Acne Causes

Acne is a very common skin disease, having different causes and appearing more frequently during puberty but also affecting adults. Acne treatments need to consider the type of acne, the intensity and gravity of the acne, the possible factors that caused it’s appearance, and also a potential association with another existing disease in the patient.

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In most cases of acne, it is a good idea to see a dermatologist who can evaluate the situation and advise on a best approach for an acne treatment. Acne lesions cause an increase of emotional reactions, instability, drop of self-esteem, even stress, and the dermatologist can help you treat the acne, but also help you deal with the psychological changes.

But what is actually acne and what are the factors causing it? Acne is the skin condition caused by the over-activity of the sebaceous glands. These glands produce the sebum, which then lubricates the skin and hair. The over-production of sebum combined with the dead cells at the skin's surface can clog the pores, causing acne spots.

There are different types of acne, and different acne causes, out of which the most common are:

Hormones are probably the most important acne cause. The sex hormone called androgen starts its production at puberty, the same period when most of the acne burst out. Androgen is one factor that causes the overproduction of sebum, and hence the acne. The same hormone is the cause for the acne flare ups during menstruation periods, and during pregnancy.
Over-production of sebum can also be triggered by other factors, and it then becomes an acne cause. The sebum excess combined with the dead cells on the skin raise a high probability of clogging the pores, creating acne spots.
Propionibacterium Bacteria is normaly present on your skin, but under certain circumstances the bacteria can grow excessively and the skin will respond back through inflamations and red spots.
Genes are also an important acne cause. Acne is often inherited in families whose members suffer from acne. The most common inherited acne is cystic acne.
Birth Control Pills are a known acne cause, and sometimes even the opposite, an acne cure. Beginning or stopping the birth control pills may cause acne or may reduce the acne appearance.

The following are not necessarily considered acne causes, but are factors that can worsen an existing acne condition:

Stress is one factor that can worsen an acne condition. Stress is associated with the production of a hormone called cortisol, which triggers the expansion of the skin's oil glands, and the over-production of sebum.
Cosmetics, especially oily or heavy make up. can contribute and even aggravate the acne if the skin is already an oily type.
High Humidity and Pollution are environmental factors which can causes swelling to the skin and can aggravate an existing acne condition.
Overdose of vitamins may cause acne flare-ups. Vitamins are good for a healthy body and a healthy-looking skin, but an excess of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 may cause acne or worsen an existing acne condition.
Cleansing products like harsh and over-abrasive exfoliators could be factors in spreading the infection and aggravating an acne condition.
Picking and Squeezing on existing acne lesions is the worst thing you can do for your acne. These actions can irritate the skin, spread the infection and cause scars.
Dietary factors like excess of chocolate or dairy products are NOT acne causes.
Dirt is also NOT an acne cause; however a lack of personal hygiene could cause or worsen acne.

This site reviews some highly effective acne-fighting treatments. Learn more about ClearPores Facial System, ClearPores Body System, Acnezine, Vilantae, Zenmed Derma Cleanse, Zenmed Rosacea System and Revitol Acne Spot Gel.