Acne Causes

There are many acne causes that you should be aware of if you have this problem and want to get rid of it ...

People of all ages and races get acne. Although it is most common in adolescents and young adults, around 80 percent of people under twenty five develop acne at some point. For most, acne tends to go away around the time they reach their thirties, but some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin disorder.

Acne is skin inflammation that is characterized by clogged pores and pimples in the skin. These bumps may be a whitehead, a blackhead, which is a whitehead with a black center, or even pustules, which often have a yellow or white center filled with pus. Permanent scars, as well as pain and itching may accompany the problem. Many people with acne are acutely self-conscious about the condition. Frequently affecting teenagers more than anyone else, it may intensify feelings of shyness that are common during those years.

Small pores are connected to oil glands underneath the skin. It is these glands that produce an oily substance called sebum. The pores connect to the glands by a canal called a hair follicle. Inside the follicles, oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. A hair will normally grow through the follicle and out to the skin, but if the hair follicle in the skin is trapped inside by sebum and dead cells, eruptions can occur. 

Although propionibacterium acnes, the skin’s natural bacteria is already present in the skin, there are other unwanted bacteria that may attack the skin. Inflammation occurs when the body sends white blood cells to fight off the bacteria and ends up getting clogged in the pores.

But, why does all of this happen in the first place ?  Good question ...

Here is a list of the ten most likely acne causes :

1.  Possibly you have hyperactive sebaceous glands because it is inherited.

2.  Normal hormonal activity, such as what happens in menstrual cycles or puberty. 

3.  Stress can cause an increased amount of hormones produced by the adrenal (stress) glands.

4.  The accumulation of dead skin cells and bacteria in your pores, which triggers a type of allergic reaction.

5.  Something that irritates your skin or causes you to scratch will cause inflammation.

6.  Anabolic steroids.

7.  Any medication you take that contains chlorides, lithium, barbiturates.

8.  Exposure to too much chlorine. 

9.  Rubbing your face with your fingers.

10.  A diet that consists of fatty foods, instead of fruits and vegetables.

Scientists believe that acne is often caused by a change in the levels of androgenic hormones in the body, the hormone that is associated with the male and with growth and development. When testosterone is produced in the body, the hormone is metabolized in the skin producing dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is this chemical that causes the sebaceous glands to produce excess oils on the skin.

Fortunately, there are many types of acne medicine that can relieve the suffering and clear up the disorder rather quickly in most cases.  However, you should know what acne myths are out there and what really does not cause this disorder.  Then, you can look for the right answers.