Causes Of Acne

Main Category: Dermatology
Article Date: 22 May 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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Acne can be a real issue, especially for teenagers. However, often it isn't only teenagers that have the misfortune to develop acne. It is also possible for many adults to get it too. So what causes acne?

The main culprit is horomonal changes which influence oil production.

It is thought that our hormones play a big part in developing acne, especially in teenagers. This is because our hormones have been known to be responsible for the maturation of the oil glands. This means that any hormone differences can cause acne to flare up.

Generally, there are few occasions in our lives when our hormones can go a little hay-wire. Usually it happens during adolescence, pregnancy and during the menopause. However, they can also decide to play up whenever they feel like it so it is hard to determine when they are most likely to cause acne.

Recent research has shown that acne may be caused by the male hormone 'androgens' which are present in both males and females. The effect of DHT on the androgen receptors stimulates the receptors and causes the oil glands to overproduce oil. The excess oil clogs the skin and allows dirt, bacteria and foreign debris to saturate the skin pore. Bacteria are then able to freely grow in the follicles and that is what causes acne.

Preventing acne, therefore, starts with controlling the excessive effects of hormones. Although it is said that stress does not cause acne, it can certainly cause a few pimples to break out. It is thought that if anything, acne is brought on as a side effect of some medicines used to treat stress.

Also, stress can contribute to acne because when you get stressed, it stimulates our body enzymes and immune systems and in turn stimulates the oil glands. These then produce more oil and that is when acne can flare up. So, whilst it isn't thought to cause acne, it can certainly contribute.

How to Combat Acne

There are many products available on the market which claims to be able to get rid of acne. However, some people think that by having a proper diet and by cleansing well, this is enough to control any acne flare up. Whilst cleansing and a proper diet does help to clean and keep our skin healthy, it does not always clear up or affect acne in any way.

The best acne defense is to try out special over the counter acne treatments. These are safe and are designed especially with acne in mind.

Overall, acne is caused by the skins pores becoming blocked, or by the glands producing too much oil.

There are new products designed to fight acne at its underlying cause. These products attack the DHT and help to clear up any signs of acne.

Owned and operated by board certified Dermatologist Dr. Alex Khadavi, M.D., Clearogen offers diagnosis, research and an acne treatment for people suffering from acne which attacks the root causes of the issue.

www.clearogen.com