Acne is a problem that many people will struggle with over the course of their life. But it is a problem that can be addressed and treated. In almost every case proper treatment of acne will effect a change for the positive, and in most of those it will eventually clear up altogether.  But it is the causes of acne that remain a mystery to a great many people.

There are many myths and facts floating around about acne and what emerges is a very unclear picture of exactly what acne is or how it is caused.  Acne is not in fact caused by dirt as many people widely believe. Instead it is caused and affected by a variety of other factors.

Several acne factors are beyond people’s conscious control. Heredity can play a part as there is some evidence that acne runs in families. Bacteria clogging the pores are also mostly beyond a person’s control and needs to be accepted and dealt with. There are other factors which contribute to acne that can be lessened or removed by proper awareness however.

In terms of diet there a few items which have been shown to worsen the spread or severity of acne. There seems to be some evidence that dairy products can worsen acne in several people. Also, people with diets that are higher than average in terms of white and refined flours that are consumed tend towards more severe acne problems.  Products with Trans fats and/or saturated fats are fairly certain to contribute to acne problems.  It goes the other way as well with some diets being shown to help reduce acne problems.

Eating diets high in protein and low in refined sugars and carbohydrates usually help lessen the severity of acne. Fruit also has been known to have positive effects. Despite the long standing belief that chocolate and candy contribute to acne problems there is no scientific research to back up that claim.

Drinking water is important not just for overall health but also for control and prevention of acne. Drinking water keeps your system flushed and clean in general. It is very good for your skin to be properly hydrated and this can help keep out the unwanted bacteria that cause the clogs that lead to acne.

Although the diet acne connection is tenuous, there is a connection between oily and fatty foods and acne. This involves getting it on your face, not in your mouth. When we eat oily and greasy foods such as French fries or potato chips and then touch our faces without properly cleansing our hands first we are depositing that grease and oil directly onto our delicate facial skin. With many of the pores already subject to clogging and blockages this grease application only makes matters worse.

There is quite good evidence linking stress factors to acne. Stress is unhealthy and is one of the largest killers when you figure in its contribution to all fatalities. Acne isn’t fatal, but can be incredibly embarrassing, only leading to more stress, which leads to more acne. As stress has been shown to be such an influencing factor in acne, it is very important to come to terms with the stresses in your life and work through them. The lightening of the load on your mind will help your skin.

There are lots of things which can contribute to any given acne case. The important thing is to try and live an overall healthy lifestyle. Proper diet, exercise, and clean living will help address all of the potential causes of acn