Do you feel a big drop in self-esteem when you have acne all over your face? Probably around 60 million people feel exactly the same as you. We feel too self-conscious and embarrassed to go to any public place; we are afraid of what our friends and classmates might think if they see us.
For many of us, acne can become the bane of our existence. More than 60 million people in the United States are affected by this common medical condition. Below are the most common causes of acne.
1. Hormones. Hormones are the number one cause of acne, which is the production of sex hormones known as androgens that begins at puberty. This perfectly explains why most acne sufferers are teenagers. Hormones are the main factor in acne breakouts during menstruation and pregnancy.
2. Birth control pills. Starting or stopping birth control pills can cause acne.
3. When androgens activate the sebaceous gland, it produces additional sebum. On its journey through the follicle to the surface, the sebum mixes with dead skin cells and skin bacteria that have been expelled from the follicle lining. This process is completely normal, but the presence of more sebum in the follicle increases the probability of clogging, which then causes acne.
4. Stress. Under certain stressful circumstances, stress can cause the production of hormones like cortisol, which can worsen an acne condition. Stress puts different hormone levels into effect. When these hormone levels change, the body tells the oil glands in the skin to expand, which then secrete additional oil. This chain of “events” causes blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
5. Oily or heavy makeup. Heavy makeup has the ability to clog pores, while oily makeup adds extra oil; these things only contribute to the problem if oily skin is already present. Cosmetics to avoid are certain moisturizers, ointments, particularly those containing petroleum jelly, oleic acid, vegetable oils, lanolin, butyl stearate, and lauryl alcohol.
6. Other drugs like lithium are known to cause acne.
7. Cosmetics. Greasy cosmetics can change the cells of the follicles and make them stick together; this produces a plug.
8. Too high a dose of vitamins. Vitamins are good for a healthy body, but taking too much of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 can cause acne breakouts. These vitamins are great for healthy looking skin, but avoid overuse.
9. Diet. A diet high in carbohydrates and refined sugars can actually worsen an acne condition for some people.
10. Excessively abrasive cleaning. In fact, harsh exfoliants could damage the skin and spread infection.
11. Pick up and squeeze. These hard-to-resist actions can push the infection deeper into the skin and cause scarring.
12. Environmental factors such as high humidity and pollution. High humidity causes the skin to swell. Pollution is bad not only for your skin but also for your overall health.
13. Genes. Family members can be victims of acne. In this case, acne is inherited. For example, cystic acne usually comes from heredity.