Many of us will agree that acne is widely affecting people of different ages, races, and gender. For some people, acne affects more than their skin. Acne may harm one’s emotional well-being too.

There’s have been a lot of factors that can lead to acne. As it troubles people so much, questions are circulating about whether it is a chronic inflammation or not. Is it? Yes, and here’s why.

What is Acne?

A chronic inflammatory disorder, acne affects the sebaceous-pilosebaceous axis. In seemingly non-inflammatory acneic lesions like comedones, inflammation can be identified through histopathological examination and immunohistochemical study.

Acne production has been demonstrated in recent years due to a combination of predisposing genetic factors and environmental causes, with follicular colonization by Propionibacterium acnes playing a vital role. 

Its activities that may promote acne skin lesions include:

• The promotion of follicular hyperkeratinization.
• The induction of sebogenesis.
• The stimulation of an inflammatory response through the secretion of proinflammatory molecules.

It is a known skin condition caused by clogged hair follicles underneath the skin. When oil and dead skin cells clog pores, lesions (also known as pimples or zits) may appear. The outbreaks usually occur on the forehead, but they can also appear on the back, stomach, and shoulders.

Furthermore, acne affects people of all races and ages, but it is most prevalent among adolescents and young adults. Males are more likely than females to develop acne during their teenage years. Acne can persist into adulthood, and it is more prevalent in women when it does.

It usually fades by the time people enter their thirties, but some people in their forties and fifties also suffer from skin conditions.

Causes of Acne

Acne is mainly a hormonal disease caused by male or “androgenic” hormones that become active during adolescence. It is caused by a combination of hormone sensitivity, bacteria on the skin, and fatty acids in the oil glands. Though it is a common physiologic phenomenon, it can be aggravated by a variety of factors, including:

Food

Hormonal changes in the body often cause acne. While there is some evidence that milk, whey protein, and high-sugar diets can cause acne breakouts, this is still arguable.

Also, you can reduce inflammation by eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those high in vitamin C and beta carotene. Eating fish has also been shown to be helpful.

Hormonal Changes

Several factors cause acne, but the most common is an increase in androgen levels. Androgens are hormones that cause the sebaceous glands to expand and produce more sebum in boys and girls throughout puberty. Hormone changes, especially in women, may trigger breakouts in their forties and fifties.

Furthermore, the oil glands under the skin expand in response to increased androgen levels. Due to the enlargement of the gland, sebum production is increased. Excess sebum can cause bacteria to develop by breaking down cellular walls in pores.

Prescription Drugs

Some drugs, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids, may trigger or exacerbate acne (either the medically prescribed prednisone or the steroids that bodybuilders or athletes sometimes take). Anticonvulsant medicines and lithium are two other drugs that can worsen or aggravate acne. 

Cosmetics

If you have a bad breakout, the first thing you want to do is cover it up with makeup and concealer. Although this is a common reaction for most people, you should be aware that covering it up could exacerbate the breakout if you’re not careful.

Furthermore, certain cosmetics may cause acne. Acne cosmetic is a form of acne that develops when this occurs. And women who do not have acne in the first place can develop acne cosmetics due to wearing makeup.

Diet

If you plan to make a positive change to your diet and skincare routine, you should expect some ‘purging’ at first, during which your skin can break out. It is a natural reaction, and it indicates that the body is adapting to the new situation. If you stick with the program, you will reap the rewards.

According to studies, eating some foods, such as carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, bagels, and chips, may aggravate acne. More research is required to see whether adhering to particular dietary restrictions will support people with acne.

Stress 

Stress is unavoidable in existence. It is a mental or emotional state that arises as a consequence of stressful or challenging circumstances. While everyone feels stress, what triggers it differs from one person to the next.

There are a lot of negative impacts of stress on a person’s physical and mental health. For most people, stress can lead to depression and anxiety. Others experience weight loss or gain, and even acne.

In addition to that, acne is not directly caused by stress. On the other hand, stress has been shown to aggravate acne in people who already have it. According to research, when a person is stressed, wounds, like acne, heal much more slowly.

Treatments for Acne

Anyone who has acne that affects their self-esteem or makes them unhappy, as well as those that have acne that leaves marks or has severe, chronic acne, should see a dermatologist.

It is possible to hide a pimple here and there. If at all possible, use water-based cover-up creams and cosmetics. Traditional therapy will benefit even if acne outbreaks cannot be entirely removed.

Furthermore, several drugs and procedures are successful. They are designed to address the root causes of acne. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, you can need at least one or multiple. 

Takeaway

Acne is a common condition that has a variety of causes. According to experts, traditional treatments such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide are still the most effective, though some people may find them annoying.

Most people choose to use natural therapies. While most home remedies for acne are not successful in clinical trials, they are available as an alternative treatment choice. If you have severe acne, however, you can see a dermatologist.