No More Zits Newsletter

April, 2007

The No More Zits Monthly is a newsletter that provides featured articles on acne prevention, proper skin maintenance techniques, reviews of natural acne treatments, interviews with dermatologists, and information on both adult acne and teen acne treatment. The No More Zits Monthly is brought to you by Acne-Answers.org.

Causes of Acne

Acne is a common problem that plagues almost everyone at some point in their lives. From the very young to the very old, acne blemishes can be irritating, unsightly, and embarrassing. Acne can occur as papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts. It can develop on the face, the back, the buttocks, the neck, or the chest. But what exactly causes this annoying skin disorder?

As with many conditions, there is no one specific cause for acne. Rather, it general develops as a result of several factors that are present in conjunction with one another. Hormones, stress, genetics, skin irritants, medications, illnesses, and environmental are all common causes of acne. Here's a closer look at each of these acne stressors.

Hormones: Acne is commonly associated with the raging hormones of puberty. In these teen years, hormones called androgens kick into gear causing the enlargement and stimulation of the sebaceous, or oil producing, glands. For some people, these hormones initiate too much activity in the oil glands and soon there is an over production of oil. The extra oil then mixes with debris and dead skin cells and blocks the pores that allow them to escape. The excess oil stuck underneath the skin forms the perfect feeding ground for bacteria to breed and multiply. This causes the inflammation, pus, and redness associated with acne.
Stress: Stress and hormones go hand in hand in the development of acne. Stress causes the production of a hormone called cortisol that can aggravate acne. Stress also causes nervous habits and mannerisms such as rubbing the face and picking at the skin that can cause or irritate affected areas. Picking or "popping" acne blemishes can send the irritants even deeper into the skin causing scarring.
Genetics: Acne is not truly heredity. But severe acne does tend to run in families. So if a close family member had a problem with acne, you may have a problem too. Clinical research has been done on the link between genetics and acne; however, this association is difficult to prove, as most people have at least one person in their family who has had a problem with acne.
Harsh Skin Care Products: Many people who suffer from acne utilize harsh skin care products in an effort to "dry up" their blemishes. However, these harsh products often cause irritation to the skin. The body responds to this irritation by producing more oil to compensate, allowing more acne to develop.
Oil Based Cosmetics: Oil based cosmetics can be very irritating and heavy on the skin. They block pores and prevent the skin from "breathing." This can cause acne to develop. If you are prone to acne, try to use organic make-up and cosmetics that will not aggravate your condition. And wash your make up off of your face at the end of each day.
Enzyme Deficiencies: People who have a very rare enzyme deficiency, such as a sterol hydroxylase deficiency, may also have acne as a side effect.
Excessive Steroids: Cushing's disease is a rare condition that causes the over production of corticosteroids. This can also lead to the development of acne.
Environmental Factors: Changes in the weather such as strong winds or high humidity can cause swelling and irritation of the skin that can lead to the development of acne. Pollutants and other environmental irritants do not necessarily cause acne, but they can irritate skin and aggravate acne that is already present.
Certain Medications: Certain drugs such as androgens and lithium are known to cause acne. Birth control pills also have an unusual link with acne. For some women, birth control pills can cause acne to develop. For others, birth control pills are prescribed to clear up acne.
Certain Illnesses: Illnesses such as Jacob's syndrome, diabetes, and polycystic ovarian syndrome can also display acne as a common symptom.

What Doesn't Cause Acne

Myths and old wives tales abound as to the underlying causes for acne. However, contrary to popular belief, certain factors such as dirt and chocolate do not actually cause acne. The worst they could possible do is aggravate acne that is already present.

Other People: Acne is not contagious and you cannot catch it from other people.
Dirt: Unless your face is consistently dirty and oily, it is unlikely that dirt is causing your acne. On the contrary, over-washing your face can cause blemishes to develop, especially if harsh skin care products and astringents are used in cleaning.
Foods: Fried foods, fatty foods, chocolate, and pizza are often associated with the development. But there is no scientific evidence that these foods cause acne to develop. However, these foods are not necessarily part of a healthy diet, and that will not do anything to improve the condition of your skin. Nor will they offer any nutrients that your skin can utilize to heal itself.