What causes acne? Acne has several origins. Five of the main causes are hormones, extra sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria and inflammation.

Fluctuation in Hormone Levels

Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to acne both in adolescents and adulthood. During adolescence the body starts to produce hormones known as androgens. Androgens are responsible for the enlargement of the sebaceous glands (this may lead to hormonal acne).

When the sebaceous become stimulated by androgens, they release a large amount of sebum. This abrupt production of sebum can damage the hair follicle and make it weaker against bacteria. This is part of a normal growth process.

Extra Sebum

Excess sebum also contributes to the development of acne. After the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. The sebum moves up the follicle and mixes with common skin bacteria combined with dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle.

This increases the chances of clogged pores, which can result in acne.

Follicle Fallout, Bacteria and Inflammation

Follicle fallout is another factor in the development of acne. When dead cells within the follicle are cast off more rapidly, they combine with extra sebum and detain skin's natural renewal process. This process is very important for keeping the skin performing properly.

A clogged pore is the perfect breeding ground for acne bacteria. The bacteria cause a chemical reaction known as inflammation. This reaction is the main cause of redness, pain and swelling.

Inflammation may be a necessary process to help the body get rid of foreign objects or infection, but it can lead to damage as well. When the inflammatory reaction tries to force out the infection, it also damages and destroys healthy cells.

The best acne treatment is the one that will deal with the majority of all acne causes.

Different Kinds of Acne

There are also several different kinds of acne. Acne rosacea and acne vulgaris are some examples of common acne. The basic types of acne are comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

The only form of non-inflammatory acne are comedones Whiteheads are considered closed comedos because the usually appear as small white bumps under the surface of the skin.

An open comedo is one that has been pushed to the skin's surface. These types of comedos are usually called blackhead because of their darkened appearance.

Papules appear as small, solid bumps that can be tender to the touch. Pustules are small round lesions with visible pus. They are caused by the chemical irritation to fatty free acids.

Nodules are large, extremely painful pus-filled lesions lodged deep within the skin. Nodules develop when the inside of a comedo spills into the surrounding skin, causing the immune system to produce pus.

Cysts form when nodules have become severly inflamed. They can last for several weeks or months. Both nodules and cysts can lead to significant scarring.