Acne is a skin condition caused by changes in skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland. Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also be found in non-inflammatory forms. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, blemishes, spots, zits, or acne.

Acne is most common during adolescence where affects more than 85% of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood. The cause in adolescence is generally an increase in male sex hormones. Both genders get these hormones during puberty.

For most people, acne diminishes over time and disappears ” or at the very least decreases.This happens after one reaches one’s early twenties. However, there is no way to predict how long it will take acne to disappear entirely because some individuals will continue to suffer from acne well into their thirties, forties and beyond.

The face and upper neck are the most commonly affected. However, the chest, back, upper arms and shoulders may have acne as well. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already are most socially insecure.Aggressive and early treatment is therefore required to lessen the overall impact of this condition.

The root cause of why some people get acne and some do not is not fully known. It is known to be partly hereditary. Several factors are thought to be linked to acne:

- Genetic/family history

- Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty .

- Inflammation, skin irritation or scratching will activate inflammation.

- Stress, through increased output of hormones from the adrenal glands

- Hyperactive sebaceous glands, but, secondary to the three hormone sources above.

- Accumulation of dead skin cells that can block or cover pores

- Bacteria in the pores.

- Anabolic steroid use

- Any medication containing androgens, lithium, barbiturates .

- Exposure to certain chemical compounds.

- Exposure to halogens. Halogen acne is linked to exposure to halogens (e.g. iodides, chlorides, bromides, fluorides)

- Chronic use of amphetamines or other similar drugs.

- Amount of toxicity which is in the body

Most dermatologists today are waiting for confirmation research linking diet and acne. However, some do support the idea that acne sufferers should experiment with their diets.

Some reputable studies have shown that newly diagnosed acne patients tend to have lower levels of vitamin A circulating in their bloodstream. Lower, that is, than those who are acne free. In addition, people with severe acne also tend to have lower blood levels of vitamin E.

Acne is not caused by dirt. This misconception comes, most likely. from the fact that blackheads look like dirt stuck in the openings of pores. The black color is not dirt but simply oxidized keratin. In fact, the blockages of keratin that cause acne occur deep within the narrow follicle channel, where it is virtually impossible to wash them away.

These plugs are formed by the failure of the cells lining the duct to separate and flow to the surface in the sebum created there by the body. Built-up oil of the skin can block the passages of these pores, so standard washing of the face could wash off old oil and help unblock the pores.

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Disclaimer – This information is not meant to diagnose, cure, treat or mitigate any disease or condition. Before using consult your doctor or medical advisor. This information is not approved by any government agency – it is for educational purposes only.