Acne Causes

Some people get acne and others don’t. It may seem unfair, but it is a natural process and it is part of life. Exactly why this is true is unknown, but we do know that acne is partially hereditary. Some people just have it in their genes and it is one of those things they have to live with. The gene for acne hasn’t been found yet but several studies have shown traces of its existence. When the gene is found and isolated a permanent fix for acne may be developed, but until then learning about it and trying to prevent it is the best you can do. You can’t control your genes, but you can certainly alter your lifestyle to avoid some of the other things which cause acne.

Hormonal activity is probably the most infamous of these reasons due to the cohort of teenagers who get acne. Basically, when there is excessive hormone activity during times like puberty and menstrual cycles, it is possible for acne to develop. Stress can also lead to acne because it is caused by the adrenal glands, which also create hormones. There are several different types of hormones which can cause acne including androgens and estrogens.

Moving away from hormones, exposure to certain substances and chemicals can also cause acne. Bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes produce substances which created irritation and inflammation. They also make enzymes (which trigger reactions) which makes the swelling worse. This all happens because the hair follicles, which produce oil to keep skin lubricated, get clogged.

Anabolic steroids, narcotics, and medication containing halogens and lithium are also known to cause acne. Many medications include these substances including things like birth control pills so you may get acne, especially when you start or finish using the drugs (since your body’s hormonal balance changes). Even chlorine can lead to acne so staying away from pools may help. Most of these chemicals create substances or trigger reactions which end up clogging the pores of your skin.

Cosmetics and hair products, especially those that are very oily (such as many lotions) may also clog your pores. This then leads to things like swelling, which we see as visible pimples.

Something that is more easily controlled that causes acne is one’s diet. Food that contains iodine, such as seafood, is known to make existing acne worse. Milk and dairy products have also been linked to cases of acne. Against popular belief, diet usually isn’t the cause of acne. Eating “junk food” such as chocolate and a lot of fats and sugars won’t necessarily lead to pimples. In fact, studies have shown that foods high in carbohydrates are more likely to lead to pimples.

What it all comes down to is the chemical balances in your body and whether or not one gets acne really depends on their body and how it functions. Everyone is a bit different so the same exact things may cause acne in one person, yet have no effect on another.