Cause of Acne: What is the Real Story?

Cause of Acne: What is the Real Story?
26 March 2007
by Cydne Kaelin
Effective Acne Treatments

Today we address the age-old question: what causes acne? Unfortunately, the exact cause of acne is not fully known. But doctors seem to have narrowed the suspected trigger factors down to these few:

Hormones

As anyone might suspect, changing and fluctuating hormone levels are a leading suspect in the cause of acne. Acne often flares during the hormonal surges of adolescence, pregnancy, and for women, the days before beginning a monthly cycle; or the onset of menopause. Starting or stopping birth control pills may also prompt acne.

Heredity

Many researchers believe acne is caused by genetics. Some studies seem to indicate that acne is an inherited skin disorder that runs in families. So if you struggled with acne, thereÌs a good chance your children will struggle with it as well.

Food Sensitivities

This is a surprisingly little-known culprit. A lot of people blame chocolate or fried foods as a cause of acne. In reality, foods of themselves have little effect on acne. However, a poor overall diet that doesnÌt provide enough skin-loving nutrients such as zinc, beta-carotene, Vitamin E, or Omega-3 fatty acids can be a contributing factor in the cause of acne.

Food allergies or sensitivity reactions to dairy, wheat, sugar and high fructose corn syrups, or corn, for example, may trigger acne. It may be useful to try eliminating each suspected food trigger, one by one, to test its effects; or check into having a food allergy test.

Candida or yeast overgrowth is also a suspected cause of acne, where chronic antibiotic overuse has destroyed the bodyÌs friendly and protective bacteria. The practice of taking antibiotics for acne risks setting the stage for even more intractable acne problems. Again, supermarket milk is believed by some to be a contributing factor. The grain fed to dairy cows is laced with added hormones and antibiotics which are reputed to keep the animals diseaseÒfree and boosts their milk production. These additives in turn make their way into the milk we buy.

Stress

Thought it doesnÌt cause acne, recent studies show that stress can worsen existing cases of acne. I knew it all along, but now thereÌs proof IÌm not (completely) crazy÷.

Skin Irritants

Tight collars, heavy backpacks, pressure from sports helmets or equipment, and tight spandex sports uniforms or clothing can inflame an existing case of acne.

Those Acne Myths Die Hard

There are many myths about the cause of acne. Again eating, or not eating, specific foods have very little effect in causing acne. But do eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, perhaps try eliminating a suspect allergic food trigger, one after one, to see if thereÌs any effect; and be sure to drink plenty of water, at least six glasses daily. Another myth says that someone with acne has dirty skin. Dirt is not a cause of acne. Hormones and overproduction of skin oils resulting in clogged pores are the likely causes of acne breakouts. And if you are already prone to acne flares it would seem that applying greasy cosmetics, or thick layers of foundation or concealers to cover breakouts only serves to choke the clogged skin pores even more. Avoid these cosmetics. Finally, try to reduce stress in your life as much as possible. A brisk 30 minute walk through the neighborhood or local park 3 - 4 times a week can do wonders for your mood and perhaps even your skin.