Causes and Symptoms

Acne is a very common skin problem that plagues the majority of us at some point in our lives. For folks of all ages, acne blemishes can be painful, unsightly, and embarrassing. We know that acne may be found in numerous places on the body such as the face, neck, chest, back, or buttocks. Adult women may have acne on their chins and around their mouths. The elderly often develop whiteheads and blackheads on the upper cheeks and skin around the eyes. It can develop as a variety of blemishes including papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts. But, the question remains: "What exactly causes this annoying skin condition?"  As with many medical conditions, there is no single identifiable cause. Rather, it typically occurs when a combination of several factors are present together. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common causes of acne.

Hormones: Hormonal changes play a major role in the Acne eruptions .During the teen years, increased levels of sex hormones called androgens cause the sebaceous glands (oil glands) of the skin to produce increased amounts of oil. These excess skin oils tend to combine with dead skin cells and other debris on the skin and can cause blockage of pores . The oil that is trapped under the skin is often infected with bacteria and which can cause inflammation , pus , swelling and redness of acne .

Stress: Stress is another important factor in Acne . Stress triggers a hormone called cortisol that has an aggravating effect on acne blemishes. Stress in people is often accompanied by nervous habits which further results in mannerisms such as  rubbing or picking at the face, which further aggravates acne and may result in scars.

Genetics & Heredity: Though researches conducted to link Genetics to Acne is not conclusive, however  severe acne does often run in families. If your parents experienced severe acne, your own risk is increased as well.

Skin Care Products: Skin care products such as abrasive soaps that are harsh on the skin can actually increase the spread of acne and worsen the condition as these products stimulate the development of acne by further irritating the skin because of which more oil is produced, and the acne gets worse.

Oil based Cosmetics: Oil based cosmetics can be very irritating and hard on your skin. They tend to block pores and prevent the skin from "breathing." This can lead to acne. IT is important to select the right kind of cosmetics and also be sure to cleanse cosmetics from your face on a daily basis.

Enzyme Deficiencies: Acne can also be the result of Deficiency of an enzyme called sterol hydroxylase in some individuals.  Acne due to such deficiencies are rare though.

Medications – some drugs & steroids are known to trigger acne. Excessive of steroids can cause. Birth control pills can go either way as for some women they cause acne, but for others they improve acne depending upon the individual's hormonal balance.

Environmental Factors: Pollution and other environmental toxins do not technically cause acne, but they may irritate and worsen existing acne. Changes in the weather such as increased humidity may result in swelling and aggravation of the skin that can lead to acne for some people.

Illnesses: Some disorders have acne as one of their side effects. Examples include diabetes, Jacob's syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

What Doesn't Cause Acne

Many myths have developed over the years regarding the causes of acne. 

People: Acne is not contagious and therefore cannot be spread from person to person.

Dirt: Dirt does not cause Acne uunless you allow grime and oil to constantly remain on your face.

Foods: your diet plays a major role in eruption of acne to the extent that  If you don't consume healthy foods, the health of your entire body will suffer, and this often shows up as acne or other skin concerns. However contrary to the belief there is no evidence to show that Fatty & Fried foods, chocolates etc cause Acne.