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Acne is a common skin disorder characterized by zits, blackheads and whiteheads. There are a lot of myths about what causes acne, like the idea that a greasy slice of pizza will give you pimples later -- giving up greasy foods might improve your health, but it definitely won't change your complexion. Knowledge is power, so get the facts about acne and you'll be prepared to make informed choices about your skin.
How Zits Form
Zits occur when an oily gook called sebum clogs a special type of skin pore, called a pilosebaceous unit (PSU). Bacteria grow in the clogged PSU, causing inflammation, redness and pus. Your body has the most PSUs on your face, upper back and chest -- that's why you typically get acne (or "bacne," or "chacne") in these areas.
Breakout Triggers
One day, your skin looks picture-perfect; the next morning, you've got red zits all over your face. What triggers these clogged PSUs? Hormonal changes often cause acne, so starting puberty, stopping birth-control pills or getting your period can trigger a breakout. (Starting birth-control pills, pregnancy and menopause usually make acne better.). Touching or picking at zits can also make breakouts worse, so keep your hands away from your face. Friction and pressure, like wearing a backpack or helmet, also contribute to breakouts. Stress might cause acne, but doctors aren't sure.
What Doesn't Cause Acne
Chocolate, pizza, French fries, potato chips -- junk food might wreck your diet, but what you eat doesn't have any impact on your skin. Zits aren't caused by dirty skin, sweating or bad hygiene, either -- acne forms from oils found underneath your skin, not dirt or oil on your skin's surface. And for the record, the dark spot in a blackhead is sebum, not dirt.
Treatment Options
Many women successfully treat mild acne with over-the-counter creams and lotions, usually containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid. If OTC medication doesn't help -- or if it gives you nasty side effects, like a burning sensation on your skin -- talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Several prescription medications effectively treat acne, including oral antibiotics and vitamin A derivatives.
