Find Out What Causes Acne
Find Out What Causes Acne
I have been battling problem skin for well over a decade now with very little luck. The usual pimple creams and blemish treatments don’t work for me, and often leave my skin dry, flaky, red, and irritated — obviously not the kind of results I’m looking for. I’ve decided that maybe it’s time for me to change my approach to this problem from reactive to proactive. In other words, instead of just dabbing ointment on pimples that appear, perhaps it would be wiser to learn what causes acne in the first place and go from there.
Like most people, I’ve heard different things over the years about what causes acne, but never bothered verifying these claims. For instance, how many times have teens been told that chocolate, pizza, french fries, and sugary sodas will all cause them to break out? Back when I was in high school, my parents always got on my case about my eating habits, which just made me feel even worse about my skin than usual. And while a good diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables does play an important role in overall skin health, there’s really no scientific evidence that chocolate (or another specific food) is what causes acne.
So where do pimples come from, and more importantly, how can you prevent them? As it turns out, overproduction of oil is what causes acne in most people. When these glands produce too much oil, it’s very easy for blockages to develop in pores, and these clogged pores in turn erupt into pimples, cysts, and other blemishes.
While excessive oil production is the primary factor in problem skin, there are numerous secondary factors that can trigger this type of overproduction. For example, puberty initiates hormonal changes that can result in hyperactivity in oil-producing glands, which is why pimples are usually associated with teenagers. In addition, stress can have the same detrimental effect on hormones and glands, leading to even more spots and blemishes.
What causes acne besides oily skin and clogged pores? Well, a poor skincare regimen can contribute to the trouble you’re already having, so it’s important to take good care of your face by washing with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Some people seem to think that scalding hot water or harsh benzoyl peroxide scrubs are the answer, but these things will likely worsen your condition by stripping your skin of vital protective elements, leaving your face even more prone to breakouts.
The bottom line seems to be that what causes acne is not always in your control, so quit beating yourself up because of your genes. The best approach to combating problem skin is to visit a dermatologist for a complete checkup and evaluation. Your doctor will likely be able to identify what causes acne for you, and can prescribe appropriate medications, including antibiotics, to treat your blemishes — which will hopefully leave you with a healthy, glowing face that you’ll be proud of!
Tags: Food, Health, Men
