Acne vulgaris, the most common form of acne, is caused by a combination of factors, including excess oil production (sebum), clogged hair follicles due to dead skin cells, bacteria, and inflammation. Hormones, particularly androgens, play a significant role in triggering increased sebum production, which contributes to follicle blockage.
Acne typically appears on your face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. These areas of skin have the most oil (sebaceous) glands, in which hair follicles are connected to oil glands.
The hair follicle wall may bulge and produce "whiteheads", or the plug may be open to the surface and darken, causing a "blackhead". A blackhead may look like "dirt" stuck in pores, but actually the pore is congested with bacteria and oil, which turns brown when it's exposed to the air.
Pimples are raised red spots with a white center that develop when blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected with bacteria. Blockages and inflammation deep inside hair follicles produce cystlike (cystic) lumps beneath the surface of your skin.
Certain things may trigger or worsen acne:
- Hormonal changes. Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormone changes during midlife, particularly in women, can lead to breakouts too.
- Certain medications. Examples include drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium.
- Diet. Studies indicate that consuming certain foods — including carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, bagels and chips — may worsen acne. Further study is needed to examine whether people with acne would benefit from following specific dietary restrictions.
- Stress. Stress doesn't cause acne, but if you have acne already, stress may make it worse.
Lex Dermatology offers a range of treatment options for acne, schedule your consultation today!
