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What causes acne? There are several things that can lead to acne. Five of the principal factors are hormones, excess sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria and swelling.

Fluctuation in Hormone Levels

Hormones can cause acne during puberty and continue into adulthood. During adolescence the body starts to produce hormones known as androgens. Androgens lead to the enlargement of the sebaceous glands (hormonal acne may ensue).

A large amount of sebum is produced when the sebaceous glands are stimulated by androgens. This sudden outflow damages the hair follicle making it weaker to resist bacteria. This process is part of normal development.

Extra Sebum

Extra sebum contributes to acne as well. Androgens are also a factor in the amount of sebum produced. The sebum moves up the follicle and mixes with common skin bacteria combined with dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle.

This process increases the chances of clogged pores and acne.

Follicle Fallout, Bacteria and Inflammation

Follicle fallout is another factor in the development of acne. When dead cells within the follicle shed more rapidly, they combine with excess sebum and hinder the natural renewal process. The renewal process is important to keep your skin functioning properly.

Clog pores are the perfect place for the proliferation of bacteria. The bacteria cause a chemical reaction known as inflammation. This reaction is what causes pimples to become red, painful and swollen.

Inflammation may be a necessary process to help the body get rid of foreign objects or infection, but it can lead to damage as well. When the inflammatory reaction tries to force out the infection, it also damages and destroys healthy cells.

Successful acne treatment will deal with most if not all of the causes of acne.

Different Types of Acne

There are also a variety of acne types. Acne rosacea and acne vulgaris are some examples of common acne. Comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are the usual ways in which acne manifests itself.

Comedones are the only known form of non-inflammatory acne Whiteheads are considered closed comedos because the usually appear as small white bumps under the surface of the skin.

An open comedo is called a blackhead pimple because it has a dark appearance which is due to a follicle being pushed above the skin's surface.

Papules are the mildest form of inflammatory acne and appear as small, solid bumps that can be tender. Papules are round lesions that contain pus. They are produced by a chemical irritation to fatty free acids.

Large, extremely painful pus-filled lesions lodged deep within the skin are known as nodules. Nodules are produced when the inside of a comedo spills into the surrounding skin and pus is formed.

Cysts are nodules that have become severely inflamed lesions. They are long lasting lesions. Nodules and cysts result in deep acne scarring.