What Causes Acne?

In dealing with breakouts, I’ve read many different brochures claiming to know what causes acne, but I learned the hard way that it can be caused by one of many different factors, and those factors vary from one person to another. It is known that a pore blocks sebum (oil) underneath the skin, but no one is sure why this process affects one gland versus another. Causes of adult and teen acne may range from hormones and diet, to stress and genes.

You may find that the real explanation is a complex mix of a few different reasons. For example, a hormonal imbalance, along with not taking proper care of my skin is what causes acne for me, and it can get pretty bothersome if I'm not careful. I also have to use cosmetics that are noncomedogenic (oil-free and doesn’t cause breakouts). My skin is good now, but it took a while for me to figure out what worked best for my skin. Here is a list of common triggers that may be causing you to have problems, and you can use it to prevent breakouts as well:

◈Hormones: The number one cause of acne due to the fact that hormones are produced at the start of puberty. This explains why most acne sufferers are teenagers. Hormones are the main players of what causes acne during menstrual periods and pregnancy.

◈Birth Control Pills: Beginning or stopping to take birth control pills may cause breakouts. There are a few pills on the market now that help prevent acne, so talk to your doctor if it’s a problem for you.

◈Oil blockage: This happens when oil is produced in the follicle, and gets trapped by dead skin cells and bacteria. This process is normal, but the blockage can occur if more oil is produced.

◈Stress: Being placed in situations that cause tension and stress can stimulate the production of a hormone called cortisol, which can worsen the condition by raising hormone levels. Once this happens, the oil glands expand and secrete extra oil. This process is what causes acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.

◈Oily/Heavy Makeup: Heavy makeup can clog pores, while oily makeup adds additional oil, and both can pose a problem if you already have oily/acne-prone skin. Cosmetic products to avoid include moisturizers (containing oil), pomades, especially the ones carrying petrolatum, oleic acid, vegetable oils, lanolin, butyl stearate, and lauryl alcohol. Only purchase products that are oil-free or noncomedogenic.

◈Prescribed medication Lithium is known to cause breakouts.

◈Taking vitamins in high dosages: Vitamins are good to maintain a healthy body, but overusing vitamins such as B1, B6 and B12 can cause flare-ups. These are great for healthy-looking skin, but don’t overuse them in an effort to get that flawless skin fast.

◈Diet: Eating lots of carbohydrates and sugars (which are a form of carbohydrates) can worsen your condition, so be careful.

◈Harsh Cleansing: Harsh cleansers and scrubs can harm your skin and spread the infection. Remember, the damage is underneath your skin and not on top.

◈Picking and Squeezing: I know it’s hard to resist when you have a huge bump on your face that you are dying to get rid of, but don’t do it! Picking and squeezing can send that infection deeper into your skin and cause scarring. Have you ever seen someone with craters on their face? That is what you will get if you pick or squeeze your pimples, so keep those hands away from your face.

◈Humidity/Pollution: High humidity causes the skin to produce oil and swell, while pollution is bad for overall health as well as skin.

◈Genes: If your family members have a history of consistent breakouts, chances are, you may inherit it as well. My sister and I both suffer from acne and have used prescribed medications for years now.

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