What causes acne?
Acne can be caused by several things.
Make-up - Some foundations and concealers can block pores (are comedonegenic). This is why it is important to always check the label on the back of the bottle .You can find non pore blocking ones if you shop around.
Hormones. During puberty the body produces a surge of a sex hormone called androgen. This often leads to sebaceous gland to secrete more oil, this excess sebum make acne a lot more likely, as bacteria can breed very rapidly in this oily environment. When people ask me what causes spots this is often my number one answer.
Stress may make your spots worse. Although many experts are in continued disagreement as to whether or not stress can cause acne, there are some studies which have suggested that if nothing else, being under prolonged stress can cause a weakening of the immune system of the sufferer, which in turn can have the effect of making acne more likely, exacerbating it if it is already present.
Poor hygiene is not the definitive cause of acne – a person who has a very high level of personal hygiene can have really bad acne. It is not that you are ‘dirty’. Having said that however not washing your face at least twice a day, can have the effect of encouraging acne. This is because the bacteria that cause acne need skin oil to live and breed in. If you wipe away the excessive sebum then their numbers will be significantly diminished. However hygiene alone will often not solve your acne problem.
Genetics can play a role in whether you develop acne or not. A predisposition to developing acne can be inherited from your parents. So if your mother of father suffered from spots you are more likely to develop them too. You can find out if you are genetically predisposed to getting acne by looking at old photos of your parents and grandparents, or by simply asking them.
Some medication such as lithium, androgens and barbiturates can produce a flare up of zits; these will often disappear after you stop taking the drugs.
High levels of humidity in your house (having too much water in the air) can make you spots worse. This is because most bacteria, particularly those that cause acne, breed most prolifically in a humid, moist environment.
Rubbing or touching the affected skin area can make your zits worse as this is introducing extra bacteria onto the skin in question. Another reason to avoid picking your spots is that it can cause acne scars to form.
I hope this post has helped you to perhaps identify why it is that you have acne. Remember that it is NOT your fault and the first step to solving a problem is identifying that there is a problem in the first place. I started getting spots when I was 11 so I know what it’s like to live with spots day in day out. You look in the mirror every morning and you think ‘oh no not another one – when is it going to end!’
I was lucky that- at the age of 27 I finally found a cure for acne that actually worked!