There are certain things in your environment that do not cause acne, but may make it worse:1
Using oily or greasy personal care products, e.g. heavy lotions and creams.¹
A study found that smoking may play a role for some women with acne. They found that the more cigarettes a woman smoked, the more severe her acne.²
Pressure from sports helmets, tight clothes, or backpacks.³
Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity.³
Diet. Some studies show that eating certain foods may make acne worse.³
Working in an area where you routinely come in contact with grease, such as working at a restaurant with frying oil.¹
Stress, which increases the hormone cortisol.¹
Picking at your acne.³
Scrubbing your skin too hard.³
References:
Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment & Prevention. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne. Last access date 3-2024
ACNE: WHO GETS AND CAUSES. American academy of dermatology association available at. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne /causes/acne-causes last accessed on 9/6/2024.
What is Acne? Definition & Types | National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne#:~:text=Acne%20is%20a%20com mon%20skin,commonly%20called%20pimples %20or%20zits.%20Last. Last access date 3-2024