Acne is caused when tiny hair holes in the skin, such as hair follicles, become blocked.
This condition may have a number of causes which you should be educated on, because in being aware you may be able to prevent acne outbreaks on your skin and you should also be able to help get rid of any breakouts that you may already have.
Clogged Pores
The main cause of many types of breakout is having clogged pores. You could use some well-known products like Clearasil, to thoroughly clean your skin when you wash. This will help you keep your pores from clogging.
Clogged pores will make dead skin cells and oils accumulate in the pores; this leads to acne.
Also, clogged pores may make it difficult to wash away bacteria which will exacerbate your acne condition.
Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, upper back and chest because with is many oil-producing glands are.
The follicles here may bulge and become a white-head, and if the pore is open it may become a blackead.
Excess Oil Production
When the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, it can clog hair follicles and lead to acne.
Sebaceous glands are small glands found near the surface of your skin. These glands are attached to hair follicles. These glands produce sebum which stop the hair of your body drying out and also to lubricate it.
People with acne will produce too much sebum and if the hair follicles are blocked they may cause an acne breakout
.
Hormonal Changes
Your hormonal condition may cause acne. When people enter their teenage years their hormone imbalances and fluctuations may cause acne. This is because these hormonal imbalances may cause our skin to produce more oils.
Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls as they enter their teenage years. This may cause their sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum leading to acne breakouts.
Also, acne can be triggered by an increase of testosterone levels as youths enter puberty.
The sebaceous glands are sensitive to these hormones and will trigger them to release much more sebum.
Fluctuations in hormones, such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles, can trigger acne.
Bacteria
Bacteria, particularly a type known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), play a significant role in the development of acne.
Bacteria can cause acne by colonization of the hair follicles. P. acnes is a type of bacteria that naturally resides on the skin’s surface and in hair follicles. While it’s normally harmless, when excess oil and dead skin cells accumulate in a hair follicle, it creates an environment where P. acnes can multiply rapidly.
Bacteria can also accelerate inflammation and make it more aggressive. As P. acnes proliferates within a clogged hair follicle, it releases certain substances that trigger an inflammatory response from the body’s immune system. This inflammation contributes to the redness, swelling, and pain associated with acne lesions.
Bacteria can also breakdown sebum. P. acnes feeds on the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. As the bacteria consume sebum, they produce waste products and fatty acids. Some of these byproducts can irritate the surrounding skin and exacerbate inflammation.
While P. acnes is a key player in acne development, it’s important to note that not all acne lesions are caused solely by bacterial infection. Other factors, such as excess oil production, hormonal changes, and inflammation, also contribute to the formation of acne. Treatment approaches for acne often target multiple factors, including reducing bacteria, controlling oil production, and addressing inflammation, to effectively manage the condition.
Enviornmental Factors
Environmental factors can contribute to the development or exacerbation of acne in several ways
Pollution is a factor
Exposure to air pollutants, such as particulate matter, ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can irritate the skin and increase inflammation. This can exacerbate existing acne or contribute to the development of new lesions.
UV Radiation
UV radiation can cause acne. While moderate sun exposure can initially improve acne by reducing inflammation and drying out excess oil, excessive sun exposure can lead to skin damage and worsen acne in the long term. UV radiation can also induce the thickening of the outer layer of the skin, which can block pores and contribute to acne formation.
Skin Irritants
Skin irritants like exposure to harsh chemicals found in certain skincare products, cosmetics, detergents, and even some fabrics can irritate the skin and trigger acne flare-ups. Common irritants include fragrances, dyes, alcohol, and certain preservatives.
Managing acne in the context of environmental factors involves a combination of preventive measures, such as avoiding known irritants and protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure, as well as adopting a skincare routine tailored to individual needs. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress levels, and addressing any underlying medical conditions can help minimize the impact of environmental factors on acne.
Cosmetic and Skincare Products
Cosmetic and skincare products can contribute to acne development or exacerbate existing acne in several ways
Comedogenic Ingredients
Some ingredients commonly found in skincare and cosmetic products have a tendency to clog pores, leading to the formation of acne lesions. These ingredients are referred to as comedogenic. Examples include certain oils (such as coconut oil and cocoa butter), silicones, and some types of waxes. When applied to the skin, these ingredients can block pores and promote the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
Irritating Ingredients
Certain ingredients commonly found in skincare and cosmetic products, such as fragrances, dyes, and alcohol, can irritate the skin and trigger inflammation. This can exacerbate existing acne or lead to the development of new lesions, especially in individuals with sensitive or reactive skin.
Product Buildup
Failure to properly cleanse the skin can lead to product buildup, where residues of skincare and cosmetic products accumulate on the skin’s surface. This buildup can clog pores and contribute to the development of acne.
To minimize the risk of acne from skincare and cosmetic products, it’s important to choose non-comedogenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free formulations whenever possible, especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, properly cleansing the skin, and avoiding shared or contaminated products can help reduce the likelihood of acne breakouts caused by skincare and cosmetic products.
Diet & Lifestyle
We also must watch our diet and lifestyle. We are what we eat, so if you eat healthy food you will have a healthy body and healthy skin. Unhealthy habits such as smoking will also make us prone to acne breakouts.
Some studies suggest that diets high in sugar, dairy, and refined carbohydrates can contribute to acne.
Consuming certain foods such as carbohydrate rich food like bread and chips may worsen acne. Also we should avoid greasy and oily foods.
