What causes acne?

The scientific definition of what causes acne is;  

“Acne develops as a result of blockages in follicles. Hyperkeratinization and formation of a plug of keratin and sebum (a microcomedo) is the earliest change. Enlargement of sebaceous glands and an increase in sebum production occur with increased androgen ( DHEA-S) production at adrenarche. The microcomedo may enlarge to form an open comedo ( blackhead) or closed comedo ( whitehead). In these conditions the naturally occurring largely commensual bacteria Propionibacterium acnes can cause inflammation, leading to inflammatory lesions ( papules, infected pustules, or nodules) in the dermis around the microcomedo or comedo, which results in redness and and may result in scarring or hyperpigmentation.”  

But there are many other factors that have been linked to causing it, some you might already know about, some will surprise you, but all of them have been proved to be linked with causing acne; 

• Heredity – Even after extensive research it is still not clear what gene causes acne, but some studies show a strong connection through families. For example, if your parents have suffered from it, the chances you will to, its just the luck of the draw. 

• Hormonal activity – Hence why it occurs during puberty, when your hormones are a mess. Menstrual cycles also affect acne. When your hormones are raging and your body is changing that is the time when acne occours the most, oil-glands over-produce and too much oil is on the skin, this can be disastourous for acne. 

• Hygiene – Bacteria on the skin also has a strong link to acne as it could lead to infections that could eventually lead to skin swelling, also dirt, oil and dead skin cells could get trapped in the pores. But you’ve got to find the right balance, whilst washing with a slightly anti-bacterial soap can help, too much can also cause acne. If you wash too much then your skin can dry up and become irritated and hence cause acne.

• Make-up – Make-up is a big cause of acne, it can clog up the pores, especially when not taken off at the end of the day. Added with oil and dirt, it could lead to acne problems.  

• Diet – Although studies have not proven that any specific foods are the direct cause of acne, there are certain foods that can have effects and eventually lead to acne. Chocolate and nuts DO NOT directly cause acne, but do cause the sweat glands to produce excess oils. Also greasy foods such as; pizza, chips, potato fries and other fat-fried foods can cause excess oil to be produced, that is why it is probably best to avoid these foods.  

• Any medication contained halogens - iodides, chlorides, bromides, lithium, barbiturates, or androgens. 

• Exposure to certain chemical compounds. Chloracne is particularly linked to toxic exposure to dioxins, namely Chlorinated dioxins.  

• Use of anabolic steroids – These work havoc with your testosterone hormones, causing acne.