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| What causes Acne?
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Acne is the visual end result of hormonal, bacterial and inflammatory
disturbances that take place in the the oil pore (pilosebaceous follicle). |
| No one factor causes acne. Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to
life around puberty stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both
boys and girls, although acne can occur at any age.
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| Oil is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin. Under
certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings
of sebaceous glands usually because of a build up of dead skin cells due to not
exfoliating on a regular basis. This causes a build-up of oil underneath . This
oil allows bacteria to multiply and causes surrounding tissues to become
inflamed. |
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| If the inflammation is right near the surface, you get a pustule; if it's
deeper, a papule (pimple); deeper still and it's a cyst. If the oil breaks
though to the surface, the result is a "whitehead." If the oil becomes oxidized
(that is, oxygen in the air reaches the oil), the oil changes from white to
black, and the result is a "blackhead." |
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| Here are the most common cause of acne: |
 Hormones A
hormone known as androgen, that begins at puberty is a major contributor to the
cause of acne. Many acne sufferers are adolescents and teens. Hormones are also
responsible for acne flare-ups during menstruation, pregnancy and
perimenopause.
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| Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands and produce extra sebum. The sebum
mixes with common skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from
the lining of the follicle. While this process is normal, the presence of extra
sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging — and for acne to
occur.
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| Stress can
upset our hormonal balance. Cortisol is stimulated during stressful times and
it can aggravate acne.
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| Heredity can
be a factor in very severe and/or cystic acne.
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| Cosmetics and skin
care products can be pore-clogging. Heavy make-up, skin care
products,foundations and pomades contain lanolin, petrolatum, vegetable oils,
butyl stearate, lauryl alcohol and oleic acid, as well as toxic or skin
irritating preservatives, fillers, fragrances or emulsifiers.
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| Over abrasive
cleansing inappropriate and harsh cleansers and exfoliators can damage
skin and spread infections. If products are too alkaline and strip the natural
oil and hydration of the skin, two things can happen. The pH can shift and the
lack a good “barrier function” on the skin surface will make the skin more
vulnerable to receiving bacteria, and ultimately make any small break out
worse. |
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| Certain medications
and steroids can alter your body chemistry and stimulate acne.
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| A diet that
is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can actually aggravate acne by
increasing internal inflammation. Dr. Perricone's books are a good resource for
understanding skin and inflammation.
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| Pressure from
equipment In some people, pressure from phones, helmets, chinstraps,
collars, can aggravate acne. |
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| Picking and squeezing
This can actually send the infection deeper into the skin and can cause
scarring.
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| Environmental
Irritants such as pollution is bad for the internal body as well as the
skin. In some jobs, exposure to industrial products may produce acne.
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