Acne Help Centre

Acne is both a teenage and adult skin condition. Causes of acne are varied and no definitive cause has been established for all sufferers. People who suffer with this skin condition often suffer both emotional and psychological stress that has long lasting effects.

Researchers estimate that 4 out of 5 12 to 24 year olds will be affected by acne. And, since acne is prevalent through to a person’s 50s, that number is probably higher. There is no real estimate of the number of people who suffer long lasting emotional effects from suffering from this skin condition.

There are several causes of acne that trigger outbreaks in people. Pimples develop when sebum oil, which is produced naturally to moisturize the skin and rid the body of dead cells, is trapped under the skin. The clogging of the ducts that lead from the glands to the skin often happens from over production of the oil or simply from being clogged from the top of the skin.

Over production of the sebaceous oil is influenced by hormones. This is fertile ground for bacterial growth leading to pimples, pustules, papules, nodules and cysts. When the oil comes to the surface the pimples develop into whiteheads and if the oil is oxidized by the air they become blackheads.

Testosterone is a hormone that is one of main causes of acne for the increased production of sebum. Both males and females produce testosterone, although in different amounts.

There have been years of argument about the role of nutrition as a cause of acne or trigger. The answer lies in experimentation with your own case. There has been no known link to food as a causative factor but food is known to change the hormonal environment of the body, which then triggers the overproduction of sebaceous oil.

The skin is the second largest organ in the body and as an organ it responds to the nutrients it is given. Certain foods like fats and sugars affect the hormonal production and thus the production of oils.

Certain cosmetics can also contribute to a cause of acne. Cosmetics can clog the pores when make up with certain oils are applied to the skin. If you are going to wear cosmetics look for those that are labeled non-allergenic and non-comedome producing.

Some researchers also believe that heredity plays a part in the development of acne but there hasn’t been a genetic link established.

The cause of acne has also been linked to irritation of the skin by dirt on the hands. Dirt doesn’t cause blackheads but does contribute to the development of pimples since the dirt and extra oils can clog the glands.

Certain medications for other problems can also worsen and acne condition or trigger a new outbreak. One such medication is cortisone or steroids. These medications are used as anti-inflammatory drugs in several different chronic illnesses.

New research has also suggested that people who are prone to acne have narrow hair follicles that block easily with oil and debris. This research is promising since finding causes of acne will enable scientists to find more definitive treatments.

Acne is an emotionally stressful condition that affects many teens and adults. Prompt treatment and an understanding of the causes of acne and the triggers will help to prevent situations that increase the risk of developing a new outbreak.