Spots & Acne: Triggers & Tips

Stress, bacteria and hormonal fluctuations are just a selection of the culprits responsible for triggering unsightly breakouts, but did you know that other factors - including common self help treatments - can also contribute to the development and deterioration  of acne? Here are just a few of my favourite theories:

Toothpaste - this common self help treatment may appear to have a 'drying' affect on spots, but it can also stimulate breakouts around the chin and mouth area, with heavily flavored products and those containing high levels of fluoride actually promoting breakouts.

Sun exposure - another 'drying' method that can have a detrimental impact on more than just acne. Aside from increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature lines and wrinkles, subjecting your spots to excessive sun exposure can not only force them to deteriorate, it can also increase the risk of long-term scarring and hyper-pigmentation - dark spots. This particular method may prove to be effective temporarily, but you'll pay in the long run.

Squeezing - squeezing spots is associated with a multitude of disadvantages including the spread of bacteria and an increased risk of infection. Allow those painful pimples to run their course or apply a topical treatment containing benzoyl peroxide.

Milk - much to contrary belief, milk itself doesn't trigger breakouts - its the (cow) hormones milk contains that can potentially overstimulate oil glands and increase the risk of excess oil - a contributing factor to acne.