Causes of Acne Overview
Acne is thought to affect 90% of people worldwide. There are many factors that have been found to trigger acne. Although there are many causes of acne, acne is most often caused by clogged pores, whether it’s from excess oil or excess dry skin cells. Certain hormones play a role in the development of acne and there is also a specific type of bacteria normally on the skin that can cause acne if it overpopulates. There are also different types of acne, including adult acne and cystic acne.
The hormones that cause acne are called androgens and are present at puberty. These same hormones are also the cause of acne that occurs during the menstrual cycle and even during pregnancy. Some people experience acne well into adulthood because the androgen hormones can over-stimulate the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for secreting oil and lubricating the skin.
The bacteria normally found on the skin is called propionibacterium acnes, but if the skin’s follicles are clogged then this bacteria multiplies rapidly which causes acne breakouts. Both men and women are vulnerable to acne breakouts. The hormone testosterone is thought to be responsible for making acne worse, which is why certain types of acne are more common in men.
Acne is something that occurs in adults, not just teenagers. Typically, acne starts with what is called a blackhead. This is simply the result of oil mixed with dead skin cells. This matter gets trapped inside a pore instead of flushed out. Once the blackhead becomes inflamed, red pimples emerged.
Other causes of adult acne include stress and hormonal changes. For women, certain birth controls can cause acne. Certain cosmetics can also cause acne by clogging the pores of the skin. The fluctuation of hormones that women experience throughout their life can also be responsible for acne breakouts.
Cystic acne is another form of acne called acne vulgaris. This form of acne is more common in teenage boys and young men. There are a few causes of cystic acne, one being genetics. If the oil glands of the skin are overactive, this can cause a more serious case of acne. An excess of dead skin cells within the follicle can also cause cystic acne because the follicles become plugged and the natural cleansing process of the skin is deterred.
Cysts form deep within the pore wall and the skin becomes very inflamed. The risk of scars is higher with cases of cystic acne. This type of acne can appear on the face as well as other parts of the body.
Another form of acne can appear on the back, which is called back acne. This type of acne refers to pimples that are found on the back, upper arms and even the buttocks. The skin on the back is thicker than other parts of the body and it contains more of the sebaceous glands.
Clothes that are too tight or that rub the area constantly can make matters worse, but aren’t thought to be the cause of back acne. The exact cause of back acne is not known, but the over production of oil certainly leads to acne in general.
Body acne is a type of acne that is found on other parts of the body besides the face. Body acne can be found on the back and upper torso (including the chest). Like acne in general, the exact cause of body acne is not known. There are some factors that can make body acne worse and make someone more susceptible to an acne breakout. Here, clothes that fit too tightly can make matters worse because it prevents air from reaching the skin.
Genetics also plays a role in body acne. Most body acne is considered to be cystic acne and the chances of scarring are high. If a cyst bursts, it can lead to scarring. Be gentle with your skin and avoid popping the pimples.
The same factors that trigger the commonly known facial acne also cause other types of acne mentioned above. Once the pores are trapped, blackheads erupt and usually progress to an inflamed acne pimple. Serious cases of acne can cause scarring because the inflammation caused by acne can damage the skin cells that make collagen.
If collagen production is decreased, the skin begins to thin and scars appear. Once collagen production increases, the scars can become thicker and more pronounced. Pimples are problematic not only because they can be painful but also because they look unappealing.
Acne is considered to be a condition which can reduce one’s self-esteem, this is especially true for those who experience facial acne. There is controversy about whether certain foods actually cause or make acne worse, but it is speculated that fried foods may contribute to acne. Because there are a few different causes of acne, it’s best to consult with your doctor or a dermatologists to rule out genetic causes and lifestyle factors that may lead to acne breakouts.
In our article Causes of Acne: 9 Top Reasons, we explore the most common causes of acne.
Also read Causes of Acne: 8 Common Myths, to make sure you are not doing anything that may actually be aggravating your acne.
