Acne is a skin condition that primarily affects your face but can spread to your chest, shoulders, back, and other body areas. Acne can occur at any age but mostly affects teenagers and young adults. Acne treatment usually involves prescription medications that work by reducing inflammation or killing off bacteria in the pores. Your dermatologist Washington, DC, may also recommend daily moisturizers or cleansers to keep your face less oily during treatment periods to ensure it does not worsen existing breakouts or prevent new ones from forming.
The following are some of the main causes of acne:
Excess sebum production by the skin tissue
Sebum is a naturally occurring oil that keeps your skin healthy, but if there is too much sebum production, too much oil and dead skin cells build up on your face. That can lead to pimples because those dead skin cells clog pores and cause skin inflammation.
Genetics
About 80% of people with acne have a family member who also has it. The genes that cause acne are passed down from parents to children. That means there is no way to get rid of your acne if you have a family history. However, there are ways to prevent it from occurring in the first place by taking steps to reduce your exposure to the things that can trigger your body’s production of excess sebum (oil).
Hormone changes
Hormonal changes are considered a major cause of acne. Hormonal changes in adolescence result in hormonal imbalances that can lead to acne problems. Puberty is accompanied by increased levels of testosterone and estrogen that cause the oil glands to produce more sebum than they normally would during childhood. Sebum clogs pores and creates an environment where bacteria thrive.
Bacterial infection
Bacterial infection is another factor that can lead to acne breakouts. Bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes live on the skin’s surface and feed off dead skin cells. When these bacteria clog pores, they may also trigger skin inflammation, which leads to redness and swelling, as well as painful bumps known as papules (small bumps) or pustules (large boils).
Dietary habits
Dietary habits can also play a role in acne formation. Foods like dairy products, meat, eggs, and gluten can increase insulin levels, leading to breakouts if you are sensitive to them. Dairy products have been found to contain hormones such as IGF-1 that can trigger inflammation in the skin when eaten in large amounts. Other foods may contain carbohydrates converted into sugar or starch that causes inflammation in the body’s tissues, leading to acne breakouts when consumed regularly over time. Certain foods have also been linked with worsening existing cases of acne or preventing its formation altogether. Eating healthier foods can help reduce your risk of developing acne.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people and can be difficult to treat. It can cause severe emotional distress and interfere with your ability to function. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help clear up acne symptoms. The first step in treating acne is getting an accurate diagnosis from your dermatologist. Your dermatologist will look at your history of acne and examine your face to determine any specific areas responsible for the outbreak. Contact Integrated Dermatology of 19th Street and request an appointment with a dermatologist for more information about acne and treatment options available for your symptoms.
