Acne is among the most prevalent skin problems that affects people of all genders, ages as well as ethnicities. While it’s typically seen in adolescence and teen years, acne may persist throughout adulthood and can even surface later in the course of. While many people focus on treating acne with regimens of skincare or medications but understanding the causes of acne is essential in preventing breakouts as well as managing the health of your skin over time.
What Is Acne?
Before examining the causes it is important to know the causes of acne. Acne is a condition of the skin that develops when hair follicles get blocked by oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, as well as bacteria. The blockage can cause inflammation that causes pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, and occasionally the appearance of nodules or cysts.
Acne is most often seen on the back, face and chest as well as the shoulders the areas of the body which contain the largest number of sebaceous (oil) glands. The severity of the condition varies from mild to extreme and can have a significant impact on the self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Hormonal Fluctuations
The most important and well-studied causes of acne can be the imbalance of hormones. This is particularly the case in times of significant hormonal changes, for example:
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The puberty process :- As we grow older, the levels of androgens (male hormones that are present across both genders) rise, causing glands of the sebaceous to expand producing more oil. Oil production can cause pores to clog and cause breakouts.
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Menstrual Cycle :- A lot of women experience breakouts of acne a couple of days prior to when their period starts. This is because of changes in progesterone and estrogen.
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Menopausal and Pregnancy :- The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or perimenopausal changes can cause increased sebum production and inflammation of the skin.
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Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) :- A commonly seen condition among females, PCOS manifests itself as an increase in levels of androgens which can result in an ongoing acne.
The most common site for hormonal acne is the lower area of the face, such as jawline as well as the neck, chin and jawline — and can be painful, cystic and recurrent.
Excess Sebum Production
Sebum is a natural oil that is produced by the glands of the sebaceous skin. While it’s vital for maintaining the skin’s hydration, excessive sebum can combine together with the dead cellulite of skin and block pores which creates the perfect setting for the acne-causing bacteria.
Sebum overproduction is a result of:
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Hormonal imbalance
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High-stress levels
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The use of comedogenic or oily skincare products
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Genetics
People with oily skins are more likely to breakouts due to the increased sebum production.
Bacterial Overgrowth (Cutibacterium acnes)
Cutibacterium acnes (formerly called Propionibacterium acnes) is a bacterium that naturally lives on the human skin. In normal quantities it’s not a problem. When pores are blocked the bacteria could quickly multiply and create an immune response which can cause swelling and pus production.
This causes the standard pimples that are red and swollen, which is caused by moderate to severe acne.
Clogged pores are the result of Dead Skin Cells
The skin is constantly regenerated by eliminating the dead cells of skin. In some individuals this process does not work as effectively. If dead skin cells aren’t eliminated properly, they get mixed with sebum, clogging pores which result in the appearance of comedones (blackheads or whiteheads).
Factors that contribute to the cause include:
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Exfoliation is not as effective.
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Utilization of occlusive or heavy skincare products
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The skin is not properly cleansed
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The environmental pollution that causes skin buildup
Regular exfoliation using gentle movements and proper cleansing can aid in reducing the size of pores.
Genetics and Family History
Genetics play a strong role in acne development. If either or both of your parents were affected by acne, there’s more of a chance that you’ll also suffer from acne. Gene-related traits like the overactive sebaceous glands and delayed skin cell turnover or hormonal sensitivity could be the cause of acne-prone skin.
While you can’t alter your genetic makeup, knowing the risk factors that can affect you can aid in managing acne better through specific prevention strategies.
Diet and Nutrition
Once thought to be an untruth, evidence suggests certain diet choices to flare-ups of acne. Common triggers of diet include:
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High-glycemic index food items like white bread sweet snacks and sodas, that trigger increases in insulin levels, possibly increasing the production of oil and inflammation.
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Dairy-related products including skim milk, can trigger hormones related to oil production.
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Foods that are processed and fast-food food that are high of trans fats and salt and sugar can also cause acne.
Different people react to food exactly the same way, but having a well-balanced low-inflammatory diet can enhance general skin wellness.
Stress and Cortisol Levels
Stress from emotional causes don’t directly trigger the appearance of acne. However, it may cause more skin problems. Stress triggers the body’s ability to release cortisol as well as other stress hormones. This can increase the production of oil and cause inflammation on the skin.
In addition stress can trigger:
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Poor sleep patterns
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Hormonal imbalances
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Inattention to skincare routines
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Touching or picking the face more frequently
Controlling stress with exercises, meditation, and sleeping can have a positive impact on the outcome of acne.
Medications and Medical Conditions
Certain medicines are known to cause or aggravate acne. This includes:
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Corticosteroids
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Anabolic steroids
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Lithium (used to treat bipolar disorder)
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Certain anticonvulsants
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Medicines that contain bromides or iodine
In addition, some medical conditions like hormone conditions (like PCOS or Cushing’s Syndrome) are associated with acne because of their effects upon hormones levels.
If you suspect that your medication may be contributing to the acne you have, speak to your physician. However, do not stop or alter your medication without consulting with a medical professional.
Skincare and Cosmetic Products
It is ironic that the very products that are designed to treat or cover acne may occasionally cause it. This is referred to by the name of the acne cosmetica. It is caused by:
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Utilizing greasy, heavy, or comedogenic chemicals
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Doing not thoroughly remove makeup before going to going to bed
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Sharing makeup brushes and tools
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Cosmetics that have been expired or contaminated
Choose products that are not comedogenic and fragrance free as well as oil-free items particularly in the event that you’re more prone to breakouts.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
The environment around you also plays an important role in the development of acne:
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pollution: Dirt and toxins in the air can accumulate on your skin and block pores.
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The sweat and humidity: Particularly in hot climates, sweat that is mixed with dirt and oil can cause acne to worsen.
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Unhygienic behaviors: Touching your face with dirty pillowcases or not sanitizing the screen of your phone can spread bacteria onto your skin.
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Sleep deprivation and hydration These could disrupt hormone balance and decrease the skin’s ability to heal itself.
A healthy lifestyle can aid your body’s ability to keep the acne under control.
Conclusion
Acne can be a complex disorder caused by hormones, genetics food, lifestyle and habits of skincare. Although acne breakouts can be difficult and unpredictably, identifying the cause of the problem can greatly increase your chances of tackling and eliminating acne.
Knowing the causes of acne allows you to make better choices, whether it means changing your skincare routine or changing your diet, reducing stress, or seeking advice from an expert dermatologist. Keep in mind that clear skin can’t be obtained overnight However, with the proper method and regular care healthy skin is achievable.
