Common Causes of Acne

Just because of acne… Do you feel like a vampire who shies away at your mirror? Are you afraid of your own reflection? 

Chances are there are also about 60 million people feeling the way you do.

For most of us humans, acne seems to be the bane of our existence.  And it is not totally unfounded.  Acne, nowadays, is the most prevalent and most common medical condition affecting more than 60 million people in the United States alone. 

What exactly are the causes of acne that so many people suffer from it?

Here are the most common causes of acne that we have gathered for you.

Hormones- the number one cause of acne is the production of sex hormones called androgen that begins at puberty.   This is why majority of acne sufferers are adolescents and teens.  Hormones are responsible for then acne flare-ups during menstruation and pregnancy.

When the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. In its journey up the follicle toward the surface, the sebum mixes with common skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle. While this process is normal, the presence of extra sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging — and acne.

Stress- Stress can also cause the production of hormones, such as cortisol, which can aggravate acne.  Stress brings upon different hormone levels. With hormone changes the body prompts the skins oil glands to enlarge, secreting more oil. Which causes white heads, black heads and pimples.  (

Oily or heavy make up- Heavy make-up clogs the pores and oily make-ups add more oil, this only adds to the problem if oily skin already exists.  Cosmetics especially certain moisturizers, foundation and pomades (watch out for lanolin, petrolatum, vegetable oils, butyl stearate, lauryl alcohol and oleic acid).  

Certain medications and steroids. Vitamins are good for your body, But an excess of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can cause acne flare-ups. These vitamins are good for the skin, but avoid overuse.

Diet- For some people, a diet that is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can actually aggravate their acne. 

Over abrasive cleansing- Harsh exfoliators can damage skin and spread infections. 

Picking and squeezing- This can actually send the infection deeper into the skin and can cause scarring. 

Environmental irritants such as high humidity and pollution.  High humidity actually causes swelling of skin.  Pollution is of course a very big No No to good health, not just skin.

Genes- family members are also acne sufferers. Acne is also inherited. Severe cases known as cystic acne usually come from heredity.

If you have a very persistent case of acne, it is wise to consult your doctor.