1. Excess Oil production

If you have oily skin, then the chances of you getting acne are extremely high. Once there is excess sebum, it clogs your pores; once bacteria starts growing in a clogged pore, that’s when acne appears on your skin. Alternately dead skin or trapped hair follicles leads to blackheads and whiteheads as well.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is one of the many factors that can give rise to acne. During puberty, Androgens cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and create more sebum—which then leads to acne. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives also can affect sebum production. In certain cases, PCOD can be one of the major causes of acne.

3. Diet

Diet always plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. Food items such as dairy, sugar, and carbs-rich products such as milk, bread, bagel, chocolates, chips, and deep-fried food can worsen acne. While we know it ain’t easy to give all up, try to control portion size and have a balanced diet to keep acne in check.

4. Stress

Stress always affects our skin more than you think. That is why your skin looks perfect when you are on a vacay more than when you are toughing it out at work. The best way to work around stress is to indulge in calming activities such as meditation and yoga that will help manage your stress levels more effectively. PS: Don’t forget to breathe when everything gets a tad too overwhelming.

5. Genetics

Unfortunately, this is just one thing that you really don’t have any control over. If your parents had/have acne, chances are you might have them too.

When pimples are popping up or you're about to lose them over dry skin and dark spots, your first instinct might be to reach for your wallet. But what if the secret to glowing skin could be found in your kitchen?  

 

 

If you’ve ever been to a spa, you’ve likely put cucumber slices on your eyes to reduce puffiness — and they may not be a sham treatment.

A past review suggests that cucumbers can have a soothing effect on the skin, reducing irritation, swelling, and pain. Hence, they can potentially relieve inflammation specifically associated with acne.

In the case of acne, “inflammation develops within the oil gland and follicle, leading to red, angry bumps in the skin,” explains Dr. Zeichner. When acne develops deep within the skin, “a cyst may develop and become filled with oil. If the cyst wall ruptures and the oil becomes exposed to the deeper skin layers, a robust inflammatory reaction often occurs,” he says.

Although more research is needed, evidence published in April 2015 in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology suggested that fermented dairy products like yogurt may promote skin health. Yogurt is also a probiotic, which has been shown to inhibit C. acnes.

To make the mask, combine 1 tsp of brewer's yeast with a little plain yogurt to create a thin mixture. Cook-Bolden says, "Apply it thoroughly to all the oily areas and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water; then use cold water to close the pores."

Green tea is high in antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation in the skin.

Green tea contains high concentrations of a group of polyphenol antioxidants called catechins.

Most people with acne have too much sebum, or natural body oils, in their pores and not enough antioxidants.

Antioxidants help the body break down chemicals and waste products that can damage healthy cells. Green tea may help clear out some of the debris and waste that has built up in open acne sores.

Green tea also contains compounds that may help to:

reduce the skin’s sebum production

reduce P. acnes

reduce inflammation

 Coconut oil

 Like other natural remedies, coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds.

These properties mean that coconut oil may destroy acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness and swelling of pimples. Coconut oil may also speed up healing in open acne sores.

Grapes are a refreshing snack, whether eaten plain as a snack, halved as a salad topping, or frozen as a healthy dessert. But grapes likely don’t come to mind when you think of acne treatments.

Yet according to an article published in April 2016 in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, resveratrol in the skin of red grapes may exhibit bactericidal activity against Cutibacterium acnes. formerly called Propionibacterium acnes, C. acnes is a bacteria in the sebaceous glands that contributes to acne. 

People may want to talk to their doctor if their acne sores are:

very painful

often infected

deep under the skin

not responding to home treatment

covering a large area of skin

causing emotional distress