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.

---

Natural Acne Treatments ? Helpful Remedies in Your Kitchen

These days we are exposed to so many harsh chemicals,... Read More

Lets Dispel Some Acne Myths

It is the bane of a person's existence. Everybody gets... Read More

Proven Acne Medications

There are a plethora of acne medications currently on the... Read More

More Ways to Deal With Acne

The "cures" for acne vary dependant on the type and... Read More

Acne Adoloscent Style ? How To Deal With It?

Adolescent acne is referred to by many names, teen acne,... Read More

Cystic Acne and Some Natural Treatments

More severe cases of acne tend to be characterized not... Read More

Treating Acne At Home

Home treatment for acne offers many treatment possibilities. If you... Read More

Acne Rosacea - A Blush You Can Do Without

What do former presidents Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin have... Read More

Use Essential Fatty Acid To Help You Prevent or Eliminate Your Acne

To eliminate or clear your face of acne it will... Read More

A Bumpy Ride Towards Aging

Picture this; the snow-white clear skin that you have been... Read More

How to Treat Acne for Black Skin

Acne treatment for black skin is the same as that... Read More

The Importance of Water in Caring For Acne

The benefits of water as part of our daily lives... Read More

Essential Fatty Acids for Eczema and Other Skin Disorders

Many people suffer from eczema and various skin disorders that... Read More

Is Milk Giving You the Zits?

A study published in the February 2005 edition of the... Read More

How to Use a Smoothie to Eliminate Acne, Improve Skin, and Keep Regular

Fruit smoothies provide you a different way to eat fruits.... Read More

Acne Solution

Million of people suffer from acne breakouts young and old.... Read More

Different Types of Acne, Different Treatments ? Cystic Acne Treatment

Acne can range in severity from a relatively small number... Read More

Do these Zits Mean Anything? An Acne Treatment That Uses Modern Science and Ancient Wisdom

In 2001, after comparing over 250 studies and 150 drugs,... Read More

Clear Your Acne - Naturally!

Most people who suffer from acne go out and spend... Read More

How the Liver Prevents Acne

The liver is responsible for detoxifying the blood as it... Read More

Acne Scar Removal Cream

If you have acne scars you may be interested in... Read More

Possible Acne Messages

There are over ten forms of acne a person can... Read More

Acne Solutions ? Do You Need One?

Acne solutions occupy the minds of our teenagers. With acne... Read More

An Acne Fetish is No Laughing Matter

While it may be easy to scoff off an acne... Read More

Dermatologist: The Most Qualified Physician for Skin Problems.

The skin is the largest and most visible organ of... Read More

Accutane Without The Ouch

Since 1982 Accutane has been a reliable, if not controversial,... Read More

An Introduction to Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a progressive skin re-surfacing technique that targets wrinkles,... Read More

The First Step To Curing Acne

The first step to curing acne is knowing what type... Read More

A Look at Microdermabrasion Machines

Microdermabrasion systems are safe for most all skin types. Microdermabrasion... Read More

How Can My Baby Have Baby Acne, He?s Not That Old?

Acne is a condition only affecting teenagers, true? False. Acne... Read More

Acne Solutions ? They Do Exist.

Acne is something that most people will encounter at some... Read More

How to Brush Your Skin to Relieve Acne

Brushing your skin with a brush or cloth is an... Read More

The Wonders of Green Tea- It can Help With Acne Care

Green tea is the most consumed beverage in the world,... Read More