Acne Causes & Risk Factors

What are the Causes?

Acne occurs when pores or follicles become blocked with oil. Pores are openings on the skin's surface, and beneath each pore is a follicle that contains glands for hair and oil. When functioning normally, oil glands keep the skin moisturized and help slough away dead skin. If oil glands become overactive, the pores will become filled with dirt and bacteria, plugging up the skin and causing inflammation and lesions.

Diet is only partially linked with acne. It is a myth that chocolate consumption causes acne. Recent studies have discovered a correlation between acne and several dairy products including skim milk, instant breakfast, cottage cheese, and cream cheese. Hormones including sex hormones and insulin-like growth factor 1 may be responsible for these findings. Studies also indicate a relationship between sugar consumption, processed foods, and acne. Foods that direst quickly like sodas, sweets, and some bread create an elevated level of blood glucose, producing an excess of insulin, which stimulates insulin-like growth factor 1. A diet with a low glycemic index can help regulate acne.

Who's at Risk?

The primary causes of acne are genetic. Family history is the biggest indicator of whether or not a person is likely to develop acne. Typically, people whose relatives have experienced acne will experience acne at a younger age.

Elevated hormones are also a leading cause of acne. People are likely to develop acne during menstrual cycles and puberty. Both males and females are equally susceptible to acne. Hormones that are involved with acne include testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Androgens and insulin-like growth factor 1 are other hormones that can cause acne.

Any inflammation of skin infection will aggravate acne and cause an outbreak. Stress will cause people to break out with pimples and oftentimes, symptoms will be more severe.

Adult acne, although uncommon, can occur among pregnant women and women who have a condition like polycystic ovary syndrome, which is linked to irregular menstruation, excessive androgen, and obesity or Cushing's syndrome, which causes an elevated level of cortisol in the blood. Women who are going through menopause are also likely to develop acne.

If you have acne, it is recommended that you avoid picking, popping, or scratching your lesions. These actions could put you at risk for permanent scarring or skin discoloration.