- Hormones can cause acne in both men and women. Androgens, or the male hormones, are present in men and women, but cause more problems for men. In fact, they can make the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing oil, enlarge and secrete excess oil, leading to clogged pores and blemishes. In women, these androgens can also cause problems with acne. The female hormones, or estrogen, can improve acne.
- One of the more discouraging causes of acne is heredity. If your mom or dad or some other relative suffered from acne, you're more likely to suffer from it as well. That being said, a genetic predisposition to acne does not make your case any more difficult to treat.
- Bacteria can cause acne to sprout up as well. It's normal for bacteria to live on the skin. However, one particular type called Propionibacterium acnes is responsible for the blemishes you know as pimples. These bacteria settle in the pores and combine with sebum (oil and dead skin cells) to clog the pores and cause inflammation and redness. Without a cleanser or medication that kills the bacteria, the acne is allowed to worsen and even spread.
- The idea that food can cause acne is still largely a myth. Despite what you've heard to the contrary, greasy foods, pizza and chocolate will not cause acne. That being said, some foods types have been linked with allergies---a side effect of which is acne. Foods that you may have an allergic reaction to include dairy, gluten, eggs, soy and shellfish.
- Stress can cause a breakout last longer than it should. Being stressed out can make you nervously pick at your blemishes. This pushes bacteria deeper into the skin and can worsen your pimples or even cause new ones. Stress is bad for your health in general, so it's best to learn relaxing coping mechanisms for when times get tough.
