Acne can in fact be worsened by stress, recent research suggests, as it stimulates the release of hormones which increase the production of oily substances in the skin. Be mindful of what is causing you stress, and address it.
• Diet, such as chocolate and chips, was generally thought to have no effect on acne, but scientists are studying whether high-starch foods such as bread and chips, which increase blood sugar, play a role in acne. You've been warned.