An Overview of Real Acne Causes

Acne can affect anyone from ages 10 through 40 and appears on the skin as congested pores, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules or cysts. Blemishes may occur wherever there are many oily (or sebaceous) glands, such as the face, chest and back. Unfortunately, there is not one singular reason that leads to the cause of acne — many acne causes can lead to a breakout.

How Acne Actually Forms

Sebum is a natural substance that lubricates and protects your skin, yet under certain circumstances, cells close to the skin’s surface block the openings of the sebaceous glands and causes a buildup of oil that then stimulates naturally living bacteria on your skin to multiply, causing the surrounding tissue to become inflamed. Such surface inflammation produces a pustule, whereas deeper inflammation causes a papule (also known as a pimple). If the inflammation penetrates even deeper, a cyst can develop. If the oil breaks through to the surface of your skin, it becomes a “whitehead” whereas if it accumulates melanin pigment or becomes exposed to oxygen, the oil then changes from white to black and results in a “blackhead.”

General Acne Causes

While a combination of multiple factors can contribute to the development of acne, the causes below highlight the most frequently examined reasons for breakouts.

Cosmetics: Women tend to use makeup to conceal acne, yet cosmetics may actually create more blemishes. Many brands of cosmetics are non-comedogenic or non pore-clogging. It is important not to cleanse any cosmetics before bed and to clean applicators regularly to avoid transferring acne-causing bacteria onto your skin.
Diet: While most people assume that high fat, greasy, fried and junk foods can negatively impact the development of acne, these foods are not actually a primary acne cause, nor do they make acne worse. Recent studies have shown, however, that milk and dairy products may possibly aggravate acne.
Dirt & Sweat: It might seem to make sense that the more one cleanses acne-prone areas on the skin, the less likely acne will appear. However, sweat and dirt do not actually cause acne, and incessant washing may actually dry and irritate skin. Some individuals do find that pressure from helmets, chinstraps and collars can aggravate acne, so be mindful of wearing looser-fitting clothes and gear when working out.
Hormones: Estrogens are female hormones that can actually improve acne in girls. A woman’s monthly menstrual cycle (as well as pregnancy) changes the estrogen levels in her body, which is why some women’s acne may change depending on where they are in their monthly cycle. Doctors occasionally recommend oral contraceptive pills to help relieve acne.
Heredity: While no two people are alike, it has been shown that heredity does play a part in the development of acne though the exact reasoning is unclear.
Medications: Medications that contain iodides, bromides, oral or injected steroids may cause or worsen acne. Most acne causes are not related to medications.
Puberty: Androgens are male hormones present in both men and women, though are higher in men. Androgens enlarge the sebaceous glands in the skin and cause these glands to increase oil production. Androgens tend to surge at puberty, which can increase the development of acne in teens.
Stress: Living a lifestyle with low-levels of stress is better for general overall health, yet stress does not have a direct role in causing acne.

Acne Affects Almost Everyone

Acne affects more than 90% of all adolescents, nearly half of all adult women and a quarter of all adults. Regardless of your gender or culture, there is no standard cure for acne, though you can find effective treatments and methods of prevention that work for you. Keep in mind that even after pimples seem to disappear, continued treatment is important to keep new blemishes from forming.