Causes of Acne
Unlike the popular myth, pizza and other greasy foods do not cause acne. Many factors play a role in the formation of acne, although the list below is not exhaustive and may not be the cause of your acne.
Extra Sebum. Connected to each follicle is an oil, or sebaceous gland. Normally, the oil travels up along the hair shaft and onto the surface of your skin, lubricating your skin and hair. When your body produces too much oil, it combines with dead skin cells and clogs the pores of your skin.
Abnormal Shedding of Skin. The primary cause of cell clogging is the abnormal flaking or shedding of the cells inside the hair follicle. Once plugged, the area can enlarge and even break the hair follicle, spilling oil and debris into the skin.
Bacteria. Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes, are the bacteria that cause the acne condition and normally live on the skin. P. acnes cause redness, irritation and inflammation and their presence aids in the development of acne.
Hormones. Androgens are male hormones present in both genders that enlarge the sebaceous glands in the skin and cause the glands to produce extra sebum (see above). Estrogens are female hormones and can actually help improve acne. During the menstrual cycle, helpful estrogen levels fluctuate and drop. Birth control pills that contain helpful estrogens can help aid in the treatment of acne.
More prevalent than the causes of acne are treatments for the condition. Typical over-the-counter medications include the same few active ingredients. If a regularly-maintained OTC routine is not helpful in treating your acne, try a new regiment or consult your dermatologist or doctor for assistance.
Types of Acne
Acne Causes
Acne Active Ingredients
FAQ's & Common Myths
Offers
