Factors That Can Aggravate Acne

Factors that can cause an acne flare include: Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts; Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin; Pressure from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars; Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity; Squeezing or picking at blemishes; Hard scrubbing of the skin.