What are the Causes of Acne?

Acne - What Causes Acne?

While there are always changes to consider, a lot of the contributory factors relating to acne outbreaks have been exhaustively researched.

Hormones and Sebum

It is not surprising that acne is usually suffered by teens. It strikes over four out of five of us during those years. It's in our teenage years when the levels of hormones seem to go through the roof. Androgen production increases in both males and females.

Among the results, the sebaceous glands that produce sebum produce more of, the natural oil found in hair follicles. Most of the oils are secreted in the face, and upper thorax - so that is where acne tends to concentrate. .

Increased oil or sebum isn't generally a problem if it can reach the skin surface. It's spread around and is often washed off by those who take good care of their skin. Still, blackheads may form as a result of the excess oil.

Pores can close, and become blocked with that excess oil. This encourages the growth of whiteheads. Also, the resulting pressure can cause follicles to rupture. The pressure will be made worse because the bacteria are in an ideal environment. At the same time, bacteria and the white blood cells that deal with them (usually quite successfully) also get trapped. The result is pus and inflammation. .

Stress

Stress itself doesn't produce acne but it can make it worse by affecting the production of hormones. Stress can weaken the immune system thus leading a weaker counter to bacteria. This is only a minor factor in the acne cycle.

Drugs

Prescription drugs can enable an outbreak of acne. Barbiturates and tetracycline certainly do not help in the control of acne. Anabolic steroids are acknowledged by medical practitioners to be especially culpable with those taking them. Forgoing these, unless medically controlled, can reduce the number and/or severity of attacks.

Heredity

Genetics is another contributor. What contribution genetics make is still to be estimated. Genetics, as a contributory factor is subject of ongoing research and so clear conclusions have not yet been drawn. Investigations support the belief that acne is hereditary. Also we need to think about what the family eats or other common family circumstances. All things considered, genetics is a factor in the development of acne.

Diet & Skin Care

Diet and skin care are less culpable than is generally accepted. Just because foods are greasy, they don't give rise to a greasy skin. It is accepted that poor diet can often go hand in hand with poor skin care. Any food that causes an over production of skin oil or certain hormones will probably contribute.

Nothing indicates that the common suspects - soft drinks and fatty foods, chocolate, cream cakes and hamburgers, among others - make a significant contribution to acne attacks. Bad hygiene is a contributory factor because surface bacteria sometimes remain 'unmolested'. Good cleaning habits will help. Make sure that you don't 'over do' the cleanliness. That can create a worse situation by leaving the skin unprotected.

Dirt and makeup can lead to a vulnerability to an acne attack, especially if they get forced under the skin surface and block the ducts from the sebaceous glands. Surface dirt itself isn't responsible for acne. The dark head on blackheads is the result of exposure to air, it has nothing to do with dirt.

You cannot change heredity and puberty is a normal part of life. Reasonable hygiene, prompt treatment of symptoms and common sense precautions can help reduce the acne level.