How many causes of acne

Acne remains a bit of a mystery. It appears to be partly hereditary, but why some people are affected and others unaffected is not exactly known. However, we do understand some of the biology behind it. The main culprit is the excessive production of sebum, an oily substance whose function is to keep the skin and hair lubricated and flexible. Sebum production blocks the surface of the skin, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. The bacteria multiply, the skin area becomes red and inflamed, and then a pimple pops out. The Role of Testosterone Excessive sebum production is caused by testosterone, the male hormone. However, testosterone is present in both men and women. During puberty, the body changes its response to testosterone, producing excess sebum.This erratic response, which occurs mainly during adolescence, causes oily skin – especially the face and upper torso. The sebum then combines with the naturally occurring dead skin cells and blocks the hair follicles. The body usually regulates its response to testosterone by the early 20s and then the annoying acne disappears. Hair follicle theory A narrowing of hair follicles could be involved in the formation of acne - so says a recent scientific theory. Evidence suggests that hair follicles can become restricted for several reasons, including excessive shedding of cells in the follicle, abnormal cell attachment, or water retention that causes skin swelling. Narrowed hair follicles prevent dead cells from being shed from the body, creating a buildup under the skin. In combination with sebum, it creates ideal conditions for acne. Making matters worse Many people can't resist popping their pimples. This can make the condition worse by spreading the bacteria to the surrounding skin area. It can also lead to scarring, sometimes permanently. Even touching your face can make acne worse. Without realizing it, most of us touch our face many times throughout the day. The problem is that our hands contain oils and bacteria that make acne worse. In fact, all items, including glasses and telephone handsets, that touch the face must be clean. Hair, especially long hair, also touches your face, so it's important to keep it clean and oil-free. Fabric accessories such as hats and headbands should be avoided or used as little as possible. Other Factors Other factors that seem to worsen acne conditions include diet, skin irritations, stress, hormonal activity such as menstrual cycles, and certain medications. Dietary references show that skim milk products are linked to acne. However, there is no statistical evidence that foods like chocolate and fast food have anything to do with breakouts or make acne worse. Drugs associated with acne include anabolic steroids (used for bodybuilding), lithium, barbiturates, halogens, and androgens.Treating your acne can be an overwhelming task what with all of the medications available these days. The best way to find treatment for your acne is to first learn about your skin. There are 3 main skin types. Knowing what type of skin you have is the first step to effectively controlling your acne. If your skin is oily a gel product is best; if it is dry, you should choose a cream based product. People with sensitive skin should choose products with lower concentrations of active ingredients. It may be best to visit a dermatologist when choosing acne treatments.