Acne - What Causes Acne?
While there are always new questions to answer, many of
the factors that tend to produce acne have been well researched.
Hormones and Sebum
It's no accident that acne tends to be associated with teens. It strikes
over 85% of us during those years. It's at that stage of life when
hormone levels rise sharply. Androgen levels increase in both males and
females.
Among other effects, those stimulate the sebaceous glands that produce
sebum, the natural oil found in hair follicles. The largest increases
occur in the face, back and upper chest - right where acne tends to
concentrate. The result can well be an outbreak of acne.
Increased oil or sebum isn't generally a problem if it reaches the
surface. It's spread around, and often washed off with alcohol or soap
and water by those who take good care of their skin. Still, blackheads
may form as a result of the excess oil.
Worse, pores can close, causing them to become clogged with that excess
oil. That encourages the growth of whiteheads. Also, the resulting
pressure can cause follicles to rupture. The bacteria have a more
'friendly' environment in which to grow. At the same time, bacteria and
the white blood cells that deal with it (normally without any problem)
get trapped. The result is pus and inflammation. Acne.
Stress itself doesn't produce acne, but it can make it worse by
increasing hormones. It also contributes to weakening the immune system,
thus leading a less effective defense against invading bacteria. But
it's not a major factor.
Drugs
Certain drugs can encourage the development of acne. Barbituates and
tetracycline are known to be among the culprits. Anabolic steroids are
widely recognized by professional dermatologists to be a major
contributor among those who take them. Forgoing these, except for
specific medical purposes, helps reduce the odds.
Heredity
Genetics plays a role, as well. How large, is still not yet quantified.
The area is one of active research, and therefore the exact mechanism
isn't detailed. But, statistics show that acne does tend to run in
families. That may be partly due to diet or other common family
circumstances. But it's more a factor of inheritance.
Diet & Skin Care
This is a much more minor cause than is commonly supposed. While certain
foods are themselves greasy, that doesn't translate directly into
increased oil in the skin. Of course, poor eating habits often go hand
in hand with poor skin care practices. And, any food that tends to
increase the production of sebum (oil) or certain hormones will have an
effect.
But no study suggests that the common culprits - soft drinks, chocolate
and greasy cheeseburgers, among others - play a large role in producing
acne.
Poor cleansing habits play some role, because bacteria that lie near the
surface sometimes remain 'unmolested'. Regular use of a good cleanser
can help. Take care that the skin doesn't become excessively dry,
however. That causes other problems.
Also, heavy dirt or even makeup can contribute to a problem by blocking
the pore, especially if they block oil ducts. But surface dirt itself
isn't responsible for acne. The dark head on blackheads is the result of
exposure to air, not trapped dirt.
There's little one can do about heredity, and passing through the teen
years is a normal part of life. But good skin care, quick treatment at
the onset of symptoms and other controllable choices will help keep acne
at bay.
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P.Robertson
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