Common Causes of Acne
Because of acne, do you lack confidence and feel like an outcast? Do you
avoid your own reflection in the mirror? Don't feel alone, there are also about
60 million people feeling the way you do.
Acne nowadays, is the most prevalent and most common medical
condition affecting more than 60 million people in the United States alone. What
exactly are the causes of acne that so many people suffer from it?
Here are the most common causes of acne:
Hormones - the number one cause of acne is the production of sex hormones called
androgen that begins at puberty. This is why majority of acne sufferers are
adolescents and teens. Hormones are responsible for the acne flare-ups during
menstruation and pregnancy.
When the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. In
its journey up the follicle toward the surface, the sebum mixes with common skin
bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the
follicle. While this process is normal, the presence of extra sebum in the
follicle increases the chances of clogging and acne.
Stress - it can also cause the production of hormones, such as cortisol, which
can aggravate acne. Stress brings upon different hormone levels. With hormone
changes the body prompts the skins oil glands to enlarge, secreting more oil,
which causes white heads, black heads and pimples.
Oily or heavy make up - heavy make-up clogs the pores and oily make-ups add more
oil, which only adds to the problem if oily skin already exists. With cosmetics,
especially certain moisturizers, foundations and pomades, watch out for lanolin,
petrolatum, vegetable oils, butyl stearate, lauryl alcohol and oleic acid.
Certain medications and steroids - vitamins are good for your body, but an
excess of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can cause acne flare-ups. These vitamins are
good for the skin, but avoid overuse.
Diet - for some people, a diet that is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars
can actually aggravate their acne.
Over abrasive cleansing - harsh exfoliators can damage skin and spread
infections.
Picking and squeezing - this can actually send the infection deeper into the
skin and can cause scarring.
Environmental irritants - high humidity actually causes swelling of skin.
Pollution is of course a very big No No to good health, not just skin.
Genes - family members are also acne sufferers, as acne is also inherited.
Severe cases known as cystic acne usually come from heredity.
If you have a very persistent case of acne, it is wise to consult your doctor.
Be good to your skin and read some
Skin Product Reviews to help you choose the right products for you!
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