Breakouts Can Be Frustrating, But Knowing Your Acne Triggers Makes Prevention Easier

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Breaking out with pimples can be frustrating and embarrassing, and it's not just for teenagers many adults suffer from acne too.

But as CBS2's Dr. Max Gomez explained, knowing your acne triggers can help you avoid breakouts.

If you're of a certain age, you were probably told to avoid chocolate, fried foods, or soda if you wanted to avoid breaking out.

It turns out that there is no science behind that wisdom, but there are things you can avoid to keep acne at bay.

"There are many possible triggers; stress, hormones, sweat, bacteria," Dr. Scott Flugman, Huntington Hospital, explained.

Believe it or not, where you break out can give you a clue as to the cause of your acne. If it's around your chin or jawline, it's due to stress or hormones. Both stimulate oil glands that can clog pores and feed bacteria.

"Stress also increases inflammation and acne is an inflammatory problem," Dr. Flugman said.

Weather can also play a role, especially warm and humid weather because your skin becomes oilier under those conditions.

Even very dry weather can be a problem. Not because it's an acne trigger, but because acne treatments dry your skin which many patients dislike.

Pimples will also tend to form in areas that are covered and rubbed during exercise.

"Areas under your headband or helmets and shoulder pads if you play sports. Those areas will all develop acne," Dr. Flugman said.

Dermatologists suggest showering as soon as possible after a workout to reduce acne producing oil and bacteria on your skin.

The good news is that there are now some very good treatments for acne. You don't have to suffer if you go to a dermatologist.