What Causes Acne?

The truth is the exact cause of acne is unknown. We do know how acne develops. Sebaceous glands in the skin make an oily substance called sebum. This oil is intended to lubricate our hair and skin and normally empties onto the skin surface through the follicle opening, commonly called a pore. When these hair follicles become plugged the sebum is unable to drain from the pores. The result is whiteheads, which form under the skin, or blackheads, which are open to the air.

Contrary to popular myth, blackheads are not black because they are dirty. A chemical reaction occurs when sebum becomes exposed to the air resulting in the darkened color. Yeast and bacteria find the resulting area under the surface an ideal place to breed. The blockage can become further inflamed creating red and sometimes pus-filled pimples.

Medical science believes acne results from several related factors. Research has shown that one important factor is an excess or imbalance of hormones. During puberty male sex hormones, known as androgens, increase in both boys and girls causing the sebaceous glands to enlarge and sebum production to increase. Increased sebum causes the skin to become oilier and the pores are more likely to become clogged. Hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy, the menstrual cycle or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.

Can heredity or genetics also cause acne? Why some people are more susceptible to acne and others are not is something that is under research. Many researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. Several school-age boys with acne have been shown through research to have a family history of acne. Androgens, lithium and certain other drugs are also believed to cause acne. Statistics show that anabolic steroids for bodybuilding can also contribute to causing acne. In addition, halogens, barbiturates, lithium and androgens also prove to be related to the cause of acne. Greasy cosmetics may block the pores or alter the cells of the follicles making them stick together and causing a plug to form.

While the exact cause of acne has not yet been scientifically proven, we do know that certain factors seem to aggravate the problem of acne. Factors that can cause an acne flare or make acne worse include:

• oil from skin products such as moisturizers and cosmetics
• fluctuating hormone levels just prior to the onset of a menstrual period
• grease found in the work environment such as around kitchen fryers
• sports helmets or uniforms, pressure from backpacks, or tight collars, pollution and high humidity or other environmental irritants
• squeezing or picking at blemishes
• hard or excessive scrubbing of the skin

Many myths abound about what causes acne. Fast or fatty foods, poor diet, and chocolate are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on the development and course of acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn't cause acne either, but research suggests that for people who already have acne, stress can make it worse.