Causes of Acne

By: Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH

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. 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: Acne is usually associated with the hormonal changes of puberty. 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 the blockage of pores can occur. Oil that becomes trapped under the skin is often infected with bacteria, and the inflammation, pus, swelling, and redness of acne are the results.

Stress: Stress affects acne in several ways. It triggers another hormone called cortisol that has an aggravating effect on acne blemishes. Stress also can result in nervous habits which can lead some people to develop mannerisms such as rubbing or picking at the face, which only worsens acne. Picking or popping acne blemishes only spreads the condition, and can lead to scarring as well.

Genetics: Acne is not technically an inherited condition. However, severe acne does often run in families. If your parents experienced severe acne, your own risk is increased as well. Research about genetic links to acne is ongoing, but results are not yet conclusive.

Harsh Skin Care Products: Many people with acne try to use the harshest skin care products they can find in order to get aggressive with the disease. Unfortunately, this often backfires, as these products actually stimulate the development of acne by further irritating the skin. 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. Try using makeup and cosmetic products that will not encourage or worsen acne. Be sure also to cleanse cosmetics from your face every day.

Enzyme Deficiencies: In rare cases, some individuals have a deficiency of an enzyme called sterol hydroxylase. This condition can produce acne in some individuals.

Excessive Steroids: Cushing's disease is a rare illness that causes the body to produce excessive amounts of corticosteroids. Acne can result from this disease. Acne can also form from taking high amounts of medicinal steroids.

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

Certain Medications: Some drugs are known to trigger acne. Examples include synthetic lithium and androgens. Birth control pills can go either way. For some women they cause acne, but for others they improve acne depending upon the individual's hormonal balance.

Certain 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. Let's see if we can get the facts straight.

Other People: Acne cannot be spread from person to person. It is not a contagious disease. However, if you pick at your acne, it is possible to spread it on your own skin.

Dirt: Unless you allow grime and oil to constantly remain on your face, dirt is not causing your acne. On the contrary, washing your face too often, especially with harsh soaps, can cause irritation which will often trigger acne.

Foods: Fatty or fried foods are often identified as causes of acne. However, the truth is there is no evidence to support this. Your diet does play a role though. 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.

About the Author

Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath, Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in Houston, TX and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Under her leadership, Oasis Advanced Wellness is known and respected as one of the leading companies in providing safe and clean hi-tech natural health and wellness solutions. Because of the need for high-end natural and organic skin care products, Dr. Lanphier has developed Lanique Organics, an all-natural skin-care line which promotes natural health for the skin. All Lanique and OAW developed products are free of toxic ingredients, excipients and preservatives and are certified organic, organic, wild crafted or of the highest purity and quality that we can obtain while still providing the utmost degree of active ingredients. All product batches are laboratory tested to ensure that you are getting exactly what the label states. We will never knowingly compromise health in order to provide a cheaper product or to get a product out quickly. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide Free E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. We invite you to visit us at Oasis Advanced Wellness, the PMS-Progesterone-Menopause Resource Center, the Acne Resource Center, the Skin Care Resource Center, the Glyconutrient Resource Center, the Allergy-Asthma-Sinus Relief Resource Center and www.oasisserene.com