Acne formation and risk factors

Statistics show that around 85% people are affected by acne at some stage during their lifespan. Although this skin disease does not usually result in physical pain, its psychological repercussions can make life miserable for many. A large number of people with acne feel embarrassed about their skin. People suffering most from this problem are women aged 16-18 and men aged 17-19. To treat this widespread skin disease, it is essential to learn how acne forms and what factors are responsible for this problem.
Acne occurs in the pilosebaceous unit, which comprises of a hair, follicle and sebaceous gland. There are relatively more pilosebaceous units on the neck and face as compared to other parts of the body. Sebaceous glands release sebum, an oil that travels through the follicle to the skin pores, and lubricates each hair and the nearby skin.
Dead skin cells can gather and block skin pores, and sebum gets trapped inside the pores and leads to formation of cysts. The cysts, also known as comedones, later form blackheads or whiteheads if they do not crack. In case a comedone cracks, it results in inflammation of the nearby skin.
Moreover, propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a bacterium that usually develops within the pore. If this bacterium escapes into other tissues, it produces swelling and pus, and results in pimples. It also leads to inflammation of the skin by changing the makeup of sebum.
Chances of developing acne increase significantly during teenage years. During this stage, sudden increase in hormonal activity results in an overproduction of sebum that continues till the age of 20. Similar hormonal changes take place in women during menstruation and pregnancy, especially in the last week prior to menstruation.
Some studies suggest that stress can also lead to the formation of acne. Male hormones, known as androgens, speed up the production of sebum. Adrenal glands too are responsible for producing this hormone; this production increases in times of stress and leads to overproduction of sebum, which facilitates the development of acne.
Another risk factor is the frequent use of oily cosmetic products that contain fats. Some medicines like oral contraceptives and drugs rich in iodine cause this skin problem too. And acne can also be influenced due to genetic factors. People with a family history of this disease have greater chances of developing acne themselves.
Although the most common factors causing acne have been mentioned above, there are some other rare factors too that may be responsible for this skin problem. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and a few other disorders of the endocrine system can lead to the formation of acne vulgaris. Also, acne may develop in some babies if their mothers transfer hormones to them during birth. Sometimes, the baby itself comes under stress from birth and may produce hormones.
Treatment methods vary from natural to laser to medications. Whatever method you use, take proper care of your diet. It is essential that your body consumes food that will remove the extra sebum from your skin, which will reduce your chances of developing acne.
Adam Ali is a writer for Acne-Vitamins.com, which offers vitamin B5 clear skin products and a free guide to vitamins for acne. Be sure to also visit our Clear Skin Blog for a wealth of skin care facts and advice. This article may be republished provided that the author's information and all active links are left intact.
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