Factors that can cause an acne flare include:
- Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts
- Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin
- Pressure from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars
- Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity
- Squeezing or picking at blemishes
- Hard scrubbing of the skin.
There are many myths about the causes of this condition. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people.
Another common myth is that dirty skin is an acne cause; however, blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt.
Finally, stress does not cause acne.
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