Acne can be casused by a variety of factors

Causes of Acne

Acne is a very emotionally disturbing affliction that affects the skin of the majority of people in the 13-25 age bracket. The acne problem is more or less triggered by the onset of puberty and particularly by the excess androgen production in the body following the hormonal function development during that age. Sometimes, it disappears on its own when the person reaches 20 years of age, and sometimes it requires consistent medical intervention as well as beauty treatment (pertaining to the skin for removal of scars and lesions caused), depending upon the severity of the acne attack.

Can Acne Be Prevented?

This is a million dollar question. A question whose answer everybody who was and is affected by this problem would love to know. In order to find out whether acne could be prevented or not, one needs to know what causes it so these could be removed or avoided. The actual reason for the acne problem is not really identified. However, it has been observed that the increase in the production of sebum in most cases develops into acne. Why in some cases it develops in acne and in some it does not – is another thing note yet defined by science?

Some of the factors that contribute to the onset of acne and its aggravation are listed below:

1. Acne can be induced by high levels of androgen – androgens are produced by the adrenal glands, the gonads and the sebaceous glands of the skin. Normally, all these androgens do no have any negative impact. However, at puberty time, the sebaceous glands are pushed into increasing their sebum production by these androgens with the help of a hormone DHEA. When DHEA levels are high, the sebum production not only increases but also develops into acne.

Possible prevention method – there are androgen reception blockers which reduce the androgen level in the blood. There are also contraceptives that use androgen production inhibitors while at the same time increases the percentage of estrogen which helps in keeping the production of sebum down.

2. Acne can be produced by high levels of stress – this reason is not fully analyzed or explained by science. However, it is very true that both men and women (though the number of women affected is larger) can suffer from acne following prolonged exposure to high levels of stress. This type of acne usually happens in people aged 25-45.

Possible solution – Reduce stress levels at the end of the day by meditation and exercise. People could use de-stressing techniques at work and home on a regular basis. Identify and avoid the major stressing factors – there is always a choice, if you look hard enough for it.

3. Acne can be induced by wrong dietary habits – some people believe that food plays a major role in the onset and aggravation of acne. Once again there is no conclusive scientific evidence that this is so. However, comparing the life styles of the Western people vis-à-vis the Eastern parts of the world, it could be inferred that sugary, deep fried and other high fat food could be one of the factors that promote acne.

Possible solution – shift to a healthy and balanced diet. This does not mean to completely exclude junk/ fast foods from your diet.