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How Is It That Acne Occurs?

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Written by Nathan James

Thursday, 08 May 2008

by NathanJames

Unfortunately the exact cause of acne is unknown, but many doctors believe it results from several related factors. One of the most important factors being the rise in a person's hormone levels. Often these hormones known as androgens (male sex hormones) will increase in both boys and girls during the pubescent stage of their lives and can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum.

It is believed that the tendency on whether one develops acne or not is hereditary. Many studies have shown that boys who have acne also have a family history of acne. Acne is caused by when the sebaceous glands begin secreting oily substances onto the skin. Those with acne are especially sensitive to testosterone, and it triggers the glands to produce too much sebum, which is an oily substance.

Acne is caused by the sebaceous glands becoming over active and they then secrete oily substances on to the skin and those people with acne are especially sensitive to normal blood levels of the hormone called testosterone and this triggers the sebaceous glands to then produce an excess of sebum (oily substance).

But at the same time the dead skin cells lining the openings to the hair follicles are not shed properly and they begin to clog up these follicles. The effect of the excess oil and the blocked follicles results in blackheads and whiteheads forming. However for some people once they are out of puberty they will no longer suffer from acne.

But for other people the build up of oil in their hair follicles will create the ideal environment for a bacterium called Propionibacterium Acnes to grow and this normally lives harmlessly on your skin but when the environment is right for them it will grow.

The bacteria feeds off the sebum and will produce substances that cause your body's immune system to respond and this in turn inflames the skin and creates the redness that we associated with spots.

With worse inflammatory acne, cysts will develop under the skin's surface. These will then rupture and spread infection into nearby skin tissue. This can often result in one's skin scarring.

This article has provided some information as you the cause of acne. Other articles we've written include the types of acne explained, as well as acne treatments that are available.

About the Author:

If prescription treatments are not your thing, or you're looking for more natural alternatives, learn about some simple home remedies for clear skin on the Acne Squad website. Visit www.acnesquad.com for more helpful tips & advice.

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