What Causes Acne?

It's common in teenagers but can effect any age or skin type, so what causes Acne?

While there could be many things that lead up to it, the actual cause is a build up of bacteria and oils that get lodged in the hair follicle. The resulting eruption from the follicle to the surface of the skin is what we call acne.

What Causes Acne - Whiteheads VS Blackheads

There are two types of acne, whiteheads that have a whiteish appearance and blackheads that have a black appearance. They both start out with a blob of sebum, or oil that gets trapped inside the hair follicle along with some bacteria. As the bacteria multiplies the substance pushes up against the skin causing acne. When the bacteria and sebum remain underneath the skin, the result is a whitehead, but when it breaks the skin it causes a blackhead. The black color is simply caused by the pigment in the skin.

What causes acne is largely unknown - we know the process that makes it form which I have explained above, but what causes the process to start? What makes the sebum and bacteria get trapped in the follicle in the first place? Non one knows for sure, but some theories include hormones, diet, stress and biology.

Since we don't know what causes acne, we can't really take too many steps to prevent it. Common wisdom says to eat a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, take vitamins, and drink lots of water. Some recommend rubbing your face with lemons or tomato to treat an outbreak. Others recommend grape seed, green tea, bilberry and pine bark. Since the problem results in the pores, it makes sense to keep your face clean and flush with cold water periodically to try to keep pores closed. Using harsh abrasives or chemicals on your face is not recommended.

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