Main Causes of Acne
Acne usually begins at puberty,in the vast majority of people but it does not just stay confined to the youth. Acne can continue to trouble some people all the way into adult life, sometimes even in to their forties, fifties and beyond. Though this is not as common but it is still very possible.
The body goes into overdrive and produces hormones called androgens. Androgens make the sebaceous glands enlarged and over stimulated. This means that the extra sebum (oil) that is produced by the sebaceous glands gets combined with bacteria and dead skin cells on the skin’s surface which blocks the pores.
Inside the blocked pores, bacteria multiply which causes spots, pimples and pustules that are associated with acne. It is not just the spots themselves that some unfortunate people have to contend with but also the possible acne scars that can be left over as a constant reminder if it not treated properly and in time.
While there are thought to be no one main cause of acne, below are a few of the things that are commonly believed to be a contributing factor:
- Genetics. Some are genetically prone to acne. If your parents or siblings suffered from acne growing up then it is more likely you will follow suit.
- Medications and steroids. although sometimes used to treat acne, some medications can also cause it to flare up.
- Oily make-up these can be the culprits too, especially certain foundations and even moisturizers can clog the skin’s pores.
- Facial Cleansers, very harsh and caustic facial cleansers or toners can dry out the skin which results in the body producing more sebum to protect itself which means more spots.
- Picking existing spots or blackheads can only spread the infection and can cause acne scarring which in severe cases of acne causes permanent scarring.
You can rest assured that spots/acne is not caused by dirt or a lack of hygiene and you can not catch acne from anybody else, it is not contagious or infectious. What you eat does not directly cause acne although drinking plenty of water, exercises, getting plenty of beauty sleep and eating lots of fruit and veg is definitely beneficial as what you put into your body will definitely show on the outside.
In most cases, people generally grow out of acne by their mid to late twenties, as with age the skin is less youthful and perhaps less greasy as it once was. It is hard to go through life without suffering from a single pimple, everyone is prone to a spot breakout now and then.
The good news is there are some excellent treatments available, some natural and some prescription, but if you seek the advice of a doctor or skin specialist you will find a solution that suits you.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.