What causes acne? The science behind the spot...

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No one really know what causes acne to occur in one sebaceous gland and not another. However, we do know that acne is basically a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, which consists of a hair follicle, a sebaceous gland, and a hair.

Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum with helps to keep the skin and hair moisturized. These glands become enlarged and produce more sebum during adolescence when under the influence of hormones called androgens (male hormones).

During puberty there is also an increase in the bacteria called Proprionibacterium acnes which normally lives in the skin and uses sebum as a nutrient for its growth. People with a higher number of P.acnes in their follicles tend to have more acne than those who have less.

When the body tries to counter this excess of bacteria it attracts white blood cells to the follicle. The white blood cells then produce an enzyme which damages the wall of the follicle, which then leads to an inflammatory response, resulting in papules, pustules and nodules.

Clogged follicles can also cause acne if sebum becomes trapped in the hair follicle. If excess sebum and keratin (dead skin cells) block the pores it can result in a type of acne called comedones, which are also known as blackheads and whiteheads.

There are seven main factors that tend to aggravate or cause acne:

Genetics: If your parents had troublesome acne as a teenager, it’s highly likely that you will too.

Medications: The side effects of certain medications such as steroids, barbiturates and seizure medication may produce acne as a possible side effect.

Stress: Stress doesn’t cause acne but it can potentially aggravate it.

Diet: Many dermatologists and doctors say that diet isn’t linked to acne, but new research has indicated that refined carbohydrates and sugars may aggravate acne.

Skin and hair products: Any cosmetic product that can clog the pores may potentially cause acne. Use only ‘noncomdomedogenic’ (products that don’t clog the pores) and try and avoid products that contain pomades, lanolin, petrolatum, vegetable oils, butyl stearate, lauryl alcohol, and oleic acid.

Hormones: High levels of androgenic hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce an excess amount of oil which can lead to the follicles becoming blocked resulting in pimples.

Excessive Washing: Washing your face too often can aggravate the skin. It may also stimulate the glands to produce more oil.

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