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Why Do I Break Out?

Zits always seem to appear at exactly the wrong time. Like the day before your prom you might notice a pimple forming right on the tip of your nose. Or a nasty breakout is likely to occur right before you're set to perform a speech in front of hundreds of people. Well you're not alone, in fact 90-percent of the teenage population have experienced some form of acne by the time they are 17-years-old. In order to prevent acne, you must first understand what causes it.

Pimples and zits are interchangeable words used to describe bumps, blackheads or whiteheads that commonly appear on your face, neck or back. Pimples and zits usually appear by themselves or in clusters of one or possibly two. The difference between pimples and acne is that acne tends to appear in groups, and can cover a large portion of your face. Acne is more extreme than pimples or zits.

Now that you're versed in pimples vs. acne, you probably want to know what causes this form of skin disorder so you can do your best to prevent it.

Below you'll find a list of causes that contribute to your break outs:

1. Puberty - Every teenager experiences puberty at some point. Puberty causes a teen's hormone levels to fluctuate. These "raging hormones" often cause break outs. If puberty is the cause of your break outs, you'll have to make the most of it until it passes. Puberty usually lasts a couple of years at most. However you can use a variety of over-the-counter acne treatments to lessen your acne.
2. Eating Habits - Eating unhealthy, greasy foods has been known to contribute to pimples and break outs. Unhealthy foods such as french fries, chocolate and pizza contain oil and salt - ingredients that affect the skin's pH balance negatively. Avoid eating these foods - and especially touching your face with salty, oily fingers - whenever possible.
3. Stress - Many researchers have proven that stress is linked to acne. When you're stressed out because of an important date or exam, your sebaceous glands tend to produce more pore-clogging oil. De-stress by taking baths or exercising to let off steam.
4. Poor Hygiene - In the past poor hygiene was associated with acne. Although it's been proven that people with varying degrees of personal hygiene can still suffer breakouts, acne and pimples do occur when oil, dirt and makeup are not washed off - especially before bedtime. Cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water is recommended twice a day.

Acne may appear regardless of the measures you take to prevent it from happening. Just remember that you're not alone and that there are many individuals suffering from acne like you. If you suffer from severe acne, please consult a dermatologist.