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The goal of this quiz is to help you get to the cause of your acne quickly. You will also find actions you can take to clear up your skin. Once you select an answer, click Check on the right side to see the correct answer and helpful tips. Then press Next to go to the next question. If a question does not apply to you, click Skip question.
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Time has elapsed Congratulations! You’ve completed the quiz. Hopefully you know more about acne now than when you started. Click View questions to see the all the answers in one place. Do you use a soap bar on the face? E.g. Dove, Pears Regular soap bars like Pears and Dove can block skin’s pores and cause more pimples. Some medicated ones can also do so. Consider using a face wash. See this list of acne-safe face washes. It is not possible to figure out if a product will cause acne or prevent it unless you try it. True or false? Many times, it is possible to figure out if a product will cause more acne without actually using it. You want to choose products that contain only non-comedogenic ingredients and no comedogenic ones. A comedogenic ingredient can block the tiny pores in the skin. Blocked pores can develop into red, swollen pimples. A non-comedogenic ingredient does not block skin’s pores. A product does not have to be loaded with many different comedogenic ingredients in order to cause or aggravate pimples. Just one comedogenic ingredient is enough to do that. Many products show ‘non-comedogenic’ on their labels. That is not always true. Skingredients is a free online tool that anyone can use to find out if a skin care or makeup product contains comedogenic ingredients. Run all of your existing products through it to see if they pass the acne-safe test. Many times, it is possible to figure out if a product will cause more acne without actually using it. You want to choose products that contain only non-comedogenic ingredients and no comedogenic ones. A comedogenic ingredient can block the tiny pores in the skin. Blocked pores can develop into red, swollen pimples. A non-comedogenic ingredient does not block skin’s pores. A product does not have to be loaded with many different comedogenic ingredients in order to cause or aggravate pimples. Just one comedogenic ingredient is enough to do that. Many products show ‘non-comedogenic’ on their labels. That is not always true. Skingredients is a free online tool that anyone can use to find out if a skin care or makeup product contains comedogenic ingredients. Run all of your existing products through it to see if they pass the acne-safe test. Do all your products list their full ingredient list? (or just key ingredients) If a product label does not list all its ingredients, then it is possible it contains comedogenic (acne causing) ingredients and you don’t know about them because they are not listed. This applies to all products you may be using, including herbal ones. The hidden ingredients may be causing you pimples even though the key ingredients all sound safe for acne-prone skin. From now, choose products that list all of their ingredients and run them through Skingredients. If a product label does not list all its ingredients, then it is possible it contains comedogenic (acne causing) ingredients and you don’t know about them because they are not listed. This applies to all products you may be using, including herbal ones. The hidden ingredients may be causing you pimples even though the key ingredients all sound safe for acne-prone skin. From now, choose products that list all of their ingredients and run them through Skingredients. Does your face wash contain any of these ingredients: Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid or Oleic Acid? These acne causing ingredients are common in face washes, even in anti-acne ones. Using a face wash with even one of these ingredients can potentially cause pimples. If your face wash only lists key ingredients and not the full list, it is possible some of these ingredients are present in it yet not mentioned on the product label. Sometimes, castor oil, a common ingredient in face washes can cause pimples too. See this list of acne-safe face washes. These acne causing ingredients are common in face washes, even in anti-acne ones. Using a face wash with even one of these ingredients can potentially cause pimples. If your face wash only lists key ingredients and not the full list, it is possible some of these ingredients are present in it yet not mentioned on the product label. Sometimes, castor oil, a common ingredient in face washes can cause pimples too. See this list of acne-safe face washes. Is this true for you? Every moisturizer causes pimples, even lightweight ones. About 99% of the moisturizers (creams and lotions) in India contain comedogenic ingredients that block skin’s pores and cause pimples. It is no wonder that many of the moisturizers you try cause you pimples. See the Starter Regimen and Budget Regimen for acne-safe moisturizer recommendations. About 99% of the moisturizers (creams and lotions) in India contain comedogenic ingredients that block skin’s pores and cause pimples. It is no wonder that many of the moisturizers you try cause you pimples. See the Starter Regimen and Budget Regimen for acne-safe moisturizer recommendations. Do you use a shaving cream? If this question doesn’t apply to you, click skip question. If you are seeing acne on the cheeks and chin, your shaving cream may be to blame. See if your shaving cream contains any of these ingredients – Isopropyl Palmitate, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Shea Butter, Mineral Oil or any other oils. These ingredients can increase acne. Try using your face wash as shaving cream. Foam it up between your hands, then gently dab it on the beard. Then shave. You will see more dryness when using a face wash instead of a shaving cream, but fewer pimples. Do you use a fairness cream or lotion? Almost 99% of fairness creams and lotions in India are comedogenic. That is, they contain ingredients that block skin’s pores and cause more pimples. Oftentimes, people are so driven by a desire to lighten the skin that they continue to use acne-causing fairness products. Fairer skin loaded with pimples isn’t very attractive. Stopping these creams and lotions is necessary, at least until pimples come under control. Do all sunscreens give you pimples? About 99% of the sunscreens (creams and lotions) in India contain comedogenic ingredients that block skin’s pores and cause pimples. It is no wonder that many of those you try cause you pimples. See the Starter Regimen and Budget Regimen for acne-safe sunscreen recommendations. About 99% of the sunscreens (creams and lotions) in India contain comedogenic ingredients that block skin’s pores and cause pimples. It is no wonder that many of those you try cause you pimples. See the Starter Regimen and Budget Regimen for acne-safe sunscreen recommendations. Do you strictly use herbal-only products? Over 90% of the products in the market that claim to be herbal contain all of the same chemicals as the rest of the products. It is just that they don’t list them on the label. Only key ingredients are mentioned and none of the coloring, artificial scent, preservatives or acne causing bases are mentioned. So by sticking to herbal-only, you are not exactly using safer products. Choose non-comedogenic (acne-safe) over herbal-only or natural-only claims. Often, herbal products that may be safe otherwise still contain acne causing oils and cream base. That may be safe in general, but will continue to cause pimples. Many people keep themselves stuck around this myth and cause themselves more harm in terms of acne and permanent scars. This is not to say that you don’t use herbal products, but be sure that they are acne-safe as well. That is, they do not contains acne causing oils or cream bases. Over 90% of the products in the market that claim to be herbal contain all of the same chemicals as the rest of the products. It is just that they don’t list them on the label. Only key ingredients are mentioned and none of the coloring, artificial scent, preservatives or acne causing bases are mentioned. So by sticking to herbal-only, you are not exactly using safer products. Choose non-comedogenic (acne-safe) over herbal-only or natural-only claims. Often, herbal products that may be safe otherwise still contain acne causing oils and cream base. That may be safe in general, but will continue to cause pimples. Many people keep themselves stuck around this myth and cause themselves more harm in terms of acne and permanent scars. This is not to say that you don’t use herbal products, but be sure that they are acne-safe as well. That is, they do not contains acne causing oils or cream bases. Are you using any home made face packs to treat pimples? E.g. curd, milk, honey or lemon based? Even though home made face packs may be safe to eat, when it comes to stubborn acne, they often do more harm than good. Milk and curd both contain milk cream, which can block skin’s pores and cause more pimples. Honey is thick and oftentimes clogs pores, even if not in everyone. Lemon, apple cider vinegar, baking soda work for some, but if your acne is stubborn and includes cysts, thesecan actually irritate the skin, causing more pimples and redness. Besan (gram flour) works to remove excessive oiliness, but won’t eliminate acne. Any other packs containing sandalwood, turmeric, potato, oatmeal etc. are too weak to treat any underlying causes of acne. They may provide temporary relief in redness etc. but will not eliminate acne. Even if you are sure that your face pack is not causing more pimples, do know that if pimples are not under control yet, you will need to use a targeted treatment that may not be home made. This includes using medicated face wash and acne treatment creams. Read this post slowly, carefully, following every link mentioned there and you will have a systematic plan to clear up your skin. Do you consume flaxseed, pumpkin seeds or any other seeds regularly? Flaxseed is notorious for causing acne. It is said that the phytoestrogens in it cause acne. This has been the experience of many community members on Acne Mantra. It looks like it increases oiliness too, leading to clogged pores which can result in painful acne. In India, these days flaxseed is the new fad food and for a good reason too, because of its high omega-3 content. But it is a major acne perpetrator in those prone to hormonal imbalance. There are acne-safe alternatives to flaxseed for getting omega-3′s, such as fish oil. Other seeds and nuts such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnut etc. consumed in large amounts may have the same effect. If differs from person to person, so test it for yourself if any of the nuts or seeds in your diet might be worsening your acne. Flaxseed is notorious for causing acne. It is said that the phytoestrogens in it cause acne. This has been the experience of many community members on Acne Mantra. It looks like it increases oiliness too, leading to clogged pores which can result in painful acne. In India, these days flaxseed is the new fad food and for a good reason too, because of its high omega-3 content. But it is a major acne perpetrator in those prone to hormonal imbalance. There are acne-safe alternatives to flaxseed for getting omega-3′s, such as fish oil. Other seeds and nuts such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnut etc. consumed in large amounts may have the same effect. If differs from person to person, so test it for yourself if any of the nuts or seeds in your diet might be worsening your acne. Do you consume body building supplements like whey protein or those with steroids? Body building supplements often cause or worsen acne in people. Try cutting them out for 2 weeks if things improve. Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? Hair loss, tiredness, body ache, lethargy, sadness / depression? Even a few of these symptoms indicate nutritional deficiencies in the body that may be contributing toward acne. Consider seeing a general physician (family doctor) to get a basic set of nutritional blood tests done for: vitamin D (essential), zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and any others your doctor suggests. Vitamin D deficiency, which has become an epidemic in India, is a major reason behind acne. Many people on this website cleared up their stubborn acne once they started addressing their vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D in a daily multivitamin is not at all enough to fulfill a deficiency. So you will need to meet a doctor, get the test done and start treatment under their care. This step alone can make a huge difference in clearing up your skin. Read a Vitamin D acne success story. Even a few of these symptoms indicate nutritional deficiencies in the body that may be contributing toward acne. Consider seeing a general physician (family doctor) to get a basic set of nutritional blood tests done for: vitamin D (essential), zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and any others your doctor suggests. Vitamin D deficiency, which has become an epidemic in India, is a major reason behind acne. Many people on this website cleared up their stubborn acne once they started addressing their vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D in a daily multivitamin is not at all enough to fulfill a deficiency. So you will need to meet a doctor, get the test done and start treatment under their care. This step alone can make a huge difference in clearing up your skin. Read a Vitamin D acne success story. Are you taking B-complex capsules such as Becosules or Becosules-Z? Or a daily multivitamin that contains B-vitamins? Excess of vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 can cause pimples. So unless a doctor has asked you to supplement with B-complex, try removing such supplements from your routine for a month and see if that makes a difference. Are you taking a vitamin C supplement that contains sodium ascorbate form of vitamin C instead of ascorbic acid? E.g. Limcee, Suckcee Try switching to ascorbic acid form of vitamin C instead of using a sodium salt of it. Try Celin tablets which are pure ascorbic acid. You may need to consult your doctor before making this change if you are taking vitamin C as part of a medical treatment. Sodium salt of vitamin C can increase skin’s oiliness and cause pimples. Celin contains vitamin C as ascorbic acid. An herbal alternative is amla capsules. People have reported great success with amla clearing up their skin. Read amla acne success story. Try switching to ascorbic acid form of vitamin C instead of using a sodium salt of it. Try Celin tablets which are pure ascorbic acid. You may need to consult your doctor before making this change if you are taking vitamin C as part of a medical treatment. Sodium salt of vitamin C can increase skin’s oiliness and cause pimples. Celin contains vitamin C as ascorbic acid. An herbal alternative is amla capsules. People have reported great success with amla clearing up their skin. Read amla acne success story. Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? These can be signs of a zinc deficiency which is common in India. Addressing this deficiency in consultation with a doctor can help clear up acne to a good extent. See all the information about zinc for acne. These can be signs of a zinc deficiency which is common in India. Addressing this deficiency in consultation with a doctor can help clear up acne to a good extent. See all the information about zinc for acne. Are you using a cream that contains Hydrocortisone, Mometasone Furoate, Betamethasone Dipropionate or Clobetasol Propionate? These creams are topical corticosteroids that are often prescribed for rashes and other skin problems. Using them for more than a week at a time can be dangerous. They must not be used (misued) as daily fairness creams for skin lightening. The risk of abnormal skin thinning, white patches and scars forming due to regular use of these creams is real and has been reported by many people. A major side effect of these creams is an increase in pimples. Stop using the cream immediately or if a doctor asked you to use it, check with them about long-term use. Do you use makeup products like face powder, liquid foundation, concealer or makeup primer? Not only skincare products, but also makeup can block pores and cause pimples. Face powder invariably contains talc which has been known to cause acne. See this makeup kit containing all acne-safe makeup products. The safest thing is to avoid using any makeup until pimples are under control. Then slowly add in non-comedogenic makeup. Not only skincare products, but also makeup can block pores and cause pimples. Face powder invariably contains talc which has been known to cause acne. See this makeup kit containing all acne-safe makeup products. The safest thing is to avoid using any makeup until pimples are under control. Then slowly add in non-comedogenic makeup. Do you use any of these acne creams as spot treatment over pimples – Retino-A, Nexret Gel, Adapalene Gel, Benzac AC, Sebonac, Triacneal? Click Skip Question if you don’t use any of these acne creams. These creams work best to prevent acne when used as a thin layer all over acne prone areas. Using them as a spot treatment only will not prevent new acne from forming. If you get pimples on the forehead and cheeks, for example, then before going to bed at night, apply a thin layer of your retinoid cream all over your forehead and cheeks as a thin layer. You must use a sunscreen during the day because such creams can make the skin more prone to tanning and redness if not protected well. Also notice if you develop any kind of white patches on the skin due to the use of such creams. Immediately see a dermatologist in that case. These creams are in general not advised to be used without a doctor’s prescription. Antibiotic gels like clindamycin or erythromycin or Metrogyl are usually used as spot treatments. They needn’t be applied over large areas. These creams work best to prevent acne when used as a thin layer all over acne prone areas. Using them as a spot treatment only will not prevent new acne from forming. If you get pimples on the forehead and cheeks, for example, then before going to bed at night, apply a thin layer of your retinoid cream all over your forehead and cheeks as a thin layer. You must use a sunscreen during the day because such creams can make the skin more prone to tanning and redness if not protected well. Also notice if you develop any kind of white patches on the skin due to the use of such creams. Immediately see a dermatologist in that case. These creams are in general not advised to be used without a doctor’s prescription. Antibiotic gels like clindamycin or erythromycin or Metrogyl are usually used as spot treatments. They needn’t be applied over large areas. Have you tried everything and nothing has cleared your skin completely? You don’t know what products to use? The thing is, without some background information, it is easy to remain stuck with acne for years, even decades. If you’ve struggled with acne for long, then you need to stop looking for quick fixes or overnight cures. First of all, go over this page, patiently, carefully, following every link so you understand why you are getting acne and what is the right course of action for you. This is important otherwise you’ll be stuck forever trying out random products and wondering why pimples are not clearing up. It is time for a systematic approach. That begins with the page I mentioned above. As you go through it, you will also come across tried and tested, complete skin care regimens that include every product you might need. The thing is, without some background information, it is easy to remain stuck with acne for years, even decades. If you’ve struggled with acne for long, then you need to stop looking for quick fixes or overnight cures. First of all, go over this page, patiently, carefully, following every link so you understand why you are getting acne and what is the right course of action for you. This is important otherwise you’ll be stuck forever trying out random products and wondering why pimples are not clearing up. It is time for a systematic approach. That begins with the page I mentioned above. As you go through it, you will also come across tried and tested, complete skin care regimens that include every product you might need.Quiz-summary
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Find What’s Causing or Worsening Your Acne
The goal of this quiz is to help you get to the cause of your acne quickly. You will also find actions you can take to clear up your skin. Once you select an answer, click Check on the right side to see the correct answer and helpful tips. Then press Next to go to the next question. If a question does not apply to you, click Skip question.
