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Acne
is not fully understood, but we do know some of the biology
behind it. The main culprit is the excess production of an
oily substance called sebum whose function is to keep skin
and hair lubricated and supple. During adolescence, the body
often produces excess amounts of sebum. The sebum combines
with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block hair
follicles which prevents the sebum from escaping.
The resulting block up of oil beneath the surface of the
skin provides an ideal environment for bacteria. The
bacteria multiply and the skin area becomes red and inflamed
resulting in what is commonly called a pimple.
The excess production of sebum is caused by the male hormone
testosterone. Testosterone is present in both males and
females, but during puberty, the body changes the way it
reacts to the presence of testosterone. It is this abnormal
reaction, characteristically appearing during adolescence,
that causes the skin (especially on the face and upper
torso) to become excessively oily. By the early 20s, the
body usually normalizes its reaction to testosterone and
acne clears up.
Acne seems to be partly hereditary, but we don't know
exactly why some people are affected by it and others are
not. Some of the factors which seem to aggravate acne
conditions include stress, diet, skin irritation, certain
medications, and hormonal activities such as menstrual
cycles.
Medications that are associated with acne include anabolic
steroids used for bodybuilding, lithium, barbiturates,
halogens, and androgens. Dietary links seem to be
mostly related to skim milk products. Many people associate
food like chocolate and fast food with pimples, but there is
no statistical evidence that this type of food causes or
aggravates acne.
Continue reading What
Causes Acne on the
next page
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Acne Skin Care Explained:
>Acne
Skin Care
>What is Acne
>Causes of Acne
>Acne Myths
>Types of Acne
>Acne Scars
Acne Skin Care Treatments:
>Topical Medications
>Prescription Medications
>Physical Treatments
>Seeing a Dermatologist
Addition Acne Skin Care Resources:
>Parents
section
>Acne
related
Links
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