What Causes Acne

Acne is usually caused when the sebaceous glands open up around the time when children hit puberty. It can be stimulated by hormones that come from the adrenal glands. The sebum - oil - is a natural substance that our bodies use to protect and also lubricate the skin. For some people the cells are so close to the surface of the skin that it will block the opening and cause the oil to back up beneath the skin.

When this back up occurs the oil will cause the bacteria that is on the skin to multiply and the tissue surrounding it will become red and inflamed. The inflammation will occur on the surface of the skin and create a pustule. The more inflammation there is - the deeper it will travel and before long it will create a pimple.

Having extremely oily skin is the main cause of acne - but it is not the only thing. There are many other things in our life which are able to affect our skin and whether or not we will suffer from acne in mild or severe forms.

Food

There is a reason that as teenagers we are told to avoid any types of greasy and fried foods as well as chocolate. These have the ability to create acne and also to make it much worse in people who usually only have mild symptoms of it.

Over Washing

Most people believe that sweat is something that can cause acne and will therefore wash their face anytime that they do. This is a misconception that many are led to believe. Sweat is something that our bodies do naturally and can often help to cleanse our pores. Excessive amount of washing can actually irritate our skin.

Hormones

It is possible for women to suffer from acne when they are going through their menstrual cycle or are pregnant. This is because their hormones are not balanced and could be changing the way their bodies normally work. But not all women have this problem and most men do not have to worry about it.

Medication

It is possible that some medications you are taking will not react well with your body and will cause or make acne much worse for you. This is because they might contain iodides, steroids, or bromides. Other types of medications like lithium or anticonvulsant medicines have the ability to make it much worse.