What causes acne?

Okay, so let's talk about things that causes acne. Again , I will mention that I am not a doctor or specialist, evrything I write here is my assumption.

Top 5 causes of Acne

1. Food. 

From what I have learnt until now, there are a few types of foods which can be allergens.

1.Sugar. Sugar raises insulin level, and insulin and androgene hormones make our body to produce acne. That's my theory, and theory of many more people, but very shortly explained.
2. Gluten- Gluten is everywhere. Every day new candies and new junk food appear, food is more and more filled up with additives, and what we eat has 0 nutritients, and 0 vitamins. That's the reality. You can find gluten everywhere: ketchup, milk, chocolate, pastas, bread..
3. Milk and dairy products-Full of hormones. Dairy boost male sex hormones (androgens) and insulin level, just like a sugar.
4. Junk, processed food- I think there is no need to comment this category. This food is part of most people's life. We act like addicts, consuming more and more of it, forgetting vitamins in fruit and vegetables.

Crucial steps for changing diet:
1.First, I would go and do a food intolerance test. That way you can be sure what you can and what you can't eat. That is crucial.

2. Drink a lot of water- I know, you have heard many people telling you this. But it is important for your body. There is no particular amount of water you should drink, just listen to your body. Though, not less than 8 cups per a day. What I do sometimes (I wish I can add it to my daily routine) is drinking warm water with a bit of lemon on empty stomach. It helps with waking up your body.

3. If you can, start a day with eating fruits. What I do is take any fruit I have in the fridge and also, I have bought linseed.(don't know if I translated it right) Linseed is full with omega 6. I mix it up with yougurt. 2-3 hours later, if you are hungry, you can eat something with more calories. But first do food intolerance test.
4. Detoxification- Google and find a way which suits you, so you can relase your body of toxins.

2.Hormones.

Hormones make a mess in our body. You can check your hormone levels. Before I am on my period, my face gets really bad, and then when I am finally on my period (sorry if I used wrong word, and yes, I have said 'finally') my body calms down, acne start to go away. Tough time. What you can do about this is avoid caffeine and sugar, drink light teas and make sure your body gets vitamins. 

Vitamins we need (I will tell you some of them)

1. Vitamin A-carrots

2.Vitamin B-potato, bananas, beans,yeast,molasses, lentils

3.Vitamin C-oranges, kiwi, green and red pepper, strawberries

4.Vitamin D- make sure you spend 15 minutes on sun, egges, fish, mushrooms

5. Vitamin E-tomato, nuts, seeds

6. Vitamin K- spinach, kale..

7. Calcium- also in green vegetables (I would avoid dairy)

8. Iron-spinach, beans, liver

9.Zinc- spinach, seafood, dark chocolate

10. Chromium- fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts..

3.Stress

I know it's easy to say "don't stress". But stress affects our brain, our immune system, we get weak and tired (like me). Stressing about your skin problem is not a solution either. Avoid mirrors and evil people. You shouldn't care about what other people think, and you should know that everything can be fixed. Nothing is worth your stressing.

4. Makeup

Yes, makeup. When you buy it, you should always read if it's non comedogenic, and always be ready that powders and foundations can break you out. Try avoid wearing makeup, or at least don't wear heavy one. Never, never fall asleep with makeup on.Your skin needs to breathe. I have been using Essence concealer for two years, and it haven't broke me out, so you can try. Also, I  currently use Maybelline Affinitone Mineral powder and Rimmel's pressed powder And recently, I have bought Balea's concealer which contains salicylic acid.

5.Poor hygiene and some other factors

Like I have said, you just can't allow yourself to sleep with a makeup on. Always take it off.

Change your pillowcase at least twice a week, because of oils and dirt on it, wash your hair every 2-3 days, and try to keep it up in a bun or pony tail. That is really important. Try to have your own towel, and change it often. Don't use wet towel, because probably there are bacterias. Don't touch your face with hands except when you wash it, especially not with dirty hands and don't over wash it. Two or three times per a day is just enough. If you put make up on, make sure your hands are always clean and wash your makeup brushes and sponges frequently. Try to buy natural hair products, also natural showering gels because it's ingredients can cause acne too.

Don't pick, don't squeeze your acne! Ever! I know it hurts to have cysts, I have been there, done that. Whenever I touch a pimple, and squeeze it, tomorrow I can see new ones around it. Why? Because I am spreading an infection. Since you are not a professional, you can't squeeze it properly, and part of it goes underneath your skin, where bacteria attacks it (you have made an open wound) and then it can spread with blood and acne appears on the other place. Just don't ever do it.

Once again, I will just say that all of this are just my theories which I gained with experience.

Take care of your skin :)