What Causes Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease in Western cultures. Pores, the small openings on the skin, usually hold a single hair housed in a follicle. A sebaceous (skin oil) gland is located at the bottom of each follicle. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum that is meant to lubricate the hair and skin. During normal metabolism, sebum from the sebaceous glands moves up through the pores to the skin surface.

This movement helps to clean out the follicle, and clear away dead skin and hair cells, and bacteria. At times, however, when the right conditions exist, the follicle can become clogged and the sebum trapped within the pore. This is the primary cause of acne vulgaris blemishes. Acne pimples can appear as blackheads; whiteheads; or red, swollen, and painful bumps under the skin. Acne vulgaris is far more common than most people realize. Approximately 17 million people in the United States suffer from acne vulgaris breakouts.

Acne vulgaris usually starts raising its ugly head during puberty. As part of the sexual maturation process, the body increases the production of androgens (types of male hormones). These excess androgens enlarge the sebaceous glands and step up the secretion of sebum. Excess sebum does not easily make its way out of the follicle. When the abundant sebum mixes with dead skin and hair cells inside the follicle, a plug can form. Inflammation occurs when normal skin surface bacteria become trapped inside the clogged follicle.

Females may notice that their acne gets worse before each menstrual period, when the balance of hormones shifts suddenly and allows the androgens to dominate. Androgens, however, are not solely to blame for acne vulgaris. They are the most important hormonal cause of acne, but other factors such as genetics and certain external triggers may add to the problem. A number of cosmetics on the market, such as skin creams and hair care products can contribute to pore blockage and oil production certain medications may be causes as well. For others, substances like cooking oils and motor oil encountered on the job can exacerbate acne vulgaris. Anyone who has broken out just before an important presentation know that emotional stress can contribute to the condition. Tight-fitting clothing, sweatbands, football helmets, chin straps, and other sporting equipment can cause friction on the skin and its resulting irritation.

While heredity and puberty can be the foremost causes of acne vulgaris, lifestyle choices may also contribute to a condition that affects most young adults during the teenage years, and sometimes into the 20s, 30s and 40s.

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