Acne, a common skin condition, starts around puberty. Most adolescents have it in varying degrees of severity – from a few pimples that resolve spontaneously to relentless virulent attacks of blackheads, whiteheads, cysts etc with resultant scars with far-reaching impact. Hormonal fluctuation in men and women is claimed as the single most common cause for adult acne. What can be other causes?
Role of hormones
Acne happens because of the excessive reaction of sebaceous glands to increased levels of hormones – especially testosterone. The extra sebum blocks the pores around hair follicles. The dead skin cells which otherwise come to the surface of the pores routinely for shedding, get trapped inside the pores. A mixture of excess sebum and dead cell tissues block the pores and spots are formed in the form of whiteheads and blackheads.
Hormonal imbalance & acne
The number of instances where hormonal imbalance causes acne –
- During puberty, the hormone levels – especially testosterone levels are higher and excess sebum causes acne.
- Many women suffer from an acne attack just prior to their menstrual periods.
- Some women get acne during early pregnancy.
- Men get acne with overproduction of male hormones, androgens.
- Stress causes excessive production of hormone called cortisole causing more sebum which can cause acne.
Blocked pores & bacteria
The Propionibacterium acnes – known as acne bacteria exist in everyone’s skin – with or without acne. But when blocked/clogged pores have excess sebum build-up along with dead cells, this becomes an ideal bed for the multiplication of the bacteria causing pus-filled spots, inflammation and swelling.
Other causes
There are multiple other causes of acne as below
- Hereditary – Acne runs in families but can be random and due to a number of other reasons too.
- Age related – During teenage years, in late twenties and early thirties as adult acne and even new-born babies suffer from acne.
- Medicinal side effects – Medications like lithium, estrogen, phenytoin and corticosteroids can cause acne.
- Medical conditions – Acne can be caused by endocrine-related conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or Polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Weather – High humidity levels and sweating can cause acne breakouts.
- Food Intake – Chocolates, nuts and oily food intake are not proven to cause acne, but snacks high in refined sugars may cause an acne attack.
Outlook
Whatever causes acne, it can be successfully treated with the right treatment and new breakouts can be prevented and clear, blemish-free skin is a definite possibility.
Dr. Batul Patel is a celebrity dermatologist and the medical director of The Bombay Skin Clinic an award winning clinic located in South Mumbai & Bandra. She is a passionate and dedicated dermatologist with expertise in all fields of dermatology, trichology and aesthetic dermatology. She has been practicing for more than a decade. Her range of expertise include emsculpt NEO, coolsculpting, fillers, acne treatment, lasers, skin rejuvenation, hair loss, hair transplant, PRP & pigmentation treatments.