Despite being synonymous with teenagers, acne can occur at any age and is one of the most habitual skin conditions. Acne occurs when skin follicles become blocked with dead cells and natural oils, manifesting as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Severe symptoms also include lumps under the skin (nodules) and cysts.Unlike eczema, we have a better idea of what causes acne, making the condition easier to manage. However, some genetic factors contribute to acne's severity. No matter the seriousness, possible triggers include:• Hormonal imbalance• Medications• Stress• DietHormonal imbalance is a common trigger, and partly the reason why acne is more frequent among teenagers. Diet is also a widespread trigger, but probably not the foods you'd expect. You'll be happy to know that chocolate and greasy foods don't contribute to acne—carbohydrate-rich foods are the true culprit.