Acne Causes & Risk Factors
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a skin condition many people suffer from. Acne is typical during adolescence when hair follicles are overworked and become clogged. However, many adults also suffer from acne. Luckily, the cause may be something that you can easily avoid.
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Hormonal Changes
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Hormonal changes often are responsible for acne, especially in teenagers. Women often develop acne before and during their periods. Pregnant women also may develop acne.
Skin Exposure
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Contact with grease and oil can cause acne. Greasy foods that touch the area around your mouth may be the culprit. Certain cosmetics can clog pores and cause acne to develop.
Family History
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If your parents or grandparents had acne, you are at risk for developing it as well. Acne often is hereditary and this is, unfortunately, unavoidable.
Friction
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Friction such as tight clothes or collars can be responsible for acne, especially body acne. Pressure from items such as backpacks or helmets also can cause acne. Sweating can contribute to the problem as well.
Medications
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Some medications can cause acne. Examples are oral contraceptives, high levels of iodine, androgens and lithium. Oral contraceptives are particularly tricky because for some people, they help to clear acne, and for others, they cause it; it varies from person to person, and there is really no way to know how it will affect you until you take it.
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