Acne: five most popular causes. It can be caused by a hormonal or chemical imbalance, bacteria, clogged pores, or allergic reaction to something in your environment. Some acne is temporary while others can last up to a year. If you've suffered from acne at some point in your life, you are aware of the frustration and pain of trying to get rid of it. But what really causes acne?
Hormones. For a teen, acne happens during puberty when oil glands in the skin become larger than normal. Androgen (male hormone) and estrogen (female hormone) are responsible for this enlargement. When the levels of both hormones are in balance, the oil glands will clear up and the skin will be cleansed.
Chemicals. There are many different chemicals that are present in our bodies. The problem with acne is that some of these chemicals build up in the body and cause acne. You can get some relief from acne by using topical products like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. But you still need to control your diet.
Pores. When the pores of the skin are clogged, they produce extra sebum and oil. These cause whiteheads and blackheads to form. Acne is a red flag that your body is not producing enough sebum.
Hormones. As you age, the sex hormone testosterone (in males) gradually decreases while the estrogen increases. As this occurs, the oil gland in the skin becomes larger. This can also lead to acne, as excess oil is trapped in the pores.
Pore clogging. Another contributing factor to acne is pore-clogging skin. Pores are trapped below the surface of the skin, which makes them difficult to clean. When bacteria enter these clogged pores, they infect the hair follicle. Bacteria naturally live in the hair follicles to release toxins that irritate the follicle, causing inflammation. If left untreated, inflammation can result in permanent scars on the skin.
Illness. People with severe inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease or inflammatory arthritis are more likely to develop acne. Inflammatory arthritis causes the body to produce pro-inflammatory hormones. People who have hormonal imbalances are also at a higher risk for acne.
The above mentioned are only the five most popular causes of acne. There are more contributing factors. However, acne is most definitely a problem for many people. One way to combat it is to stay clear of the five most popular causes and focus on one or two. This will allow you to be free from acne and enjoy clear skin.
Stress. Stress is one of the most common causes of acne because it increases the tension. This tension leads to hormone imbalance which, in turn, causes more oil to be produced. As more oil is produced, acne sufferers experience more breakouts.
Some medications. Many prescription drugs including antidepressants, birth control pills, and sinus medications can trigger acne. They do this by altering the chemicals in the brain. Antibiotics also alter the chemical makeup of the bacteria in the digestive tract. In fact, antibiotics are one of the most common triggers of acne.
Hormones. Certain hormones in the body, specifical testosterone, may be the cause of your acne. It is possible that your acne is related to hormones in the body, but hormones alone cannot explain how you got acne. A diet high in chocolate and junk food and a low intake of fruits and vegetables are also factors.
Illness. Like stress, ill health can also be a factor in your acne condition. A severe case of an illness such as diabetes or HIV can cause hormonal imbalances which can lead to acne outbreaks. Stress and illness can also change your hormone balance. Pregnancy, childbirth, and major events in your life such as changing jobs can also affect your hormonal balance. Other physical disorders can also lead to hormonal imbalance including thyroid disorders.
These are just the five most popular causes of acne. If you are suffering from acne, consult a dermatologist immediately so that he or she can help you determine the actual cause of your acne and recommend a treatment plan. You don't have to suffer from your acne for another minute!
