The Causes of Acne
What causes acne? What are the factors responsible for pimples, blackhead and white head formations? All these questions will be answered once you are through with this article.
Primarily, there are four factors which contribute to the formation of acne and its other cousins (pimples, rashes etc). Explained below in detail, are the four factors.
Overactive Oil Glands
Oil glands or sebaceous glands are located deep inside the skin. Oil glands have features such as:
- Each gland is rooted to a tiny canal that has a hair, called a follicle.
- Oil glands produce sebum (oil) which swims through canals to the surface of the skin lubricating the skin and follicles.
- The opening of the canal with the follicle is the skin pore.
There are varying sizes of oil glands, the bigger ones being associated with visible skin pores. The male hormone androgen (women have it too, but much less in comparison) stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce oil. At times of stress, the adrenal glands increase the production of the hormone androgen causing the oil glands to enlarge further.
But acne formation usually starts with the onset of puberty. During puberty, androgen stimulates the oil glands making them overactive. Acne, pimples, blackheads are what follows.
Inflammation
Inflammation of skin is a condition in which the skin swells, turns deep red, burns incessantly and makes life very discomforting for you. Inflammation of skin is the result of the immune system of your body trying to fend off foreign substances from skin. Acne formation is due to presence of these substances which are generally bacteria along with some other harmful compounds.
Blockage of skin pores
Overactive oil glands, a result of androgen stimulation produces excess oil in skin. So when at times pores through which oil flows from the oil glands to the skin surface become blocked trapping oil in the pores, acne erupts on the skin. Skin cells that get detached from skin pore linings trigger this blockage. But you should know that poor hygiene does not block skin pores, contrary to a common misconception. Because of this pore clogging, acne erupts. Pore congestion also results in:
- Blackheads: These form when clogging is close to the surface of the skin. Blackheads generally do not get inflamed because of their exposure to skin surface. A dark pigment and not dirt, is what gives these blackheads the black look.
- Whiteheads: When the clogging is deeper in the pore, whiteheads are formed. Lack of proper drainage of oil results in these eruptions.
- Pustules: Also known as pimples or zits, these occur when the walls of the clogged follicle ruptures. They are inflammatory.
- Cysts: These are large, red inflamed areas in the skin and are formed as a result of severe infection.
Activity of normal skin bacteria
Even though bacteria are not directly responsible for acne, they do have a role. Normal skin bacterium P.acne helps protect your skin from harmful bacteria. But, when there is oil clogging in follicles, this bacterium grows in the blocked pore. This in turn produces chemicals which affect the composition of oil causing irritation and inflammation.
Now that you know the scientific reasons behind the occurrence of acne, you can take proper care to ensure that acne stays far from your healthy skin.