What Causes Acne?
What causes acne? There are many different things that can cause acne
. Five of the main causes are hormones, extra sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria and inflammation.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to acne both in adolescents and adulthood. During adolescence the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. Androgens are responsible for the enlargement of the sebaceous glands (this may lead to hormonal acne).
When the sebaceous become stimulated by androgens, they release a large amount of sebum. This swift production of sebum can harm the hair follicle as it exits towards the skin's surface. This is part of a normal growth process.
Extra Sebum
Excess sebum also contributes to the development of acne. After the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. Sebum moves towards the skin's surface and mixes 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 extremely important to keep the skin functioning as it should.
A clogged pore is the perfect breeding ground for acne bacteria. The bacteria produce a chemical reaction known as inflammation or swelling. This reaction is what causes pimples to become red, painful and swollen.
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.
The best acne treatment is the one that will deal with the majority of all acne causes.
Different Types of Acne
There are also several different kinds of acne. Some examples are acne rosacea and . Comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are the usual ways in which acne manifests itself.
Comedones are considered to be the only form of non-inflammatory acne Whiteheads are closed comedos because they usually appear as small white bumps.
An open comedo is called a blackhead pimple because it has a dark appearance which is due to a follicle being pushed above the skin's surface.
Papules appear as small, solid bumps that can be tender to the touch. Pustules are small round lesions with visible pus. They are produced by a chemical irritation to fatty free acids.
Nodules are painful lesions lodged deep within the skin. Nodules develop when the inside of a comedo spills into the surrounding skin, causing the immune system to produce pus.
Cysts form when nodules have become severly inflamed. They are long lasting lesions. Both nodules and cysts can lead to significant scarring.
by: Valerie Garner
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