What Causes Acne?

Acne is caused when hormones called androgen begin to increase in level. This typically takes place during the early years of adolescence. Due to these higher levels of hormones, the sebaceous glands in the skin’s hair follicles begin to create excessive excessive amounts of oil. As a result, there is greater change of the skin cells that line the follicles.

Typically, this oil aids in removing dead cells. In addition, it expands over the skin to protect and moisten it. However, when excessive amounts of oil are made, and the excess cells collect together, the subsequent plug obstructs the hair follicles’ opening. The obstruction causes moderate levels of acne.

As a result, skin bacteria that is usually harmless can then infect and contaminate the blocked follicles. This creates nodules, cysts, papules and pustules.

General Acne Causes

• Bacteria, which multiply and grow inside the oil blockage, causing inflammation.
• Increasing oil production inside the pores of the skin.
• Pores plugged by dead skin cells or dirt.

For Teenagers

Acne in teenagers is widely believed to be caused by increasing amounts of the hormone testosterone, an event that happens during puberty. Testosterone plays an significant part in provoking development and the growth of the testicles and penis in males, as well as supporting bone and muscle strength in females.

The sebaceous glands are especially affected by hormones, therefore it is believed that the increasing testosterone leads the glands to creating much more oil than the skin actually requires.

For Adults

Over 80% of adult acne cases occur in women. It is believed that most occurrences of adult acne are caused by the shifts in hormone levels that most women endure during certain times in their lives.

Possible triggers for adult acne include:

• Menstruation: This is an extremely common cause of acne. Women usually develop new acne spots between two and seven days before they begin their menstrual cycle.
• Causes leading to plugged pores: Oils, cosmetics, greases, humidity, hair sprays, damp clothing and sweating can cause pores to become blocked.
• Inflammation: Repeated picking or squeezing and frequent cleaning can damage skin and enhance inflammation.
• Medications: Some drugs increase the production of oil, causing blocked pores. Progestin (contained in birth control pills) and anabolic steroids are two drugs that can lead to acne.