Causes of Excessive Acne

Acne can be more than a cosmetic problem for many, including adults. Teens are most likely to endure acne breakouts, although adult acne is not uncommon. There are a variety of products to choose from to treat and prevent acne, but the main components are a lifestyle change. Knowing the causes of acne will assist in treating as well as preventing it.

Developing Acne

Acne develops when dead skin cells are not washed or sloughed off the skin. The acne developed within the hair follicle and along the lining of the skin duct by the hair shaft. When dead skills cells are left, they become sticky and clog the hair follicle or pore. Once this plug is formed, it traps oil and bacteria into the hair shaft. As the skin produces more oil, the skin swells and white blood cells attack the bacteria within the pore or hair follicle. The result is a red bump, or acne.

Sun and Vitamins

Acne triggers vary from person to person, but generally the same situations will aggravate the skin in most everyone. Sun exposure, which for short periods may appear to improve acne, actually will cause it to worsen. Consistent sun bathing will cause an increase in clogged pores, aggravating an acne problem. Combine this with the sun damage that is caused and it is far worse for the skin. Vitamin supplements also will trigger an acne breakout. Those with more than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of iodine will aggravate the skin and cause acne to worsen.

Activity

During acne breakouts, picking or squeezing the breakouts will worsen the acne by forcing bacteria deeper into the skin. This combined with touching of the face often created friction, which will inflame skin allowing bacteria and dead skin cells to clog the pores and hair follicles. Exercise, while good for the body, can trigger acne breakouts due to friction between the skin and clothes, hats or even protective helmets. Wear loose fitting clothing and avoid hats if possible while exercising. This will lessen the friction and decrease the amount of breakouts that are caused.

Stress and Diet

According to a study by Stanford University School of Medicine, acne is twice as likely in those with high levels of stress. This s caused by the increase in cortisol and other hormones. This increase in hormones causes skin secretions that are think and sticky oil, clogging pores and hair follicles further. The diet has long been blamed for acne, but not in the ways that matter. Greasy foods, pizza and chocolate do not cause acne. Dairy does have an impact. Dairy products are fortified with hormones, which leads to an increase in the human body. This increase in hormones from daily products affects acne much the same as stress does.

Prevention/Solution

To prevent acne wash the area well, no more than three times each day. More than this will create friction and strip the skin of the oils needed to prevent acne. Limit sun exposure and maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising in loose fitting clothes. Avoid touching the face often throughout the day. The hands are a harbor of bacteria, waiting to be placed on the face. If acne persists, there are several over-the-counter treatments available as well as prescription washes. Avoid those with alcohol as they irritate the skin, making acne worse.

Resources

• Acne Care Tips