What Causes Acne?

Every pore on our skin is the opening of an attached canal that consists of a follicle, hair and an oil-producing gland called sebaceous gland. These oil-producing glands vary in size. Canals with larger oil glands usually have larger pore openings. Male hormones called androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce oil. Woman also have these hormones but at a much decreased level. Increased levels of androgens are released during stress causing the glands to enlarge and secrete more oil. During puberty, hormonal changes take place causing an overactive response in the oil glands. Pore Blockage occurs when dead skin cells bunch together blocking the opening to the pore. When this happens the oil produced by the sebaceous glands gets trapped. Our skin also produces bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium is a natural part of our skin. It is beneficial by protecting our skin from being invaded by harmful bacteria. The Propionibacterium acnes will grow in the blocked pore producing chemicals that alter the composition of the trapped oil. This in turn makes the oil more irritating to the skin, causing inflammation. Inflammation is simply a response of the body’s immune system trying to rid itself of a foreign substance. In the case of acne these substance would be bacteria or the irritating compounds they have produced. Among the types of breakouts is the Blackhead. A blackhead forms when the pores are clogged close to the surface of the skin. Blackheads usually don’t become inflamed because they are on the surface. The black speck is not dirt but merely the presence of dark pigment. Whiteheads develop from a blockage deeper in the pore. The oil unable to drain accumulates in the skin causing a small white bump. Whiteheads are more prone to inflammation. A much more severe type of acne results in Pustules and/or Cysts Pustules occur when the blocked follicle walls ruptures. Oil, dead skin cells and bacteria usually found on the skins surface get into the skin and forms small areas of inflammation. Cysts are bigger, deeper colored, inflamed areas deep in the skin that usually indicated more serious infection. There are many types of acne with many causes. These causes can be related to one’s diet, hormonal balance, stress level and even environmental elements. Some of the different forms of acne: Acne Vulgaris is the most common kind of acne. It is most seen in teenagers because it is directly connected to the increase in hormones. However, this type of acne can be triggered at any age. Acne Cosmetica is a condition caused by pore blocking ingredients found certain cosmetics and personal care products. Cystic Acne is a severe type of acne created when the sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria build and ruptures through the follicle wall, causing an inflammatory reaction that commonly end in scarring. It appears as a large rubbery nodule, often skin colored and surrounded by red inflamed tissue, 5-200mm in size. Chor-Acne is caused by constant exposure to certain industrial chemicals. Parasitic Acne is caused by Demodex Mites, also known as face mites, are not so well known by the public. They are parasites, which live on the face and in the hair follicles of humans. They can badly damage the facial skin of humans, usually starting at middle age when the immune system is weakened and their population has increased. There are two existing types: the longer kind, Demodex folliculorum, which live in the hair follicles and the short ones, Demodex brevis, which live in the sebaceous glands. The mites are invisible to the naked eye, usually measuring between 100 – 300 microns in length.

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