The Root Cause of Acne

by Paul E. Web

  

Acne has been assigned a number of different causes, some direct and others less direct. Among the direct causes of acne are three main processes or agents: high level of skin oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Indirectly influencing the development of acne are factors like stress, unbalanced diet, lack of cleanliness etc.

Skin Oil

Excess of skin oil is the root cause of acne. Sebaceous glands present in the skin, beneath its surface, produce natural oil called sebum that lubricates and softens the skin and hair. With the onset of adolescence, the level of hormones peak in the blood. One effect of this rush of hormones is the excessive activity of sebaceous glands, pouring out large volumes of sebum. Accumulation of sebum would ultimately block the skin pores and favor the growth of microbes like bacteria. Oil may be artificially added to the skin by means of make up i.e. in cosmetics, creams etc. If it is washed away effectively, it can penetrate and build up beneath the skin surface. 

Dead Skin Cells

Irregular shedding and accumulation of dead skin cells is another direct cause of acne. Normally, the sebum secreted by the oil glands moves up along the hair shaft and emerges at the skin surface through the hair follicles. In the teenage years of development, dead skin cells of the follicles are shed rapidly and irregularly. These dead cells mix with the emerging sebum and form a sticky mass (a plug) that clogs the pores of the skin.   

Bacteria

Bacteria enter the scene as a cause of acne that worsens the skin condition. With the clogging of pores, the hair follicles swell due to accumulation of sebum. Special kind of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes start growing in this kind of environment. The bacteria increases in number by multiplying and cause symptoms like swelling, redness, and even pain. Skin surrounding the infected area gets acne when the built up mass of sebum, dead cells, and bacteria breaks open or bursts through the walls of a plugged follicle. Thus the lesions spread across previously normal skin.      

Stress

Stress is not a direct cause of acne but it induces the stimulation of glands to produce oil and hormones. It also lowers the immunity of the body against germs like bacteria. High stress is thus a precursor of acne causing agents.

Chocolate And Fried Foods

Neither chocolate nor fried foods have been shown as cause of acne. But indirectly, they can play a role in the development of acne symptoms. Foods fried in hydrogenated oil can increase body cholesterol if taken in excess regularly. This means a high level of oil. Chocolates are high-carb diets but if proper exercise is taken regularly, the excess of carbohydrate would not be turned into fats for storage.