Types Of Acne - Be Informed To Get Clear Skin Faster

Most people are under the impression that acne is a condition which affects teenagers. However, people between the ages of ten to forty can actually experience acne. Women in particular can develop acne in their mid to late twenties even if they have never had a breakout before. There is good news though; if you are in your forties when you have a breakout of acne then you will often grow out of it. Acne can appear in several forms including: comedones or congest pores, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules or cysts.

What causes acne?

Acne can occur for a variety of reasons and understanding what causes it can help you know how to treat acne. For example, if you acne is caused by an overproduction of oil then paying for a treatment that focuses on reducing skin debris is likely not going to be as effective as a treatment focused on reducing oil production. So consider the many causes of acne so you can better find a treatment that works for you.

Often acne is caused by more than just one factor. It can be caused by the oil glands coming to life during puberty; male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls can also stimulate the production of oil. While oil naturally helps to lubricate and protect the skin, sometimes the skin cells near the surface can block the openings of oil glands and cause the oil to buildup rather than be released. As a result of this buildup, bacteria are stimulated to multiply which inflames the surrounding tissue causing acne.

If the inflammation is located near the surface of the skin it forms a pustule, but deeper inflammation can lead to a pimple and the deepest form of inflammation can cause a cyst to develop. If the oil is able to break through the surface then it results in what many refer to as a whitehead. If the oil contains a melanin pigment or becomes oxidized then it will turn black in color which results in what many call a blackhead. A common misconception is that blackheads are dirt and caused by poor hygiene but this isn't the case.

Other factors that influence acne:

Some common factors that influence acne include heredity; nearly everyone will have acne at some point in their life. Another factor is food. Contrary to belief greasy food and junk food don't cause acne or make it work. However, recent studies have shown that milk and dairy products can make acne worse.

While dirt and poor hygiene don't cause acne, excessive washing can also have the effect of drying and irritate the skin which can lead to acne. Picking at acne can make them last longer, but stress itself is not a factor in causing acne. Hormones have a major effect on acne. This is why some oral contraceptive pills can help with acne.

Cosmetic and skin-care products can lead to a clogging of your pores. For this reason it is best to stick with water-based and oil-free cosmetics to better control your acne. Pressure from collars or clothing can sometimes lead to acne. Some drugs have also been known to make acne worse and if you have an outdoor occupation you can be more prone to acne.