“What are the causes of acne?” is one of the questions that is commonly asked by skin patients since acne is the most common skin disease. Acne affects around 85% of people aged between 12 and 24 years. It also affects women in their 30s, 40s and 50s.
What Are The Causes Of Acne?
We will answer this question by saying that Acne vulgaris is caused by the following factors:
Increased sebum production
Increased sebum (oil) production is the first of the 4 main causes of acne. This occurs when the sebaceous glands in the skin produce more oil as a result of the changes in hormone levels which occur at puberty in adolescents. These changes also occur in women during pregnancy and before the menstrual periods.
Skin pore clogging
Skin pore clogging is the second of the 4 main causes of acne. These skin pores become clogged due to abnormal shedding of the cells which line them when they die and the excessive amount of sebum. The clogging results in the development of the first acne lesions which are known as comedones or whiteheads and blackheads.
Bacteria
Bacteria are third of the 4 main causes of acne. An increase in the population of bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) which is also known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in the clogged skin pore contributes to the development of more severe acne lesions. These bacteria feed on the sebum.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the fourth of the 4 main causes of acne. This develops when the immune system is activated as the clogged skin pore bursts and releases its contents together with chemicals produced by the bacteria into the layer of the skin known as the dermis.
FAQ
What Foods Give Acne?
Foods that cause acne include sugar, sweets, chocolates, cakes, cookies and breads made from white flour as well as other high glycemic index (GI) foods. These foods with a GI above 55 also include white rice, instant noodles, cornflakes, sugary soft drinks and artificial fruit juices.
Why Do I Suddenly Get Acne?
A person gets sudden acne breakouts when their skin is exposed to comedogenic skincare products like face moisturizers with mineral oil or hair care products with coconut oil that trickle down to the face. Stress can also trigger sudden breakouts of acne. Certain medications can also trigger sudden breakouts.
How Do I Know If My Acne Is Bacterial Or Hormonal?
Hormonal acne affects the jawline and lower parts of the face.
Bacterial acne affects the forehead and cheeks.
To learn more Consult our Doctor or read the Acne Handbook