Acne may be the most common problem that teenagers suffer with. It is also something that could give many young boys and girls sleepless nights. It is indeed a nightmare for some.

However, acne is not a part of growing up and one must not presume that it is just a phase. Acne can be aggravated by several factors.

Continuous pricking: Irritation due to acne can stimulate pricking, which can further aggravate the condition. Rubbing on the spots and wearing tight sweat bands may worsen the condition and also leave scars.

Deep frying: Cooking deep fried food makes women exposed to flying grease and oily particles in the air. This can worsen the condition. One must make sure exhaust fans are switched on, while one is cooking in the kitchen.

Hot weather: Hot and humid weather leads to excessive sweating, which aggravates the acne problem.

Wrong cosmetics: Beauty comes with no guarantee. Some skin products may be very harmful as they contain fatty acids and derivatives of oil.

Vitamin B12 deficiency: Acne is not uncommon amongst anaemic women who require Vitamin B 12 supplements.

Iodine rich foods: Spinach, toothpaste, asthma and cold medication contain iodide and bromides which is known to flare up the acne problem in most people.

Menopause: In such a case, the level of estrogen hormone in women drops, resulting in dominance of the hormone androgen, which leads to acne outbreaks.

Prolonged stress: It has been noted that stress and anxiety also cause acne. People who are appearing for examinations usually note sudden outbreak of acne.