Acne - What Causes It?


Many individuals suffer from acne, not just adolescents. Acne is caused by normally occurring bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium gets trapped in plugged skin pores or follicles, especially in the face. In an attempt to escape, the bacterium produce enzymes used to break down the sebum (the excretion produced by sebaceous glands) blocking the escape routes. When the enzymes go to work one of the side effects is inflammation in the area.

Light to moderate cases of inflammation show up as pimples and bumps. This type of acne is known as superficial acne. If the inflammation is deeper within the skin and pores, resulting in cysts and nodules, it is called cystic acne.

The excess sebum is actually a byproduct of testosterone production in the body. This is why young adolescent boys going through puberty and other individuals who are taking testosterone enhanced dietary supplements most often exhibit signs of acne. In women, the hormonal changes occurring before the menstrual cycle may also cause sporadic outbreaks.

A second cause of acne can be traced to diet and a lack of essential fatty acids. The body needs a particular quantity of essential fatty acids to remain in balance. The typical Western diet does not provide adequate amounts for most people. In place of essential fatty acids, trans-fats and other non-essential fats are found in large quantities. This fat ratio imbalance tips the scale in favor of excess sebum production leading to outbreaks of acne.

Particular chemicals and drugs may also be a factor in the appearance of acne. Any drug with added hormones or that change the hormonal balance of the body is a possible culprit. Corticosteroids and industrial pollutants may also be a contributing factor.

Overall health is crucial to remaining acne free. This includes a healthy diet, improved colon health, gentle but effective skin care and decreased exposure to chemicals and drugs which can affect the natural hormone levels of the body.

Rachel Dayer runs and operates http://www.mustask.com - a health related e-zine. Visit her site for more health related articles.





Latest Acne News:



Site: acne - Yahoo! News Search Results
New study could bring relief to acne patients
A breakthrough could be on the way for acne patients, yet experts at the North Carolina Research Campus are enrolling participants in a new study, using genetics to help find safer ways to treat acne. With the help of 250 participants, a M.U.R.D.O.C.K. study conducted by Duke University experts, could lead to new, safer ways to treat severe acne. Overweight linked to acne in teen girls
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Overweight girls in their late teens were twice as likely as their normal-weight peers to report having a lot of acne in a large new survey of Norwegian teenagers that did not find the same link in boys. Some 3,600 young people in Oslo, aged 18 and 19, provided information on their pimples, weight, diet and other health and lifestyle factors. Only about a tenth of the ... Really? The Claim: Excess Weight Raises the Risk of Acne
Researchers have found, once again, that weight gain and moderate to severe acne go hand in hand, particularly among young women. Acne Control Mask from End-ZitŪ - Fight Acne with a High Concentration of Sulfur; End-ZitŪ, The Zit Stops Here!Ū
ABBE Laboratories best-selling END-ZITŪ Acne Control Mask is now available in a convenient 2.5oz. squeezable tube. Use as a spot treatment or apply to the entire face, back or any problem area. Visit [http://www.endzit.com __title__ Fight Acne Today] and see for yourself.Farmingdale, NY (PRWEB) January 31, 2012 ABBE Laboratories best-selling END-ZITŪ Acne Control Mask is now available in a ... Diet does matter when in comes to acne
Recent studies suggest dairy products and high glycemic foods can worsen acne, while omega-3 fats may alleviate it Overweight girls more prone to acne
Overweight girls may be more likely than other young people to develop acne THE QUESTION Acne has no definitive cause but an array of suspects, including hormones, heredity, stress, chocolate, makeup and more. Should being overweight be added to the list? Read full article >> Best Acne Treatment Limited Announces A New Site On The Best Acne Treatment
This is a new site on acne infection that provides information on acne and the best ways to treat and prevent acne infection. (PRWeb February 02, 2012) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb9145226.htm To fight acne, trim back carbs, omega-6 fatty acids
If you struggle with acne, eating foods with a low glycemic index may help regulate your blood glucose, which researchers say can decrease the production of oil and lower hormone levels that can contribute to acne. Overweight Teen Girls May Have Higher Acne Risk
Title: Overweight Teen Girls May Have Higher Acne Risk Category: Health News Created: 1/16/2012 6:06:00 PM Last Editorial Review: 1/17/2012 NZ-developed acne drug approved for sale in US by FDA
A NZ developed medication for acne has been approved for sale in America.

Site: Acne - Google News
Tips for acne-free skin - Times of India

Tips for acne-free skin
Times of India
One should always keep his/her skin clean and clear as pimples and acne occur when the pores in your skin get clogged up with oil and dirt. Bacteria infects that pore, leading to acne. Always try to avoid touching the face with your hands.

Dialogue Between A Teenager And The Acne - LA Canyon News

Dialogue Between A Teenager And The Acne
LA Canyon News
A dialogue between a teenager and acne, based off of Benjamin Franklin's "Dialogue Between Franklin and the Gout." Teenager: Eh! Oh! Eh! Why, a complexion so vile, do I wear upon my features for the whole world to see? Especially mine one and only Prom ...

Acne Control Mask from End-ZitŪ - Fight Acne with a High Concentration of ... - San Francisco Chronicle (press release)

Acne Control Mask from End-ZitŪ - Fight Acne with a High Concentration of ...
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
ABBE Laboratories best-selling END-ZITŪ Acne Control Mask is now available in a convenient 2.5oz. squeezable tube. Use as a spot treatment or apply to the entire face, back or any problem area. Visit [www.endzit.com __title__ Fight Acne Today] and see ...

and more »
Watch out for acne 'cure' scams - WDIV Detroit

Watch out for acne 'cure' scams
WDIV Detroit
The Federal Trade Commissions has been cracking down on companies which have made baseless claims about curing acne. "I don't know if they're faking it or they are putting makeup on it or something, but it makes it look worse," said 16-year-old John ...

and more »
Best Acne Treatment Limited Announces A New Site On The Best Acne Treatment - PR Web (press release)

Best Acne Treatment Limited Announces A New Site On The Best Acne Treatment
PR Web (press release)
This is a new site on acne infection that provides information on acne and the best ways to treat and prevent acne infection. Acne scars are difficult to contend with. The recent laser treatment reduces acne scars with immediate effect.

Four Questions Assess Acne Patient Quality of Life - Skin and Allergy News Digital Network

Skin and Allergy News Digital Network

Four Questions Assess Acne Patient Quality of Life
Skin and Allergy News Digital Network
ORLANDO ? A four-question survey can provide as much information about the psychosocial impact of acne treatment on patients as do longer, more cumbersome surveys. Dr. Peter Saitta and colleagues developed the Acne-Q 4 survey and reported that it ...

and more »
Overweight girls more prone to acne - Washington Post

Overweight girls more prone to acne
Washington Post
Overweight girls may be more likely than other young people to develop acne THE QUESTION Acne has no definitive cause but an array of suspects, including hormones, heredity, stress, chocolate, makeup and more. Should being overweight be added to the ...

The Science Of How Dairy Causes Acne - BlissTree

BlissTree

The Science Of How Dairy Causes Acne
BlissTree
But in the process, he raised another issue about what milk does to your skin: according to him, dairy causes acne, too. But many commenters were up in arms about the connection between milk and skin?you wanted the science, not just the anecdotal ...

Overweight linked to acne in teen girls - Chicago Tribune

Overweight linked to acne in teen girls
Chicago Tribune
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Overweight girls in their late teens were twice as likely as their normal-weight peers to report having a lot of acne in a large new survey of Norwegian teenagers that did not find the same link in boys.

and more »
Acne risk higher for overweight teen girls - ModernMedicine

Stuff.co.nz

Acne risk higher for overweight teen girls
ModernMedicine
Oslo, Norway ? Teenage girls who are obese or overweight are significantly more likely to develop acne than their normal-weight peers, a new Norwegian survey suggests. A research team led by Jon Anders Halvorsen, MD, of the department of dermatology ...
Obesity and acne: Overweight teen girls twice as likely to develop skin conditionToronto Star
Really? The Claim: Excess Weight Raises the Risk of AcneNew York Times (blog)
Overweight girls more prone to acneStuff.co.nz

all 6 news articles »
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