Best Acne TreatmentWhat are the main causes of acne?
Acne, the dreaded skin problems which most people have difficulty in facing is a common skin disorder among many of us. Each year, millions of people fall as unwilling victims of acne. Common among adolescents, many myths have been associated with the cause of acne. Misconceptions about acne caused different problems to acne victims; often times damage to self-confidence and self-esteem as well as insecurities. Knowing the real culprits behind the proliferation of acne will help solve this problem.
Bacterial Intrusion
Propionibacterium acnes, a kind of bacteria that inhabits the skin is the main cause of acne. It uses skin oils or sebum as a source of nutrient for its growth and propagation. The bacteria’s presence on the skin will attract the white blood cells into the follicles then produces enzymes that would damage the walls of the follicle – the bacteria then enters the dermis. This will lead to different inflammatory responses such as papules or red bumps on the skin, nodules and pustules. The inflammation in the follicles increases furthermore as the bacteria helps the formation of free fatty acid.
Extra Sebum Secretion
Sebum, or the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands under the skin is a natural lubricant for healthy skin; however; too much production of sebum might lead to acne growth. Often times, at puberty hormone levels suddenly changes prompting an increase of production by the sebaceous glands. Since the sebaceous glands normally reside under the skin near the hair shafts, extra sebum will be excreted along the hair shafts, going out through the pores of the skin. Extra sebum on the skin is a healthy environment for the growth of bacteria.
Blocked Pores
Extra sebum is not the only thing needed that promotes bacterial growth which causes acne. Another reason why bacteria healthily propagate causing acne is the obstruction of follicles or pores. When the pores are obstructed, the sebum is trapped together with the bacteria that cause acne. This process of obstruction in hair follicles is known as comedogenesis and it causes to form comedones or acne commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads.
Dead skin cells are the common reason why hair follicles are being obstructed; however, there are still others like pollution, dust, and make-up.
It Runs In the Family
Another reason why acne is present among many is because there’s a possibility that acne runs in the family. Acne is believed by many researchers to be hereditary, not that the acne is found in the genes but because the genetic make-up of an individual might pose a tendency of having acne. Hereditary causes of acne can be inherited and might cause severe cases of cystic acne.
The Hormones
Even if there are bacteria in the skin or there are sebum secretion and blockage, still the number one reason that causes acne is the hormones. Hormonal imbalance is the starting cause of acne. Androgen a hormone that is secreted mostly during puberty is responsible to why there is extra secretion of sebum on skin. A reason why adolescents and teenagers are often times the victim of acne. Hormonal changes are also the reason why acne suddenly appears during pregnancy and menstruation among women.
Acne can not be caused by one reason alone. Often times, the reasons for acne break-outs may be the combination of 2 or maybe all of them. Overall, there are many different reasons that would lead to acne; however, knowing the reasons behind this dreaded problem is one step closer to eliminating acne.
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