CAUSES OF ACNE

Culprit #1: Hormones

For the majority of acne sufferers, the trouble begins at puberty, when the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, causes more sebum production, which is a natural part of the body's development. In acne sufferers, however, the sebaceous glands are overstimulated by androgens, sometimes well into adulthood.

Culprit #2: Extra sebum

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 can cause acne.

Culprit #3: Bacteria

The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, (P. acnes for short) is a regular resident of all skin types; it’s part of the skin’s natural sebum maintenance system. Once a follicle is plugged, the P. acnes bacteria multiply rapidly, and thus causing inflammation.

Culprit #4: Inflammation

When your body encounters unwanted bacteria, it sends an army of white blood cells to attack the intruders. This process is called the inflammatory response. This is what causes pimples to become red, swollen and painful. The inflammatory response is different for everyone, but studies have shown that it is especially strong in adult women.

Culprit#5: Narrowing of follicle

Lately scientists and doctors have been focusing on another common causes of acne. They have focused their attention on the narrowing of the hair follicle channel as a contributing factor to acne. The abnormal shedding of the cells that line the follicle, abnormal cell binding known as hyperkeratinization within the follicle, or water retention in the skin that causes the skin to swell and press the follicles shut, thus lead to formation of acne

Other causes include: