Causes Acne

Acne is a common skin condition which causes spots, oily skin and in some cases the skin can become painful and hot to touch. The condition occurs when your hair follicles become clogged up with oil and dead skin cells. 

The appearance of acne is usually characterised by a mixture of whiteheads and blackheads (known as comedones) and also some pus-filled spots (known as pustules).

Acne is particularly common among teenagers, but as many as 95% of us will experience some kind of acne between the ages of 11 and 30. People are likely to experience the symptoms of acne on and off over several years before the condition improves, however, some people experience acne well into later life. 

Chin, Cheek, Forehead Acne: What's Causing Breakouts?

As previously mentioned acne is caused by the hair follicles becoming blocked. The glands attached to the hair follicles, called the sebaceous glands, produce an oil called sebum to keep the skin and hair hydrated. If you have acne the glands begin to produce too much sebum, causing the follicles to get blocked. 

Depending on how close to the surface the blockage is and how the surrounding skin reacts with it,  you'll either end up with a blackhead or a whitehead. If there are bacteria caught inside the blockage you might get a papule or a pustule, and sometimes this can progress to nodules or cysts.

It is thought that acne in teenagers is caused by increasing levels of testosterone during puberty. This affects both boys and girls. 

Stress Acne: What Causes It And How It Differs From Other Acne

Sebaceous glands seem to produce more sebum when there are increased levels of testosterone in the body, so this is likely to cause this blockage of the pores. 

Women are more susceptible to adult acne than men and this is likely to be caused by the changes in hormone levels due to periods, pregnancy or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. 

It is thought that acne runs in families - if both your parents had teenage acne, it is more likely that you will develop acne yourself.

Reasons For Acne On Face & Pimple Causes

Studies have shown that acne in your teenage years is more likely if both your parents had acne. The same goes for adult acne - if one of your parents have or had this, you also have a higher chance of developing adult acne. 

If your skin regularly comes into contact with oily cosmetics or with grease in a work area, such as a kitchen with fat fryers, you might find this causes acne or makes your condition worse. 

Sweating a lot can also block the pores and cause acne. If you sweat a lot during exercise, make sure you shower afterwards and use a fresh towel.

The Different Types Of Acne And Their Causes — Natology

​​​​​​There are a variety of different types of spots that people experience with acne. Some people may have a mixture of these spots, while others may only be affected by whiteheads for example. 

As we’ve discussed, blocked follicles that are at the skin’s surface will become blackheads. They get their colour because oxygen in the air reacts with the pigment in the oil causing the blockage to turn black. 

Whiteheads are often mistaken for pustules, but there is actually no pus or swelling. Whiteheads develop when there are blocked follicles beneath the skin’s surface and the opening of the hair follicle is forced to close around the blockage. 

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When bacteria multiply within a blocked follicle and oil and dead skin cells begin to build up, there is a chance the follicle wall will tear open. When the wall tears, white blood cells rush to fight off the bacteria causing the inflammation. These white blood cells then cluster and form a pocket of pus, known as a papule. 

Nodules and cysts are common terms for the largest papules and pustules. Nodules are large hard bumps that grow beneath the skin and can be quite painful. 

Cysts are often the most severe form of spot caused by acne. They can sometimes be confused for boils, as they look very similar. Cysts are the most likely to cause permanent scarring. Find out more about acne scars and treatments. 

What Is Acne Face Mapping & How To Decode Acne Causes?

If you look at the type of spot you have, you can compare this with our diagram to work out what kind of spot you have. There are some key things to look out for, for example, if the spots appear like boils or are very sore, this is likely to be cystic acne.  

There are a variety of different options available if you experience acne. If you have mild to moderate acne you might be able to get over the counter treatment, such as gels and creams, from your local pharmacy. Find out more about how to get rid of your own acne. 

If you experience moderate acne, a GP, or one of our online clinicians may prescribe stronger creams or gels, containing retinoids, antibiotics or prescription strength cleansers. In some cases you may need a  longer course of antibiotic tablets. For some women, the combined contraceptive pill, is an option. 

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If you have moderate to severe acne, combining a topical (rub-on) treatment with tablets (antibiotics, or hormones if you're a woman) is usually the best option. Antibiotic tablets are thought to work better when combined with a strong skin cleanser such as benzoyl peroxide. 

If you're bothered by your acne it's a good idea to see your GP, they will be able to advise on treatment. Your local pharmacist might also be able to help with mild acne. 

Our LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor acne clinic offers a wide range of treatment plans, so that our clinicians can tailor treatment to you and your acne. The service is easy to use and involves a free consultation which includes the opportunity to upload photos of your acne. These alongside the answers to the consultation questions will be reviewed by our clinicians, who will then decide, if suitable, what treatment option might be best, depending on your preference, medical history and the severity of your acne. For many, pesky pimples and more severe acne breakouts can be unsightly or cause embarrassment. Some people have breakouts consistently on their cheeks. Others have breakouts confined only to their chin, and some have pimples across their entire face. But is there rhyme or reason for where acne presents?

What Is Causing My Acne?

“There is little scientific evidence to support the theories that the distribution of acne on the face can indicate internal health problems, ” shared Lauren Kole, M.D., dermatologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic. “However, the location of acne can give clues as to what may be contributing to the patient’s acne.”

According to Kole, acne presenting in the following areas can have some indicators for what may be the root cause of the pimple, ranging in part from hormone overload to potentially dirty cellphones.

“We tailor treatments based on the patient’s sex, age and how the acne presents, ” Kole explained.“I counsel patients on lifestyle changes that can help improve their acne. I definitely choose different therapies if I believe the patient’s acne is hormonally mediated versus if it’s changing a hair product or swapping out pillowcases regularly.”

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Breakouts are common, and knowing what causes them may help patients with treatment. But tried and true tips from Kole that all people with acne can adopt are never pop pimples and do not touch your face.

At what point should a person with acne seek the counsel of a dermatologist? The American Academy of Dermatologists suggests that, even if you do not have severe acne, a dermatologist can help customize a treatment plan for a person’s individual acne.

“For some patients, it can be as simple as learning more about their skincare regimen and lifestyle and making small recommended changes, while other patients may benefit from hydrafacials, chemical peels and microneedling to treat both active acne and acne scarring, ” Kole shared. “Our team in the Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic can offer services ranging from medication and laser treatment to new skincare products that may benefit a person’s complexion and skin tone.”

Acne Causes Images, Stock Photos & Vectors

Is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation. also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.The traditional method of face mapping links specific locations of acne on the face to health issues affecting organs or systems elsewhere in the body.

Face mapping comes from ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the theory that health issues with organs in the body relate to where acne breaks out on the face.

However, some research does suggest that specific factors can relate to acne on certain areas of the face. We look at the evidence in this article.

What Causes Acne And How To Get Rid Of Them?

Acne develops when the pores in the skin become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. The result is whiteheads and blackheads.

Acne around the hairline and temples, called forehead acne, may be due to the use of certain hair products. When this is the case, it is called pomade acne. This can affect both males and females with any skin type.

When

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