Coffee: Research indicates that coffee stimulates the production of cortisol. Coffee may be a promoter of acne and its consumption should be limited. Choose green tea or white tea as a healthier alternative to coffee. Also, if you are under stress, it may be wise to limit your coffee consumption.



Milk: There is a segment of the population that may have an acne reaction to milk or dairy products. Acne treatment products may or may not help in this case. Limiting your daily intake of bring good results.

Diet: A healthy and well-balanced diet affects the health of your dkin. A good diet is thus an effective tool in controlling acne. Eat food content which is rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables. Foods with high antioxidant content (colorful fruits and vegetables) are very helpful in promoting the healing of acne and related conditions.

Smoking: A recent study showed that an active smoker has a higher probability of an acne condition than a non-smoker. There was also detected a correlatation between degree of smoking and degree of acne. In other words the more you smoke the greater the acne condition.

Stress: There is a strong correlation between stress and acne. When under stress your body produces hormonal steroids. These chemicals wreak havoc on the skin and acne may result from this.

Avoiding all stressful situations is an unreasonable expectation. But you can recognize those times when your stress levels are on the rise. During these times, cleanse very thoroughly and more frequently. Step up your daily skin care regimen to offset the potential of an acne flair-up. When the stressful situation passes, return to your normal skin care regimen.

Wheat: Did you know that there is such a thing as 'wheat-induced' acne? People who have already tried many types of acne treatment products with no results have found this to be the source of their acne. A modification in diet can bring about some good results in this case.

Benzoyl Peroxide Cautions: Using benzoyl peroxide to control acne may have side effects and risks that you should be aware of in making a decision on acne treatment. Because benzoyl peroxide generates free radicals in the skin, a redness of the skin can result as well as premature aging of the skin. There is a correlation between the frequent application and duration of use, and the resulting skin damage.

Sun Exposure: There has been some debate about whether exposure to the sun is beneficial to reducing skin oils and thereby reducing acne. Exposure to the sun has not been found to be beneficial in this case.Exposure to the sun produces free radicals in the skin which promotes acne and reduces the skin's ability to fight off the infection. People with acne should avoid overexposing their skin to the sun.

Skin Cycles: The skin produces its greatest volume of sebum and oil in the early afternoon and its least volume in the middle of the night. A thorough skin care regimen performed in the late afternoon can give the best results for effective acne control

Linens and Headgear: Towels, washcloths, hats, sweatbands, pillowcases, etc. collect bacteria and should be changed regularly. Changing washcloth, towels and pillowcases every two to three days will limit your exposure to acne causing bacteria.