What causes acne? There are many different things that can cause acne. Five of the principal factors are hormones, excess sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria and swelling.

Fluctuation in Hormone Levels

Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to acne both in adolescents and adulthood. During puberty the body starts to produce hormones called androgens. Androgens cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge (hormonal acne may result).

The sebaceous glands become over stimulated by androgens and release a large amount of sebum. This abrupt production of sebum can damage the hair follicle and make it weaker against bacteria. This process is part of normal development.

Excess Sebum

Excess sebum also contributes to the development of acne. The amount of sebum that is produced also depends on androgens. Sebum moves towards the skin's surface and mixes with skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle.

This process usually leads to clogged pores and, consequently, to the acne outbreaks.

Follicle Fallout, Bacteria and Inflammation

Follicle fallout is another possible cause of acne. When dead cells within the follicle shed more rapidly, they combine with excess sebum and hinder the natural renewal process. The renewal process is extremely important to keep the skin functioning as it should.

A clogged pore becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria cause a chemical reaction known as inflammation. This reaction is the main cause of redness, pain and swelling.

Inflammation may be a necessary process to help the body get rid of foreign objects or infection, but it can lead to damage as well. When the inflammatory reaction tries to force out the infection, it also damages and destroys healthy cells.

The best acne treatment is the one that will deal with the majority of all acne causes.

Different Kinds of Acne

There are also several different kinds of acne. Acne rosacea and acne vulgaris are some examples of common acne. Comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are the usual ways in which acne manifests itself.

Comedones are the only known form of non-inflammatory acne Whiteheads are considered closed comedos because the usually appear as small white bumps under the surface of the skin.

An open comedo is one that has been pushed to the skin's surface. These types of comedos are usually called blackhead because of their darkened appearance.

Papules are the mildest form of inflammatory acne and appear as small, solid bumps that can be tender. Pustules are small round lesions with visible pus. They are caused by the chemical irritation to fatty free acids.

Nodules are painful lesions lodged deep within the skin. Nodules develop when the inside of a comedo spills into the surrounding skin, causing the immune system to produce pus.

Cysts are nodules that have become seriously inflamed. They can last for several weeks or months. Both nodules and cysts can lead to significant scarring.