What Causes Acne?

By: Nell S & Skin Health Team

Acne can be a pain to deal with, you would think there would be some more treatments available for acne by now since it's one of the most common skin conditions that affect young kids, teens, and adults.  

However the causes of acne can be multi factor and complex which can make a 'cure' for acne difficult, but manageable in most cases! 

What Causes Acne

Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This blockage can lead to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cystic lesions. While commonly associated with puberty, acne can affect people at any age.

Causes Of Acne

Excess Sebum Production

The skin has thousands of little openings called pores which also contain a sebaceous gland and a hair follicle. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin. Overproduction can lead to clogged pores, leading to acne. 

Clogged Hair Follicle

Dead skin cells can accumulate around the hair follicle and excess sebum to plug up the pore. This blockage can result in various types of acne lesions.

Trapped Bacteria

The skin naturally has bacteria on it, including Cutibacterium acnes (formerly called Propionibacterium acnes or p.acnes). These bacteria can multiply when they're trapped in a clogged pore leading to inflammation and acne.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal changes lead to increased sebum production which can cause acne. 

Common examples of hormone changes that can lead to acne are

• Puberty
• Menstration
• Pregnancy
• PCOS

Inflammation

The body's immune response can cause inflammation which is characterized by redness, pain, swelling.  This can lead to painful swollen acne. 

Additional Factors That Contribute To Acne

• Diet: High-glycemic foods and dairy products may influence acne severity in some individuals.
• Stress: Elevated stress levels can trigger hormonal changes, and worsen acne,
• Medications: Some medications like corticosteroids and lithium can contribute to acne development.
• Cosmetic Products: Oil-based skincare and hair products can clog pores, leading to breakouts.
• Environmental Factors: high humidity or pollution may worsen acne.
  

Treating Acne

There is no actual “cure” for acne but there are some treatments that are effective in preventing new spots and scarring. 

There are oral treatments and topical treatments. The treatments take time and work so you need to keep using them according to the instructions. It’s important to stick to the plan because it can take a few months for the full effects. 

Common treatments are

Topical Treatments

• Retinoids: Promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
• Salicylic Acid: Helps exfoliate the skin and clear clogged pores.

Oral Treatments

• Antibiotics: Reduce bacterial growth and inflammation.
• Hormonal Therapies: Birth control pills or anti-androgens can regulate hormones contributing to acne.
• Isotretinoin: also known as Accutane, it is a strong dose of retinoid for severe acne cases, reducing oil production and inflammation, but does come with several side effects.

Common Questions About Acne

Can diet influence acne development?
A: Yes, certain foods, particularly those high in sugar and dairy, may exacerbate acne in some individuals.

Is acne only a teenage problem?
A: No, acne can affect individuals of all ages, including adults, due to various factors like hormonal changes and stress.

How long does it take for acne treatments to show results?
A: It varies, but most treatments take several weeks to show noticeable improvement. Consistency is key.

Should I pop pimples to get rid of them?
A: No, popping pimples can lead to scarring and further infection. It's best to let them heal naturally or seek professional treatment.

When should I see a dermatologist for acne?
A: If over-the-counter treatments aren't effective after several weeks, or if acne is severe or causing distress, consult a dermatologist.