Diet does play an important role in acne.
Food with a high glycemic index, such as processed and refined foods, including white bread, sweetened baked goods, candies, instant oats, boxed cereals, and animal milk, as well as a high glycemic load, worsens acne. Low-fat milk and skim milk are said to aggravate acne more than whole milk. Skim milk shows higher spikes of Insulin than whole milk and also has higher levels of casein protein that contains a protease that prevents IGF-1 degradation, thereby increasing its absorption and triggering acne. Alcohol consumption can also lead to the worsening of acne. A paleolithic diet and food rich in fish, vegetables, fruits, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are encouraged.

Bodybuilders and young gym enthusiasts tend to take high-protein foods, protein supplements, growth hormones, and anabolic steroids to build up their muscles. Whey (“fast protein”) is digested quickly in two hours. It increases the insulin surge, which causes stimulation of sebaceous glands leading to acne. Bodybuilder acne presents itself as a severe form of acne with large, deep, solid, painful lumps or cysts under the skin.

Yes, acne is more common in teenagers, but it can also be seen in the first year of life, mid-childhood between one to seven years of age, adulthood, and late adulthood.

It is a common consequence of acne in the majority of patients with acne lesions. There is a genetic tendencyIII-112 for scarring. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment prevent acne scarring as the duration of inflammation relates to scar production; hence, a delay in treatment more likely results in scarring.

Although there is a small genetic component to it, the majority of acne patients do not have other family members affected by it. It occurs due to increased sebum production precipitated by increased androgens.

Acne is not caused by a poor diet but may be aggravated by it. It is a hormonal problem caused by high androgens.

Acne is not due to poor hygiene and will not improve with repeated cleansing. In fact, excess washing may dry up and irritate the skin.

There is no correlation between acne and physical activity. It is due to the overactivity of sebaceous glands and the colonization of hair follicles by Cutibacterium acnes.

There are two types of stress: eustress and distress. Distress is unpleasant, and it can evoke stress hormones such as cortisol resulting in many physical issues, including skin diseases.

Exposure to sunlight causes stimulation of epidermal melanocytes, which increases melanin production and increases the transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes. This response is visible as the darkening of the skin, known as tanning. Avoidance of sun exposure during peak hours and proper application of broad-spectrum sunscreen helps in reducing tanning

The short answer is yes. However, the type of moisturizer you use is important. You want to use lotion vehicles and look for the words “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” on the label. You should avoid heavy ointments, balms, or cleansing oils.

Anyone over the age of 12 produces enough sebum to warrant washing their face at least twice a day, especially if they have acne-prone skin. Some people may opt to only splash their face with cool water in the morning, but one should not skip using a gentle cleanser with water every evening to wash away the dirt, pollution, and oils that build up during the day.

Cold water causes constriction of pores and makes the skin appear better, while hot water opens the pores and stimulates excess oil secretion. It is often the aggressive cleaning products that can aggravate acne or cause skin irritation.