What Causes Acne?
There is no cure for acne, however there are many treatment options available. Acne can affect anyone, anywhere, and can be more or less symptomatic. Acne is most common in adolescents due to hormones changing in the body. Grown adults may experience outbreaks well into their 60’s. Technical developments have increased the effectiveness of acne treatments, including a reduction in breaks, less scarring, and less pain. To best treat this skin condition it is advised that you understand the cause of acne and what can be done.
There are a few primary causes of acne that have been identified by doctors and dermatologists. During the maturing process, the teen age years, the body starts to produce hormones known as androgens. Androgens enlarge skin glands and cause inflammation or flare-ups. While more common in women during menstruation and pregnancy, men also suffer the same symptoms.
Overactive sebaceous glands during your teenage years cause dead skin cells to shed and plug the follicle that conjoins with excess sebum. Skin bacteria multiply creating chemical reaction and inflammation on the skin. The body’s natural response is to attack the bacteria, which leads to painful whelps, swelling, and redness. Adult women in most cases have worse symptoms than men.
The comedo is an enlarged follicle that is full of oil and bacteria. This comedo is known as a pimple, which may or may become inflamed. White heads are known as a closed comedo, while black heads are known as a closed comedo. Both are non-inflammatory. The blackness that you see with blackheads is not dirt, but instead melanin.
There are four different forms of inflammatory acne. The less painful is known as papule, which is are small pink bumps. They can be sensitive and an intermediary between both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Another small round form of pumps is known as Pustules. They are noticeably inflamed and may contain pus. They generally are red at the base with a whitish center. One of the most severe forms of acne are cysts, which are painful and very large. They are generally filled with pus and inflamed, and are deep in the skin. Over time they can harden into deep cysts that can leave scars. The rarest form of acne is conglobata. Conglobata can appear anywhere on the backside and chest. This type is caused from severe bacterial infections.
Acne is not caused by dirt despite what many people believe. Many factors that lead to acne are out of our control; although there are steps you can take to control and reduce acne symptoms. The key to reducing acne is through prevention. Limit your skin to two washes a day to avoid drying out your skin. Over washing can stimulate excess oil production and lead to breakouts. We recommend using a gentle wash with fine grains to correctly exfoliate the skin. Avoid almond and apricot shell products. Avoid products with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Avoid squeezing or picking at pimples, because this will push the bacteria deeper into the skin. Be sure to shower after exercising.
Mild acne can be treated with over the counter products that you purchase online or at the store. You will notice many different treatment options and one that will most likely suit you best. If you start preventing acne before it gets bad, you will have a greater chance of reducing scarring or permanent damage to your skin. If you find a treatment that works then stick to it. If acne progressively gets worse be sure to see your local dermatologist.
