Acne Causes And Its Factors

Mainly a problem for teenagers and young adults, acne is an irritating red,
skin rash. But it is known to affect all ages. Generally it is associated with
body parts producing oil like chest, face, and back. Upper arms and Neck are
also prone to it.

Causes of Acne:

• Androgen hormones also add to the risk of acne. These male hormones
  occur in women as well but not as much as in men.
• Pregnancy and either starting or halting birth control pills lead to
  hormonal changes linked to acne.
• Heredity and genetics have also been found by researchers to cause acne
  inherited from parents.
• High grease content in cosmetics affects follicle cells, which stick to
  each other causing a plug.
• Drugs with androgen and lithium content also cause acne.

Myths abound about acne causes. Chocolate and greasy foods are commonly
suspected though research disproves the influence of foods on the development
and course of most acne cases. Dirty skin is another common misconception as
blackheads and other acne lesions have no link to dirt.

Factors Contributing To Acne

Essentially the problem arises from the abnormal cells’ flaking in hair
follicle, resulting in a plug. It may grow, rupturing the hair follicle. This
leads to its debris and oil content spilling into the skin causing a swelling
and redness or inflammation. Bacteria present on skin also contribute to the
process of acne.

Acne can be worsened in case of stress, especially acute or extended
emotional tension. Estrogens or female hormones can help girls combat acne. The
changes in estrogen levels in a woman’s body are responsible for the monthly
menstrual cycle. The result is that acne in females may improve and again worsen
during the course of the monthly cycle. Doctors are likely to suggest birth
control pills that retain the useful estrogens for treating acne.

Acne cases may also be affected by friction resulting from leaning or rubbing
the skin or wearing bike helmets, backpacks and tight collars.

Environmental irritants including pollution and high humidity, squeezing the
blemishes and vigorous scrubbing of the skin may also aggravate acne.