What causes acne?
Acne seems to be the bane of our existence for most of us. Nowadays acne is the most common medical condition affecting more than 60 million people in the US.
So what causes acne? We have gathered these most common sources of acne problems:
Hormones
are the number one cause of acne. The production of sex hormones (androgens) beginning at puberty. This is why the majority of acne sufferers are teens. Hormones are also responsible for acne flare-ups during menstruation and pregnancy.
Extra sebum
when the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens. In its journey up the follicle toward the surface, the sebum mixes with common skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle. While this process is normal, the presence of extra sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging — and acne.
Stress
also causes the production of hormones aggravating acne. Stress brings upon different hormone levels. With hormone changes the body prompts the skin's oil glands to enlarge, secreting more oil which causes white heads, black heads, and pimples.
Heavy or oily makeup
clogs the pores and only adds to the problem if your skin is already oily. Cosmetics, especially certain moisturizers, foundations and pomades contain lanolin, petrolatum, vegetable oils, butyl stearate, lauryl alcohol and oleic acid.
Certain medications and steroids
Vitamins are good for your body, But an excess of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can cause acne flare-ups. These vitamins are normally good for your skin, but avoid overuse.
Diet
that is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can actually aggravate acne for some people.
