Ailments and Situations - Acne - Causes

Acne is caused by an interaction between hormones, keratin, sebum (oil) production, and bacteria. Hormone levels (including androgens) increase during puberty in both sexes and stimulate sebum production. Excess sebum clogs pores at approximately one eighth of an inch below the skin's surface. This leads to inflammatory lesions in the form of pimples, papules, and pustules and non-inflammatory whiteheads and blackheads.

Food allergies in adults can lead to acne. Common culprits include sugar, wheat, and chocolate. NOTE: Chocolate itself does not cause acne, but an allergy to chocolate can. These foods promote mucous and pus in hair follicles, which can clog pores and lead to acne. Yeast allergies and sensitivities can also cause acne.

A number of brands of birth control pills can cause acne. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine viable alternatives if you are experiencing acne outbreaks.

Your skin is the largest organ on your body and is used to expel toxins that have not been eliminated by the liver or kidneys. Toxins that are removed in this process can cause skin irritation and lead to a number of skin disorders, including acne.

Climate, certain types of makeup, excess iodine intake, seasonal changes, stress, and sun exposure can all cause acne. It is also a hereditary skin condition and runs in families. Working women are more susceptible as they are under stress, wear makeup, and experience premenstrual symptoms, which includes acne.

Although it is a common assumption, there is little evidence to correlate specific dietary habits with the development of acne. Candy and potato chips may be a staple of many diets (and not recommended in and of itself), but this does not automatically lead to the formation of acne. Dirty hair or skin do not cause acne either.