What causes acne? There are several things that can lead to acne. Five of the main causes are hormones, extra sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria and inflammation.
Fluctuation in Hormone Levels
Hormones can cause acne during puberty and continue into adulthood. During puberty the body starts to produce hormones called androgens. Androgens cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge (hormonal acne may result).
A large amount of sebum is produced when the sebaceous glands are stimulated by androgens. This sudden outflow damages the hair follicle making it weaker to resist bacteria. This is a normal process of growing up.
Excess Sebum
The formation of acne also depends on extra sebum. Androgens are also a factor in the amount of sebum produced. As sebum makes its way to the skin’s surface it combines with skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle.
This process increases the chances of clogged pores and acne.
Follicle Fallout, Bacteria and Inflammation
Another factor in the cause of acne is follicle fallout. When dead cells within the follicle are cast off more rapidly, they combine with extra sebum and detain skin’s natural renewal process. The renewal process is important to keep your skin functioning properly.
A clogged pore is the perfect breeding ground for acne bacteria. The bacteria generate a chemical reaction known as inflammation. This reaction is what leads to redness, pain and swelling.
Inflammation is a natural process by which the body tries to rid itself of a foreign object or infection. However, it can also do damage. When the inflammatory reaction tries to force out the infection, it also damages and destroys healthy cells.
Successful acne treatment will deal with most if not all of the causes of acne.
Different Types of Acne
There are also many different types of acne. Some examples of common acne are acne rosacea and acne vulgaris. Comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are the usual ways in which acne manifests itself.
The only form of non-inflammatory acne are comedones Whiteheads are considered closed comedos because the usually appear as small white bumps under the surface of the skin.
An open comedo is one that has been pushed to the skin’s surface. These types of comedos are usually called blackhead because of their darkened appearance.
Papules appear as small, solid bumps that can be tender to the touch. Small, round lesions that contain pus are referred to as papules. They are caused by the chemical irritation to fatty free acids.
They are generally large and filled with pus. Nodules result when the inside of a comedo spills into the surrounding skin and forms pus.
Cysts are nodules that have become severely inflamed lesions. They are long lasting lesions. Both nodules and cysts can lead to significant scarring.
Cysts, nodules and acne scarring can be dealt with successfully with the appropriate natural skin care products. BIOSKINFORTE is gentle but effective and address four out of the five of the causes of acne as well as boosting the immune system at the site of the skin lesions. Try out our natural skin care products now!
- Valerie Garner