What causes Acne?

What causes acne? There are many different things that can cause acne. Five of the main causes are hormones, extra sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria, and inflammation.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones can cause acne during puberty and acne during adulthood. During puberty the body starts to produce hormones called androgens. Androgens cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge (hormonal acne may result).

This process is part of normal development. The sebaceous glands become over stimulated by androgens and release a large amount of sebum. This sudden outflow damages the hair follicle making it weaker to resist bacteria.

Extra Sebum

Extra sebum contributes to acne as well. After the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. The sebum moves up the follicle and mixes with common skin bacteria combined with dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle. This increases the chances of clogged pores, which can result in acne.

Follicle Fallout, Bacteria and Inflammation

Follicle fallout is another possible cause of acne. When dead cells within the follicle shed more rapidly, they mix with the extra sebum, stopping the renewal process. The renewal process is important to keep your skin functioning properly.

A clogged pore becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria cause a chemical reaction known as inflammation. This reaction is what causes pimples to become red, painful and swollen.

Inflammation is a natural process by which the body tries to rid itself of a foreign object or infection. However, it can also do damage. When the inflammatory reaction tries to expel the infection, it also destroys healthy cells in the process.

Different Types of Acne

There are also many different types of acne. Acne rosacea and acne vulgaris are some examples of common acne. Acne commonly manifests itself with comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

The only form of non-inflammatory acne is comedones Whiteheads are closed comedos because they usually appear as small white bumps.

An open comedo is called a blackhead pimple because it has a dark appearance which is due to a follicle being pushed above the skin's surface.

Papules appear as small, solid bumps that can be tender to the touch. Small, round lesions that contain pus are referred to as papules. They are caused by the chemical irritation to fatty free acids.

They are generally large and filled with pus. Nodules are produced when the inside of a comedo spills into the surrounding skin and pus is formed.

Cysts form when nodules have become severely inflamed. They can last for weeks or even months. Both of these lesions can lead to significant acne scarring.

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