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Acne triggers are events that are associated with outbreaks, and knowing what they are can help you to avoid them. Triggers are different for different patients, and a little detective work can let you discover what triggers, such as food, hormones or pollution, could be setting off your outbreaks.

Diet is thought by many to contribute to acne if you are acne-prone. That doesn’t mean that you have to avoid eating chocolate in moderation, but eating a lot of processed foods with little food value can put you at risk for outbreaks. The body responds well to healthful nutrients, but organs such as the skin have difficulty functioning in the absence of the nutrients it needs, and it can respond by secreting excess oil, which can clog pores.

If, after eating a big meal of fast food, you notice your face becoming red and inflamed and a few days later you have an outbreak, the fast food was likely the trigger. Drink lots of water to help your body rid itself of the junk, and eat low fat foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This is good nutritional advice for anyone, with or without acne.

Stress can be a problem not just for teens, but for adults as well. Shifting hormones during times of stress can trigger outbreaks in susceptible patients. Over time, stress can cause changes in the body, and the skin is no exception. Stress hormones depress the immune system, leaving the body susceptible to bacteria, including those that cause acne. Sweating under pressure can contribute to clogging the pores as well.

For women, hormonal changes at the time of the menstrual period can trigger acne. The outbreak might not be the result of the chocolate taken in at that time, but of the hormonal changes.

Outbreaks of acne begin as clogged or infected hair follicles. Pollution in the air, including tobacco smoke, factory smoke, and car emissions, can irritate the skin and cause clogged pores.

After you have learned what your triggers are, make a conscious effort to avoid them and give your skin a chance to normalize. Medications are available to balance hormones during the menstrual period, and many women find that helpful in preventing acne. Finding ways to handle stress is another way to prevent outbreaks. Using air purifiers, asking people not to smoke in your home and getting out into the country where the air is fresh can help with environmental triggers.

Acne outbreaks can be both physically and emotionally painful. Knowing what triggers outbreaks and avoiding your triggers can help.