Acne is a problem that affects not just teenagers but adults also. If you are in need of relief, there are a multitude of products, remedies, potions, etc. on the market help you. The first trip should be to your local boxmart (Wal-Mart, Target, etc) or local grocer. Why? Each of these locations typically has a licensed pharmacist on staff. They usually, key on the word usually, are more than willing to help you identify products that work well vs. those that do not. If the pharmacist at one location is not helpful, try another. You can do this from you own home via the phone. No need to drive all over the place. Another solution to check out are so called natural remedies. These “natural” remedies are usually natural items such as everyday foods, plants, chemicals, etc. The claim is that certain combinations of these ingredients act in such a way that the effect will reduce acne.

Before you run off and do these items, there are other things you should check into. Although doctors and scientists cannot say for sure what exactly causes acne, there are several things that are at the top of the list of suspects.

Medications – Many believe that Acne can be a side effect of some drugs, including barbiturates, seizure medication and steroids. Interestingly enough some believe that birth control pills cause acne while others prescribe birth-control as a medication for acne.

Chocolate – Many now believe that chocolate cannot cause acne outbreaks. Still, there are those who are staunch believers that chocolate causes outbreaks. The debate rages on.

Stress – While stress may not be a cause of acne, many people believe that stress can aggravate acne. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress.

Washing your face too often – While acne sufferers should keep their face clean, too much washing or harsh scrubbing will actually aggravate the skin causing acne to occur

Using greasy skin care products and oily cosmetics. Acne occurs when the pores become plugged up. Therefore, one can assume that any product that covers up the face in anyway may block the pores and the natural release of sebum may help cause acne flare-ups.

Environmental Irritants – Think of it, pollution is an unnatural containment. Being in a high pollution area can cause several reactions in the body, including acne. It is also thought that high humidity can cause acne outbreaks. High humidity can cause the skin to swell thereby blocking those pores.

Your Diet – Your diet, (what you eat) can have significant impact on acne outbreaks. Excessive dairy products, fatty foods, etc. are thought to have an impact on acne breakouts as well as a lack of zinc in your diet. Zinc supplements are often prescribed to treat acne.

As always, each person is different. You may have noticed that certain foods seem to have more of an impact on your acne than others. If you are unsure, pay closer attention to your diet and keep track of your acne outbreaks.

Of course, you should always consult with your dermatologist/doctor.

If you think acne affects only teenagers, then think again. It commonly strikes adults on a daily basis. It can be overwhelming to start noticing breakouts of pimples, blackheads, or zits all over your face and you might not know what to do first.

Before you do anything else, visit or call your local, trusted pharmacist. Licensed pharmacists are always knowledgeable about skin products and will know which products will bring acne relief and which ones won’t. Most pharmacists are very willing to help. If you don’t already know one, try your local WalMart.

While you are at WalMart, check out some of the available natural remedies and products they have displayed near the pharmacy. Many natural products claim to completely cure your acne. Any good drugstore will also have displays of various supplements claiming to help with acne relief.

Educate yourself on the different causes of acne and you may discover what is causing your own skin to break out. Acne research is lengthy and still ongoing so experts are not absolutely certain about the precise causes of acne. There are a few possible causes, however, that everyone seems to be in agreement on.

Medications

Some medications, such as steroids, barbiturates, and anti-seizure drugs, are thought to contribute to skin disorders. Don’t stop taking your prescribed medications, though, before first checking with your physician to see if they could be causing your acne.

Emotional Stress

Increasing evidence suggests that stress may contribute to acne and other skin problems. If you are stressed, try developing an exercise program and following it regularly. Exercise is a proven stress-buster.

Chocolate

Chocolate has not yet been proven to cause acne. Many people insist that eating chocolate will make you break out in pimples but no amount of research has ever proven this theory to be true.

Cosmetics

Since acne is triggered by plugged or blocked pores, we can safely assume that make-up and other cosmetic products containing oil will contribute to acne. Even “safe” products (those that are hypoallergenic and oil-free) may contribute to blackheads or zits because they cover up the skin. Any cosmetic product applied to the skin has the potential to clog the pores and interfere with acne treatment.

Frequently Scrubbing your Face

Acne-prone skin should always be kept clean, but only mild products should be used to wash it gently. Many people are under the impression that they should scrub their skin using harsh soaps when they have acne but this only aggravates and worsens the condition.

Pollution

High humidity and other unnatural environmental conditions (i.e. smog, fog) can promote acne as well as other disorders. If skin is exposed to humid conditions for a prolonged period of time, swelling occurs (which blocks the pores, thereby contributing to acne).

Dietary habits

Many people notice that certain foods they eat cause their acne to flare up. Your dietary habits can certainly contribute to breakouts and you should note the products causing the most problems so that you can avoid them in the future.

Common food culprits thought to worsen acne include fats and dairy products. Diets rich in zinc should be beneficial if you have acne. Taking zinc supplements is one alternative you might consider for the relief or treatment of acne.

Learn more about how to control acne and how to get rid of acne permanently at http://www.Acne-FreeSystem.com