Sneaky Reasons for Acne Flare-Ups

Salty, Sugary Junk Food For decades, health professionals have debated the correlation between greasy, sugar-laden junk food and aggravated acne. However, a recent study published by the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics determined that high-glycemic diets packed with white flour and processed carbohydrates can contribute to reoccurring acne. 1 Unhealthy foods spike insulin levels, which in turn affect hormones and lead to new pimples. Dairy products have also been suspected of affecting acne. Everyone’s body is different, however. So before you give up your favorite slice of pizza, check with a professional for help with acne control and identify foods that trigger excess pimples.

Harsh Cleansers Daily face washing helps remove makeup and keeps skin clean; however, is it possible to cleanse too often? Researchers say yes, that over-eager cleansing can do more harm than good. It’s good to exfoliate your face on a regular basis (try once a week), but aggressive washing and harsh cleansing products will strip your skin of sebum, or natural oils. These oils keep your skin regulated, and when they’re washed away, your face will produce oil to compensate, leading to more blackheads and breakouts.

Poor Hygiene Poor Hygiene On the flip side, those with poor hygiene may also experience their fair share of inflammation. Be sure to wash your face at least once daily using a gentle, calming cleanser. Also, remember to wash immediately after exercise to limit the contact of sweat on your skin. At night, don’t forget to remove the day’s makeup so your skin can breathe while you sleep.

Cell Phones (Gasp!) Cell Phones (Gasp!) Yes, your favorite pastime may be affecting your skin. If you notice a crop of new zits on your cheekbones or jaw, it could be due to excessive touching when talking on the phone. Our phones are a breeding ground for bacteria, harboring dust and sweat unless frequently wiped clean. While you’re chatting, try speakerphone or a headset, or just be aware and prevent your phone from physically touching your face.

Dirty Hair Dirty Hair Your scalp produces oils to nourish the hair, just as your skin produces sebum. When hair rubs against your face, it can deposit these oils onto the skin and aggravate breakouts. Similarly, some hairstyling products can affect acne as well, so be sure to wash your hair regularly and rinse thoroughly to prevent residue from touching your skin.

Touching Your Face You probably don’t want to think about the germs you handle each day, so why would you let them touch your face? Be conscious of comfortable resting positions, like holding your chin in your hand, to make sure you aren’t rubbing germs all over your face. The grime, oils, and bacteria our hands come into contact with can block pores and cause breakouts.

Dead Skin Cells Dead Skin Cells Though it’s important not to over-exfoliate, our skin regenerates faster with a bit of sloughing. When a buildup of dead skin cells remains in pores for too long, it can mix with sebum and cause clogs. With bacteria in the mix, this clogged pore will surely lead to irritated acne. This problem is easily handled, however. Gently exfoliate your face every few days with your favorite cleanser or device.

Picking & Popping Picking & Popping Guess Mom was right all those years – stop touching your face! Picking and popping pimples can prolong healing and raise the risk of scarring. What’s worse, picking can cause bacteria or infected cells to get pushed further into skin, leading to more swelling and redness. Not a good look! Keep your hands off your face to let things heal and recover.

Clearogen was created by expert dermatologist Alex Khadavi of Advanced Skin and Hair, Inc. Based on the latest cutting-edge scientific research and medical breakthroughs, products by Advanced Skin and Hair, Inc. are designed to safely and effectively improve hair and skin concerns. Clearogen is a natural, gentle 3-step acne regimen that is proven to reduce breakouts in less than 60 days. For more info about Clearogen, call CLEAR, or visit

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Summary Though acne is primarily caused by hormonal factors, there are many attributes that aggravate breakouts. From aggressive face washing to poor diet, this presentation discusses the habits that can lead to inflamed skin, and shares natural acne solutions from Clearogen.