Acne: Common Causes

What causes acne?

Sixty million people suffer from acne worldwide and most of those people develop the skin disorder during adolescence, particularly between the ages of sixteen to eighteen. Although the causes of acne are unknown, dermatologists believe it a result of several related factors. One of these factors is the increment of male sex hormones, named androgens. These hormones make sebaceous glands enlarged and produce more sebum, and an increase can be found in both girls and boys during puberty. Stopping or starting pills to control birth and hormonal changes involved with pregnancy can cause acne also.

The most common causes of acne are:

• During puberty, higher orders of sex hormones occur than in childhood.
• Comedones develop when skin pores are blocked by keratin and sebum (cells of dead skin).
• Oil glands in the skin are stimulated and enlarged by dihydrotestosterone, converted from the hormones in the skin.
• Acne pimples and pustules are created by comedonal debris and bacteria.
• Sebum is produced from the sebaceous glands, or oil glands. Acne is more prevalent with the increase in sebum.
• The follicle walls may rupture.

Aggravating Factors

Causes of particularly severe acne:

• Hormonal Factors, such as higher levels of androgens, due to:
• Excessive corticosteroids
• Enzyme deficiency
• Depression and psychological stress
• Polycystic ovaries
• Environmental Factors:
• Swelling of the skin from high humidity
• Most common cosmetics, such as pomades, foundations and moisturizes.
• Pressure from chinstraps, headbands, tight sports uniforms, collars, backpacks or sports equipment.
• Petroleum oils.
• Cortisol that amplify acne, is a hormone generated by stress. Glands of oil are enlarged when promoted by stress. More secreted oil causes whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.
• Excess vitamins B12, B6, and B1 can produce acne. It is good to use vitamins, but just not in excess.
• Agitating acne by picking can infect the skin further and cause scarring.
• Genetic Factors
• Parents can pass onto their children the tendency to develop acne.