Slow-to-Replenish Skin Cells

• Skin normally sloughs off regularly, revealing healthy new skin cells beneath. However, in some people, the skin cells don't slough off properly, leaving dead skin clinging to the face and clogging the pores. This can combine with oil and bacteria and form blemishes. To correct this, employ a good exfoliant to boost the rate at which skin cells cells are removed.
  
  

Excess Oil

• It's normal for the skin to produce oil. Originating from the sebaceous glands, this oil moves to the surface of the skin regularly. However, if this process occurs too quickly, your skin will become greasy and shiny. Too much oil on the skin's surface traps dead skin cells in the pores, mixes with bacteria and creates new blemishes. Your first instinct may be to wash the skin at every opportunity or use harsh chemicals. However, if your skin is dried out, this may produce even more unwanted oil, making the problem worse. Instead, to deal with acne caused by excess oil, use a gentle facial cleanser and follow it up with a medication cream or gel that contains benzoyl peroxide. This soaks up excess oil. Follow with an oil-free moisturizer to prevent over-drying.
  
  

Bacteria

• A buildup of too much bacteria on the skin can also contribute to acne. This can occur from either poor hygiene or a combination of too much oil or dead skin cells, as previously described. An exfoliating cleanser works best to strip oil and dead skin cells from the face. However, you will also need something to kill the bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide is usually the go-to cream for that task. Even so, sometimes topical antibiotics are prescribed.
  
  

Hormones

• Hormone fluctuations constitute one of the biggest causes of acne breakouts. Women especially notice breakouts that occur in tune with their menstrual cycle. However, men can develop hormone-related breakouts as well, especially during puberty when androgens are at an all-time high. The male androgen hormones are most closely tied to acne, not the female estrogen. For women, going on a low-dose birth control pill will often regulate hormone fluctuations and clear up acne. For men, acne often clears up on its own following puberty. If it doesn't, topical creams or a prescription medication like Accutane may be your best option.
  
  

Allergies

• The old myths that eating greasy foods, pizza or chocolate causes acne aren't true. Nevertheless, some foods may be acne triggers if you have a sensitivity or allergy to those substances. Common foods that may cause acne because of an allergic reaction include dairy products, nuts, soy and wheat or gluten products. The best way to find out if you have a food allergy or sensitivity is to see your doctor and have an allergy test done. However, you can perform a test of sorts on your own by eliminating suspect items from your diet one at a time for several weeks. Then take note of how your body reacts when you reintroduce each of these foods into your diet. A negative reaction may indicate an allergy. Consult your doctor for your best treatment options.