Acne is a condition caused by clogged hair follicles under the skin. There are many hair follicles on the face, connected to the sebaceous glands under the skin. The glands produce an oily substance called sebum, which is transported through the follicles to the surface to keep the skin moist. In acne, either the glands produce excess sebum or the follicles are clogged by external substances. Most acne appears on the face, neck, back, chest, or shoulder areas. Not dealing with it properly could leave scars on the skin.
Types of Acne
Acne is classified into many types by its severity. The most common ones are the blackheads, whiteheads, papules, abscesses, and cysts.
Blackheads are open bumps on the skin from which the sebum could be squeezed out professionally.
Whiteheads are closed bumps on the skin that are harder to remove.
Papules are smaller, solid raised spots on the skin that may cause minor pain.
Abscesses are collections of sebum that have accumulated under the skin tissue. They could appear to be under the skin or as prominent bumps.
Cysts are the most severe form of acne. They appear as red bumps with red, sticky substances inside. Popping it without proper care could lead to scarring.
Causes of Acne
Acne is a very common skin condition that occurs on people of all ages, gender, and race. It could be caused by certain habits or occur naturally.
Hormone
Hormones are the main cause of acne amongst younger people. Upon entering puberty, teenagers see a sudden rise in hormone level, which increases the production of sebum. Excess sebum clogs hair follicles and forms acne.
Women also see fluctuation of hormones during menstruation, which causes acne to appear. The fluctuation could be amplified by contraceptives and other hormonal tablets.
Habits
Irregular sleep schedules, stress, unhealthy diets are all potential reasons for acne. They interfere with the renewal of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, and increases the chances of acne appearing. Using certain cosmetics without proper removal blocks the hair follicles, which also leads to acne.
Genetics
There isn’t concrete evidence of genetics playing a part in the occurrence of acne, but there are some common patterns. People of European descent, for example, are more likely to have acne than people of Asian descent. People with family members with severe acne are also more likely to have the condition.
Types of Acne
Acne is classified into many types by its severity. The most common ones are the blackheads, whiteheads, papules, abscesses, and cysts.
Blackheads are open bumps on the skin from which the sebum could be squeezed out professionally.
Whiteheads are closed bumps on the skin that are harder to remove.
Papules are smaller, solid raised spots on the skin that may cause minor pain.
Abscesses are collections of sebum that have accumulated under the skin tissue. They could appear to be under the skin or as prominent bumps.
Cysts are the most severe form of acne. They appear as red bumps with red, sticky substances inside. Popping it without proper care could lead to scarring.
Causes of Acne
Acne is a very common skin condition that occurs on people of all ages, gender, and race. It could be caused by certain habits or occur naturally.
Hormone
Hormones are the main cause of acne amongst younger people. Upon entering puberty, teenagers see a sudden rise in hormone level, which increases the production of sebum. Excess sebum clogs hair follicles and forms acne.
Women also see fluctuation of hormones during menstruation, which causes acne to appear. The fluctuation could be amplified by contraceptives and other hormonal tablets.
Habits
Irregular sleep schedules, stress, unhealthy diets are all potential reasons for acne. They interfere with the renewal of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, and increases the chances of acne appearing. Using certain cosmetics without proper removal blocks the hair follicles, which also leads to acne.
Genetics
There isn’t concrete evidence of genetics playing a part in the occurrence of acne, but there are some common patterns. People of European descent, for example, are more likely to have acne than people of Asian descent. People with family members with severe acne are also more likely to have the condition.
