What Really Causes Acne?

It must be stated at the beginning that an exact cause of 

acne is unknown. Despite the endless research that has 

been done to date, nothing has ever been isolated as a 

primary cause for the development of acne. Keeping this in 

mind though, doctors and researchers have at least come to 

some conclusions as to what sort of risk factors are involved 

and ultimately contribute to acne’s development. According to 

some researchers, the primary causes are hormones and 

genetics, but this cannot account for every case. No, in some 

instances, factors like medication, types of cosmetics, and 

certain aspects of personal hygiene (i.e. methods of 

cleansing skin) are more likely to create the conditions for 

acne’s formation. Environment, too, can be a catalyst. Those 

working with chemicals or who are exposed to oils and 

greases, have a greater chance of getting acne because the 

materials themselves can clog pores.  

   Hormones 

With the onset of puberty, the human body starts to produce 

hormones called androgens or male sex hormones, 

increasing in both boys and girls. These androgens cause the 

enlargement and over stimulation of the sebaceous glands 

which are found in the hair follicles or pores of the skin. The 

extra sebum or oil that the sebaceous glands produce mixes 

with dead skin cells and bacteria on the skin's surface and 

this blocks pores. Within the blocked pore, the bacteria 

multiply and cause inflammation. All of this leads to the 

lesions that are associated with acne. 

Teenagers are the most common sufferers of acne, purely 

because of the hormonal shifts that are associated with 

puberty. Current figures indicate nearly 85% of people will 

develop acne at some point between the ages of 12 and 25. 

It is also important to note that the hormonal changes 

associated with both the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and 

even menopause have been shown to be culprits in the 

creation of acne. Also, when women are either beginning or 

ending their usage of birth control, the hormonal fluctuations 

that can occur at this time can cause acne in some women.  

Furthermore, fluctuations in the hormones of adults, both 

men and women, can cause spikes in the production of 

sebum in the sebaceous glands. This opens wide the range 

of those susceptible to acne, due to hormonal changes. 

  Genetics 

Another factor is heredity or genetics. Many researchers now 

believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited 

from parents. In studies conducted by a number of scientists, 

links have been found between those presently suffering from 

acne and the presence of acne in their family history. Strictly 

speaking though, acne is not an inherited disease, at least 

not in the medical sense of the word. However, it is also true 

that acne is much more common in children of parents who 

have had or still have acne than those who do not. While the 

research is still ongoing, there is no doubt the research will 

continue to yield new results and perhaps, deeper genetic 

causes might be unearthed.  

  Other Factors 

Medication  

As was stated before, the side effects of certain drugs can 

cause acne. Examples can include: barbiturates, anti-

depressants, anti-anxiety medication, lithium and certain 

forms of steroids.  

Heavy or oily costmetics   

In the case of certain cosmetics, their ingredients can affect 

the structure of hair follicles and lead to over-production of 

sebum, which in turn clogs the pores. 

Over-abrasive cleansing  

Astringent facial products can dry the skin out and also 

causes the body to overproduce sebum to compensate.  The 

use of harsh exfoliators can damage existing spots and 

spread infection. 

  Flare Up Factors 

There are also a number of other factors which can cause 

existent acne to flare up and create more problems. A small 

list of some of these factors is included in the following pages 

so that our picture of acne becomes clearer and we shall, 

hopefully, obtain a greater understanding of the causes and 

elements that make this disorder such an inconvenient and 

uncomfortable thing to endure.  

Pressure from helmets or hats, backpacks, tight clothing 

If there is pressure against the skin, as is the case when 

wearing hats, and helmets, or when a backpack is pressing 

down against shoulders, then the potential for irritation and 

acne breakouts are real. Either friction, as is true when 

someone is wearing tight clothing, or pressure as in the 

aforementioned hat or helmet, can go a long way towards 

affecting the pores and causing acne to flare up. 

Environmental irritants 

If a person works in a garage or in a factory, certain 

chemicals present in such environments can actually cause 

acne flare-ups, if not lead to its appearance. Oils, for 

instance, when brought in contact with skin over a long 

period can clog up pores, or at least irritate the skin.  

Pollution can have much the same effect upon the skin, 

clogging pores and creating infections.  

Heavy scrubbing of skin 

Picking or squeezing blackheads and/or whiteheads can 

cause the infection to move deeper into the skin and which 

will lead to scarring. 

Diet 

While no foods actually have been linked to the cause of 

acne, it is proven that certain foods can be responsible for 

acne flare-ups.