Understanding Acne Causes: A Comprehensive Guide

Acne is a common skin condition experienced by people worldwide. While prevalent, the underlying causes of acne are complex and multi-faceted. This article provides an in-depth look into the various factors, including hormones, diet, stress, and skincare habits, that contribute to the development of acne.

What Causes Acne?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes acne as a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. These blockages can cause whiteheads, blackheads, and various types of pimples.

However, what leads to these blockages and subsequent inflammation is influenced by several factors.

Hormonal Influence on Acne

One of the leading causes of acne is hormonal fluctuations. During puberty, the increase in androgens (male hormones present in both males and females) causes the skin's oil glands to expand and produce more sebum (oil), leading to acne.

This phenomenon explains why teenagers often struggle with acne. Hormonal acne is not exclusive to teenagers, though—it can persist into adulthood, particularly in women, due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.

The Role of Diet in Acne

There's increasing evidence that certain dietary factors can contribute to acne. High glycemic load diets (foods that significantly increase blood sugar) and dairy products have been associated with acne prevalence and severity, according to a review in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics(1*).

Stress and Acne

Psychological stress can also exacerbate acne. While stress doesn't directly cause acne, it can trigger flare-ups. During periods of stress, our bodies produce more hormones, such as cortisol, which can stimulate oil production and lead to more acne.

Skincare Habits and Acne

Lastly, your skincare routine might contribute to acne. Using skin and hair products that contain oil can block the skin's pores, leading to breakouts. Likewise, not thoroughly cleaning the skin to remove excess oil and dead skin cells can cause acne.

Conclusion

Understanding what causes acne is the first step toward managing it. By recognizing the various factors that contribute to acne—hormones, diet, stress, and skincare habits—you can make informed decisions about your skincare routine and lifestyle habits to mitigate breakouts. Speak with a dermatologist to discuss the best acne treatment options based on your unique skin condition and needs.

No matter what causes your acne, remember that you're not alone, and solutions are available. Keep exploring our resources for more insights on managing and treating acne.

Citation

(1*) Burris, J., Rietkerk, W., & Woolf, K. (2013). Acne: the role of medical nutrition therapy. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 113(3), 416-430. (https://www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(12)01923-5/fulltext)

Comments

Modamoda's Dye Shampoo: Banned but Eyeing Market Return

Defining Modamoda Shampoo Modamoda Shampoo, launched in Korea in 2021, was designed to naturally dye your hair through regular washing. The product's creator, Modamoda's CEO, was inspired by how bananas darken over time. The shampoo promised to avoid harmful dye ingredients such as PPDA, 5-diamine, and toluene sulfate. Instead, it was marketed as a 'self-coloring' shampoo, offering a fresh approach to hair color. Modamoda's Success Story In just five months, Modamoda generated domestic sales of 32 billion won and international sales of 28 billion won, becoming a sensation. The product's popularity even prompted criticism from rival companies, who accused Modamoda of exaggerated advertising. In March 2022, the company made an agreement with Target to sell their product in about 1900 stores across the U.S. Their success was further confirmed when they topped the Cosmoprof North America Awards 2022, standing out amongst 1,170 hair brands. The Hurdle: THB Ingredie...

The Modamoda Journey: From Safety Controversies to Reinvention

The Meteoric Rise and Subsequent Setback of Modamoda Launched in Korea in 2021, Modamoda Shampoo revolutionized the haircare market with its "self-coloring" formula, achieving billions in both domestic and international sales. But its rapid ascent was interrupted by safety concerns over 1-2-4-THB (1-2-4-trihydroxybenzene), an ingredient restricted by the European Union and scrutinized by food and drug administrations in both Korea and the U.S. due to its potential genotoxic effects. Emerging from the THB Controversy: A Reformulated Approach To navigate the murky waters of regulation, Modamoda returned to the lab. The company designed a new formula excluding THB, focusing on safer ingredients like 'Black Change Complex EX' and 'Polyphenols.' This new formula went through stringent safety verification and even secured an 'Excellent' rating from the German Dermatest. Yet, the new formula has ignited fresh debates, as it includes 'Black 401,' a sy...

Helena Rubinstein: Unveiling the Life and Legacy of a Cosmetics Pioneer

Helena Rubinstein (1872-1965) was more than just a name in the world of beauty; she was a trailblazer who revolutionized the cosmetics industry. From her modest beginnings in Poland to her reign as a global beauty titan, Rubinstein's journey remains an inspiration. Through her brand, Rubinstein pushed boundaries, championing the idea that beauty could be a powerful tool for women's empowerment. From Humble Beginnings to the Cosmetics Throne Helena Rubinstein was born in 1872 in Krakow, Poland. Leaving her homeland at a young age, she initially moved to Australia, where her career in the cosmetics industry began. Rubinstein noticed the harsh effects of the Australian sun on the skin and developed a cream to protect and moisturize it. This innovation led to the launch of Helena Rubinstein's first product, Valaze, a face cream formulated with herbs from the Carpathian Mountains. The success of Valaze was pivotal in Rubinstein's career, propelling her into the global cosme...

Pabby Cosmetics

Search This Blog