Acne Vulgaris is a skin condition that results from blockage of skin follicles. When the skin follicles get blocked, a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes grows there and causes inflammation and redness. Acne vulgaris commonly occurs during adolescence and affects more than 85% of teenagers, males and females alike.
The exact causes of why some people get acne while others don’t is not yet fully understood. However, there are several factors that are known to cause acne vulgaris:
–> Hormonal activity: During adolescence, both males and females experience hormonal imbalance and higher levels of male sex hormones. This causes the follicular glands to secrete more sebum, which causes blockage leading to acne. Acne usually disappears in the early twenties as hormonal balance gets restored at this age.
–> Family History/Genetics: People with a family history of acne have higher chances of developing acne. It tends to run in families.
–> Stress: Acne vulgaris has been associated with excessive stress. However, this is disputed. Some modern studies do not indicate any relation between stress and acne.
–> Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes is an anaerobic bacteria that causes inflammation in the sebaceous glands and causes acne. For this reason, bactericidal creams are effective in treating acne.
–> Use of certain medications, anabolic steroids and exposure to halogens may also cause acne. Chronic usage of drugs like amphetamines has also been linked to acne.
It is also believed that diet plays an important role in determining who gets acne and who doesn’t. Studies in the past concluded that European diets reduced acne and other diseases. Though this is disputed and not fully supported by strong research, many skin care experts nevertheless suggest from eating foods such as chocolate that are believed to cause acne.
Recent studies have found a link between carbohydrate rich foods and acne. Foods like sweets, fast food and soft drinks that are readily digestible by the body can induce acne formation. In many non-westernized societies, acne is rarely observed. Though it may be due to genetic factors, the role of their diet cannot be fully ruled out. It is usually suggested to avoid “junk food” that is rich in fats and sugars to reduce acne.
It is generally believed that lack of hygiene causes acne. However, this is fully true. Dirt doesn’t cause acne. The blockages in the sebaceous glands occur deep below the skin and cannot be washed away. However, washing your skin regularly with soap can help in clearing the pores to some extent by washing off excessive oil that blocks the pores.