5 Culprits That Constitute The Causes Of Acne

Acne is one of the most widespread medical conditions, although the causes of acne are known but its sure-shot cure is still unknown. At least 85% of the teenagers, 50% of adult women and 25% of adult men are affected by pimples and blemishes. With the lack of a sure cure or prevention method, it is not possible to totally eliminate acne from occuring. This situation is treatable and if proper steps are taken as soon as it starts building up, then you are less likely to experience permanent damage to the skin.

It's Not Your Fault That You Are Getting Pimples

Mostly the zits are non-inflammatory, but in severe conditions they may become inflammatory, thus medical help has to be taken. The face and upper neck get affected the most, but back, chest and shoulders may also be hit. But be assured, it is not your fault that you are getting those ugly oozy spots. With time and some preventive steps, you will be able to control the situation. First it's very important for you to know about the causes of acne.

Acne spots are not because of dirt, or how oil free you keep your skin or how clean your surroundings are. It happens due to certain factors that are beneath your skin, hence out of your control. It starts with sebaceous hair follicles, commonly called pores. As the skin sheds, it gets cleared off naturally. However, in some cases shedding is not even and a layer of dead skin starts clogging the pores. Inside the trapped pores, oil and bacteria breed and a pimple begins to form. The body then attacks the bacteria with white blood cells to fight infection, and the zit shows up on the skin.

What Causes Acne To Happen

There are mainly five culprits which form the basic causes of acne. They are:

• Hormones: The inflow of hormones called androgen causes the sebaceous glands to enlarge. During puberty, the body produces more of these, thus acne problems start mostly during the teenage years. Sometimes menstrual cycles or even pregnancy can trigger the situation.
• Dead skin cells: In normal conditions, dead cells within the follicle shed gradually. But when the sebaceous glands are over-active, this shedding is more rapid. Mixed with extra sebum, it plugs the healthy hair follicles too, causing the zit.
• Extra sebum: When the sebaceous gland is enlarged, it produces extra sebum. Presence of this extra sebum increases the chances of a clogged pore, hence forming a pimple.
• Bacteria: Acne bacteria are regular residents of the skin, a normal condition. But during the time that a follicle is plugged, these bacteria multiply rapidly and cause inflammation.
• Inflammation: The body rushes its army of white blood cells as soon as it detects an increased number of bacteria on the skin. This turns the pimple red, swollen and somewhat painful.

Comprehensive knowledge about the causes of acne will make you a better informed person and thus help you understand this problem as well as cope with it.