Causes of Acne
The reason acne physically forms is simple--but many factors can exacerbate acne or put you at a higher risk for getting it. With the right combination of acne therapies, you can get relief. But in many cases, acne is simply unavoidable despite all best efforts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost 100% of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 have had some type of acne.
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Acne Factors
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When it comes to the causes of acne, there are certain factors which, when they all come together, spell "breakout." According to the Mayo Clinic, the three factors that cause acne are bacteria, the shedding of dead skin cells that irritate hair follicles, and finally, excess sebum (oil) production. The last factor may explain why acne is more common in teenagers than those of other ages. During puberty, testosterone increases in both males and females, which in turn causes oil glands in the skin to become larger and produce more oil.
What Causes Acne to Form
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Unplugged pores allow oil to travel up the hair shaft to the surface of your skin. But when the hair follicles become clogged with sebum and dead cells, a plug can easily form, which in turn results in a whitehead or blackhead. Pimples, of which there are many types, erupt when the follicles become infected. But sometimes, plugs and inflammation form deep inside the hair follicle, resulting in painful cysts or nodules that can cause severe disfiguration and scarring.
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Other Causes
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Acne may be more prone to form in those with certain risk factors. Sometimes acne is hereditary--people whose parents had acne are more likely to get it. Hormonal fluctuations due to menstruation or pregnancy can exacerbate or cause acne in women. Other factors that can cause acne are the use of certain medications such as cortisone. Applying thick, greasy cosmetics and skin care products to acne-prone skin can make the condition worse. Wearing tight baseball caps, helmets, backpacks and clothing with tight collars can also result in acne or exacerbate existing acne.
Acne Myths and Misconceptions
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Although acne usually resolves by the time you're in your early 20s, adults get it, too, including severe forms that affect both the body and the face. This type of adult acne tends to affect women more than men, as women experience hormonal changes associated with menstruation and pregnancy. You may have heard that dirt causes acne or that you'll get acne if you eat a certain food. Dirt alone isn't a cause of acne; while washing the skin removes excess oil and skin cells, overwashing, scrubbing and using strong soaps and astringents can actually increase oil production and make acne worse. And according to the AAD, acne isn't caused by eating certain foods (such as chocolate or greasy foods), nor will eating a specific diet resolve acne.
Treating Acne
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Mild acne can resolve with good hygiene and the use of over-the-counter acne products. But more persistent acne may require treatment from a dermatologist, who might prescribe a stronger topical medication. Sometimes a combination of therapies is appropriate to combat the causes of acne--bacteria, excess oil and clogged pores. These treatments may include topical medications along with oral antibiotics or light or laser therapy. For severe cases of cystic acne, a doctor may prescribe an oral medication called isotretinoin.
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