Is acne taking over the charm of your pretty face? Are you fed up with using creams and ointments to treat those tiny, red, irritating bumps on your facial skin that just won’t go away? Acne, though not a life-threatening condition, can affect the skin of face, neck, shoulders, back and chest. Before you pick your choice of treatment, it is important to know what acne is and what’s causing it. Let’s take a look.
What is Acne?
Acne, or acne vulgaris as it is known in medical terms, is the condition of the skin characterized by the growth of pimples. Acne occurs when the skin pores get clogged with sebum, dead cells, and grime. Furthermore, the formation of pimples is often attributed to acne-causing bacteria. Sebaceous glands are located at the bottom of the hair follicles of the skin. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, the natural oil to keep the skin moist.
What Causes Acne?
Hormonal Changes during PubertySebaceous glands usually get overly activate around the time of puberty. The sudden surge of the raging androgens, a group of male hormones, triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Even though androgens are a group of male hormones, they are produced in girls as well, as they are going through puberty. The sebum often accumulates and block the pores, i.e., the tiny cavities of the hair follicle. It results in the formation of whiteheads. If the skin pores are large enough, you could get blackheads.The presence of Propionibacterium acnes, a type of microbe, in the congested skin pores exacerbates your body’s immune response, which causes inflammation and irritability. It ultimately results in the growth of red, swollen and raised bumps on the skin. That is how you get acne.
Flawed Skincare RoutineWhile hormonal changes are the major reason of acne in teens, there are several other factors that can give acne to adults. Approximately, 20% of the people who get acne are adults. Not taking good care of your skin can also cause or worsen your acne condition. Dust and pollution are what it takes to set off an acne flare-up. Sweating often harbors acne-causing bacteria as well. Cleansing your skin frequently every day with a gentle face wash and body wash keeps it fresh and clean and reduces your odds of getting acne.
Comedogenic Skincare ProductsUsing makeup and skincare products that block skin pores could be the culprit behind your adult acne. If you have been using any such products right now, chuck them right away! Opt for non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic variants every time you shop for cosmetics. Removing your makeup properly at the end of the day is also very important. Never go to sleep with your makeup still on. Use a mild cleanser, preferably a water-based one, to clear your skin of any cosmetic residue. Not only does it promote healthy skincare habits but also make way for easy penetration of moisturizer or night cream.
ContraceptivesContraceptives act differently on different women. For some, it brings along an acne breakout while for others it may stifle the existing acne. It also depends on what kind of contraceptive you use. Whether it is an oral contraceptive pill or an intrauterine device, the kind makes a significant difference on the way your retuned hormonal balance bears up.
We suppose you are now clear about what acne really is and how it develops. So this was all about causes of acne. In the upcoming posts, we will tell you about how to treat acne and how to get rid of acne scars. Stay tuned!