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.

In The News:

New York Times
When 'Younger' Skin Is Not a Blessing
New York Times
“I've got uneven skin that's also oily with constant blackheads and cystic acne bumps on my chin,” Ms. Wolter said. And her once-simple regimen now involves a complicated product list: face brush, acne cover-up, face mask, cortisone shots and ...

and more »

Daily Mail
How almost HALF of US women suffer from adult acne (but the good news is that ...
Daily Mail
By Kristie Lau Almost half of US woman aged between 21 and 30 suffer from clinical acne, a new study has showed. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that 45per cent of women in their 20s are seriously affected by pimples.

and more »

CoralActives Acne Products Now Available at Kinney Drugs
Albany Times Union
CoralActives is proud to announce distribution of its Complete Acne Therapy System which includes their patent pending Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser, their patent pending 6% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Serum, their 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cleansing Bar and ...

and more »

PR Web (press release)
CoralActives Acne Products Now Available at Kinney Drugs
PR Web (press release)
CoralActives is proud to announce distribution of its Complete Acne Therapy System which includes their patent pending Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser, their patent pending 6% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Serum, their 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cleansing Bar and ...
What to do about open poresJamaica Gleaner
How to successfully tackle problem skinBelfast Telegraph
Tackling problem skinmypure (press release)

all 5 news articles »

Technorati
Fight Acne with Blue Light Therapy
Technorati
Acne is a frustrating condition that can strike people of all ages, gender, and race causing undue stress, embarrassment, and even low self-esteem. It's a debilitating condition that goes way beyond the aesthetic appearance of the skin.


Glaxo's Acne Drug Gets US Nod
Zacks.com
Fabior Foam, 0.1% is approved as a topical treatment for acne vulgaris in patients 12 years and above. The approval was based on data from two pivotal phase III studies conducted with Fabior Foam. The 12-week, randomized and double-blind trials were ...
US FDA approves Stiefel's Fabior Foam, 0.1% to treat acnepharmabiz.com
FDA backs new acne application 'Fabior Foam'CosmeticsDesign.com USA
GSK gets approval for acne treatment in USAPharma Times
MENAFN.COM
all 13 news articles »

USA TODAY
Clemens trial: Cashman on stand as trainer testifies to acne
USA TODAY
Lintner testified that he treated Clemens for what appeared to be acne on his back in 2005. Although Lintner said acne could be a side effect of steroid use, he said he did not suspect it to be the cause of Clemens' acne at the time.
No Sign Clemens Used Steroids, Says Astros DoctorHartford Courant
Yankees GM: Roger Clemens pushed team to hire trainer Brian McNameeCBS News

all 205 news articles »

Zion Health's Popular Line of Native Home Remedies is Now Available at New ...
Albany Times Union
The key ingredient in Zion Health's natural home remedies is Calcium Montmorillonite Clay, “Kanwa”, an effective detoxifier that has been used to treat wounds, acne, dry skin, wrinkles, stomach ulcers, and a variety of other ailments.

and more »

New acne treatment: GSK's topical Fabior Foam gets FDA approval
MedCity News
A new acne treatment from GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) now has marketing approval in the United States to tackle pimples and blackheads in acne sufferers. Tazarotene, which will be marketed under the name Fabior Foam, is a topical foam developed to treat ...
FDA approves Stiefel NDA for Fabior foam, 0.1%Pharmaceutical Business Review

all 2 news articles »

India.Com Health
Ten reasons your acne might be getting worse
India.Com Health
As a ground rule, if you are prone to acne,look for products which have the word 'non-comedogenic' mentioned on the labels. (The term 'comedogenic' refers to products which clog the skin pores causing pimples). Apart from this, you could watch out for ...

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