Who Gets Acne and What Causes It?
November 17, 2022
Acne is a common skin condition that affects around 50 million Americans yearly. The most common group of acne suffers are teenage males, however, the inflammatory skin disorder is seen in people of all races and ages. When it continues into adulthood, lesions or pimples are usually more common in females.
“Your skin releases an oily substance to lubricate hair and skin as well as remove dead skin cells,” explains Dr. Michael Steppie, a board-certified Orlando dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon. “When this mixture clogs the pores, the bacteria that normally lives on your skin can begin to grow inside a follicle causing pimples or cysts to develop. Although the cause is simple enough to understand, researchers continue to study the many factors that can increase your risk for acne and might make it worse.”
Sebum is the oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in the upper layers of your skin. In healthy skin, it empties onto the surface through your pores, which are very small openings in the follicles that allow the skin to breathe. Although most pores are not visible to the naked eye, millions of these tiny openings help gases and liquids escape through your skin. If the pores become clogged, it can result in an acne outbreak.
Acne Triggers Are Not Well Understood
The exact cause of acne is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to a number of different factors, including hormones, genetics, and the bacteria that lives on the skin.
Hormones: Acne is often associated with hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. During these times, the body produces more hormones called androgens, which can stimulate the production of sebum.
Genetics: Acne tends to run in families, suggesting that genetics may play a role in its development. People with a family history of acne are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Bacteria: The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is present on the skin of most people and is normally harmless. However, when the pores become clogged, P. acnes can multiply and cause inflammation, leading to the development of acne.
In addition to these factors, certain lifestyle and environmental factors can also contribute to the development of acne including stress, diet, and certain medications.
Types of Acne Pimples
Acne causes several types of lesions, or pimples. Doctors refer to enlarged or plugged hair follicles as comedones. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the most common types of acne include:
- Whiteheads - Plugged hair follicles that stay beneath the skin (closed comedones) and produce a white bump.
- Blackheads - Plugged follicles that reach the surface of the skin (open comedones) that look black on surface because the air discolors the sebum.
- Papules - Inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch.
- Pustules - Papules topped by white or yellow pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base (inflammatory acne).
- Nodules - Large, painful solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin. If pus-filled, it is called cystic acne and may result in scarring.
Once the skin’s natural bacteria triggers inflammation and infection, it can result in more severe acne. Nonetheless, it is important to avoid touching your face too much, as this can transfer bacteria and oils from your hands to other parts of your face, leading to larger breakouts. Picking at your acne can make the condition worse and may cause permanent scarring.
If you are experiencing severe or persistent acne, consider talking to a dermatologist, who can provide you with personalized medical advice and treatment options to medically control your acne.
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Flawless Skin Cleanser #1 or #2
Cleansing the skin correctly can help clear the number of acne blemishes and pimples to reduce outbreaks caused by excessive sebum production and clogged pores. Flawless Skin Cleanser is available in two strengths of pure glycolic acid (5% or 10%)* with the maximum strength of 2% salicylic acid (pharmaceutical active acne medication), which has proven effective in over-the-counter acne treatments. Alpha Hydroxy Acid penetrates deep within the skin to promote exfoliation for smoother looking skin.
*NOTE: Since glycolic acid causes your skin to become photosensitive, using proper sun protection (sunscreens or sun blockers) is an absolute must.
Whereas acne and dermatitis can occur at any age, establishing a daily routine for sun protection, cleansing, treating, and moisturizing can help you manage excess sebum production and reduce clogged pores for healthier skin. To learn more about our skincare products, use the convenient Contact Us form for a prompt response.