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Common Factors that Trigger Acne

Category: Acne
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Acne is a very common problem that affects people all over the world. It is definitely more frequently observed in adolescents, but many grownups still suffer from varying kinds of acne problems. This skin condition can be triggered by a number of different factors.

According to studies, an estimated 80% of all adolescents will go through bouts of acne until they reach their early twenties. Most of these acne cases will fade eventually over the years, but some will prevail until the person reaches middle age. Some individuals will also experience psychological and emotional repercussion due to this skin condition.

Basically, acne is caused when the tiny openings in the skin are blocked by excess sebum oil, which is naturally secreted by the skin to serve as a cleansing and moisturizing agent. If there is too much oil, they will eventually clog up the pores and trap the dirt just beneath the surface of the skin.

The most common cause of excess sebum oil production is the fluctuation of hormone levels that usually take place during a person’s adolescent years. This leads to the buildup of bacteria in the skin, causing pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and other kinds of acne.

Most hormones contribute to the onset of acne problems, but the most significant factor is the imbalance in the levels of testosterone in the body. Testosterone is popularly known as the male hormone but it is actually present in both males and females.

Another frequently debated cause of acne is the kinds of food that a person eats. Some people contend that a person’s diet is directly responsible for acne breakouts, while others say that there is no proven link. The truth is that there hasn’t been any scientific study that has officially established a link, but it is a medical fact that some foods can lead to the fluctuation of hormones in the body.

There are many kinds of foods, particularly those that are rich in sugars and unhealthy fats, that affect the rate of hormone production. As the hormone levels rise, so does the amount of oil secreted into the skin.

External factors can also lead to the development of acne. For instance, wearing too much makeup may result in the clogging of the pores, preventing sebaceous oils from being released from the inner layers of the skin. If you absolutely need to wear makeup, choose those that are non-comedogenic.

Another possible cause of acne problems might be genetics, but that avenue hasn’t been fully explored at the time of this writing. Improper skin hygiene can also contribute to the accumulation of bacteria on the skin, and is therefore considered an indirect cause of acne problems.

There are some types of medication that can treat acne, but there are also those that can further aggravate the situation, such as steroids or cortisone. If you are currently experiencing a serious acne breakout, it is best to avoid these kinds of medications.

According to recent studies, there has been substantial evidence showing that one of the main causes of acne is the size of an individual’s hair follicles. Smaller follicles are more susceptible to blockage due to excess oil, which makes the individual more vulnerable to acne breakouts.

Adolescent acne can leave deep physical and emotional scars on any person. For this reason alone, it is very important to seek treatment for these conditions right away.

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  • Posted by Andrew
  • on Nov 14th, 2008
  • at 1:27 pm

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