Top 9 Causes of Acne!

Acne is a result of the pores becoming clogged, which leads to pimples. Acne can actually be found on different parts of the body and is not limited to the face. Once inflammation starts, the pimples can become redder and larger. There are considered to be three major causes of acne, which have nothing to do with the lack of a skin care regime. The first three are overactive sebaceous glands, dead skin cells and the bacteria known as propionbacteria acnes (P. acnes).

Overactive Sebaceous Glands

These particular glands are responsible for manufacturing sebum and oil that is needed to lubricate the skin. Individuals who are more prone to acne generally produced more oil than is necessary. Since the glands are over producing oil, some oil remains in the pores of the skin. The follicle becomes blocked with oil, which leads to acne.

Skin Cells

The skin’s epidermis is continually shedding dead skin cells. In some cases, dead skin cells proliferate too quickly and the production increases four to five times more than normal. The skin releases more dead skin cells than can be shed. The skin pores then become clogged with skin cells, especially when an overproduction of oil is present.

P. acnes Bacteria

This particularly bacteria is normally found on most skin. But once the pores of the skin become plugged with dead cells and oil, the pores begin to create an environment that lacks in oxygen. The P. acnes bacteria begins to proliferate. The overabundance of this bacteria irritates the skin and creates inflammation which creates red inflamed pimples. It was often thought that poor hygiene was the cause of the overabundance of this bacteria, but research has suggested that that is not the case.

Hormones

A hormone called androgen causes the sebaceous glands to over produce oil. Puberty triggers the release of more androgens, which is why teenagers often experience acne. The overstimulating of the oil glands may be chronic and continue into adulthood. Pregnancy hormones can also cause acne in women. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during a menstrual cycle often trigger acne. Testosterone is also found to make acne worse, which is why certain types of acne (back acne and cystic acne) is often found in young men more than women. A severe hormonal in balance in women, which can be caused by condition such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, can be a direct cause of acne. When certain conditions are relieved, acne often goes away.

Stress

Stress impacts the body in many ways and can aggravate cases of acne. Stress also makes the body produce more hormones which can trigger and irritate acne. Anxiety and stress have an impact on the adrenal glands. These glands respond to stress by creating more cortisol, which can trigger the sebaceous glands of the skin to produce more oil. This starts the basic process of what causes acne, blocked pores.

Diet

Although past scientific studies suggest that there is not a correlation between certain foods and acne, it has become apparent that certain foods can make acne worse. These foods include greasy fried foods, foods high in sugar and certain processed foods. Foods that are high in refined carbohydrates  and refined sugar will increase insulin, which can increase hormones that lead to increased oil production which starts the process that triggers acne. Some health experts recommend that individuals who are prone to acne limit these foods in their diet and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Medications

Certain medications can not only cause but also aggravate cases of acne. There are certain birth control pills that trigger acne. Bromides, lithium and corticosteriods may cause acne. This drugs can cause acne to continue even if you are using an acne prevention treatment. Certain thyroid medications can also trigger acne breakouts.

Clothing

Some information suggests that tight fitting clothing causes acne while other sources state that it simply aggravates cases of acne. Either way, tight fitting clothing does not allow for proper airflow to the skin. The friction caused by tight clothing can aggravate cases of back and body acne that are already present on the skin.

Cosmetics & Skin Care

Certain cosmetics actually cause acne by clogging the pores of the skin. Watch out for cosmetics that are oil-based. Also, if you use harsh materials on the skin or scrub too vigorously it will make acne worse. Cosmetics or a new skin care product may be the cause of a sudden acne breakout, especially if you’ve developed acne where it was not present before.

There are some things that we are unable to control that can cause or aggravate acne, such as humidity and pollution. If you live in a very humid environment, you may want to consider trying a dehumidifier in your home. It’s best to talk to your doctor about what is causing your particular case of acne, as it could be something as simple as cosmetic use or something more complex such as genetics.