12 September 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Acne: Causes, Formation, and Skin Effects

Acne, also known as Sebaceous Vulgaris, is a common skin condition that affects over 50% of women and 25% of men as well as 30-90% of adolecents according to this NHIS article. Whether you're a teenager dealing with hormonal acne or an adult facing chronic breakouts, the journey to clear skin can often feel overwhelming. In this article about acne, we’ll explore the different causes of acne, how it forms, and how it affects the skin. Understanding the root causes is crucial to effectively treating and preventing acne flare-ups.

How Common Is Acne?

Acne is one of the most prevalent skin issues globally, affecting approximately 85% of individuals aged 12 to 24. While commonly associated with puberty, acne can persist into adulthood. So, how common is acne among adults? Research shows that around 20% of adult women and 8% of adult men experience regular breakouts. Although acne is usually more severe during adolescence due to fluctuating hormones, it remains a persistent problem for people of all ages.

What Is Acne? A Closer Look at Sebaceous Vulgaris

Acne, or Sebaceous Vulgaris, is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that primarily affects areas rich in sebaceous (oil) glands, such as the face, back, and shoulders. The condition manifests as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts, depending on its severity. Understanding how acne forms is essential for anyone dealing with this persistent skin problem.

How Is Acne Formed?

Acne forms when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Normally, sebaceous glands produce an oily substance to lubricate and protect the skin. However, when too much sebum is produced, it can combine with dead skin cells, clogging pores. Once blocked, bacteria (specifically Cutibacterium acnes) can thrive in the clogged pores, leading to inflammation and the development of pimples. The most common cause of acne is this overproduction of sebum coupled with poor skin cell turnover.

Common Causes of Acne

When it comes to the causes of acne, there are several factors at play. The most common cause of acne can vary from person to person, but some factors are universal. Below, we’ll discuss the different causes of acne:

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones are perhaps the biggest cause of acne, especially in teenagers and young adults. Androgens, hormones that increase in both boys and girls during puberty, cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. This excess oil production is one of the most common causes of acne.

Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menstruation, and birth control can also lead to flare-ups. These fluctuations can make the skin more prone to pore-clogging oil, exacerbating acne.

2. Genetics

If your parents had acne, you're more likely to experience it as well. Genetics play a significant role in determining the size and activity of your sebaceous glands. If your family has a history of severe or chronic acne, your skin might be more prone to developing clogged pores and inflammation.

3. Stress

While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can exacerbate it. During periods of stress, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that increases oil production in the skin. This excess oil can clog pores, contributing to breakouts. Chronic stress is often linked to chronic acne, meaning those who are frequently under stress may struggle with persistent acne issues.

4. Poor Skincare Routine

Another factor contributing to the causes of chronic acne is improper skincare. Using skincare products that are not suitable for your skin type, over-cleansing, or failing to properly remove makeup can lead to blocked pores. Additionally, touching your face frequently or picking at pimples can spread bacteria, making the problem worse.

5. Diet

While the role of diet in acne is still being researched, certain foods, especially those high in refined sugars and dairy, have been linked to acne flare-ups. These foods can spike insulin levels, leading to increased sebum production and inflammation in the skin, contributing to the different causes of acne.

6. Medications

Some medications, including corticosteroids, lithium, and anticonvulsants, have been known to trigger acne as a side effect. If you’re on long-term medication and struggling with breakouts, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist to understand if your medication is the cause of your chronic acne.

How Does Acne Affect the Skin?

Beyond the obvious physical symptoms, acne can have a deeper impact on the skin. It often leaves scars, hyperpigmentation, and changes in skin texture, especially in cases of chronic acne. Acne can also compromise the skin’s barrier function, making it more prone to infections and irritation.

1. Scarring

Acne scars are one of the most common long-term effects, particularly with more severe forms like cystic acne. These scars can range from shallow depressions (atrophic scars) to thick, raised scars (hypertrophic scars).

2. Hyperpigmentation

Inflammation from acne can cause the skin to produce more melanin, resulting in dark spots or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). While these dark spots aren’t technically scars, they can be just as distressing, often taking months to fade.

3. Skin Sensitivity

Chronic acne sufferers may notice their skin becoming more sensitive over time. This can be due to the overuse of harsh acne treatments or simply from the constant cycle of inflammation and healing. Sensitive skin can react more strongly to skincare products, sunlight, and environmental factors.

Preventing and Treating Acne

Now that we’ve covered how acne is formed and its various causes, let’s dive into prevention. The key to controlling acne is addressing the root causes while adopting a consistent and appropriate skincare routine.

1. Gentle Cleansing

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent acne is by gently cleansing the skin twice a day to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities. Look for a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils.  

2. Exfoliation

Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and prevent them from clogging pores. However, it’s essential to avoid over-exfoliating and harsh exfoliants, as this can irritate the skin and worsen acne.  If you are exfoliating and your skin is feeling tight or red after doing so, you are over doing it.

3. Balanced Skincare Routine

A well-rounded skincare routine should include moisturizers, sunscreens, and acne treatments suited to your skin type, acne type and severity. Moisturizing may seem counterintuitive for acne-prone skin, but hydrated skin can regulate oil production and cell health better, reducing the likelihood of clogged pores.

4. Lifestyle Changes

There are additional lifestyle changes that can help ensure you skin stays clean like changing your pillowcases nightly, using a clean towel each time you cleans and updating your diet to exclude inflammatory items like sugar and insulin spikes.  

5. Professional Treatments

For those struggling with chronic acne, professional treatments such as chemical peels and extraction facials can provide more intensive care for all severity of acne. 

 

Understanding acne is the first step in treating and preventing it. From hormonal fluctuations to poor skincare practices, the causes of acne are varied and often interconnected. By identifying the factors contributing to your specific condition, you can take the necessary steps to achieve clearer, healthier skin. Whether you're teenager battling hormonal acne or persistent adult breakouts, adopting the right approach will help you manage this common yet complex skin issue for life.  If you need help and more guidance in your clearing journey Derma Lab Esthetics offers Virtural appointments and a customized product line up that is 100% acne safe.  

 

Danielle is a Colorado Springs esthetician specializing in holistic acne clearing and managment, age management and general skincare at Derma Lab Estheticsi.

Danielle is a licensed esthetician in the state of Colorado and owner of Derma Lab. She is a Face Reality Certified Acne Specialist and has been in the industry since 2007.  Danielle has worked in spas & medi spas, and has been trained in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling and Sciton Laser Systems. Nothing here is meant to be medical advice.

 

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