What to Avoid

Food:
Some individuals feel that certain foods make their acne worse. Those foods should be avoided. However, there is no clear scientific evidence that food plays a role in the causation of acne.

Cosmetics:
Some cosmetics can trigger acne by causing acne to flare without causing blackheads. Oil-free cosmetics are recommended, but some people react even to these. Non-comedogenic, or non-acnegenic cosmetics are also available for use.

Over cleansing:
Avoid over cleansing. Acne is not caused by dirty skin.
Blackheads are not black because of dirt. They are black because the air oxidizes the clog. Do not scrub or rub your skin excessively.

Sweating:
Sweating appears to worsen acne in some people. Humidity may also worsen the condition.

Stress:
Stress can aggravate acne by inducing hormonal changes. It has no direct role in the causation of acne.

Sexual activity:
Sexual activity will not produce, cause, or aggravate acne.

Contraceptive Pills:
Certain contraceptive pills can temporarely help acne such as Ortho-tricyclen or Diane-35. Unfortunately any contraceptive pill can cause acne after many years even if you stop taking it. Progesterone may make your acne worse.
It’s common for all women to have acne flare-ups before their periods.

Squeezing:
It could aggravate your acne and increase the risk of spreading infection and acne scarring.