Causes of Acne and How to Combat It

Acne is one of those typical skin conditions that immediately conjures up the image of a spotty teenager. Although the likelihood of teenage spots diminishes with age, acne is unfortunately a condition that can also affect adults, both men and women. This process can occur in various places on the body. Acne often appears on the face on the cheeks, jawline, chin, and forehead, but these bothersome spots can also appear on the back, chest, and buttocks. A significant cause of acne is a hormonal imbalance in the body, often triggered by an overproduction of the hormone testosterone. Generally, acne arises from an overproduction of sebum and an inflammation of the sebaceous gland follicle, combined with a thickening of the upper layer of the skin.

Acne

When you suffer from acne, excess sebum production accumulates in the gland, which is further accelerated by the thickening of the gland's outlet. This results in clogged pores that can develop in various ways. There is the milia, where the pore is closed and the sebum has dried up, a blackhead where the gland outlet remains open (blackhead) or slightly open (whitehead), and when inflammation occurs, it is considered acne. This inflammation arises under the influence of hormonal changes, which also alter the skin's resistance. This creates an ideal situation for bacteria to multiply rapidly, leading to inflamed spots and a red, irritated skin. Bacteria convert sebum into fatty acids, which causes a lot of irritation to the clogged sebaceous follicle. Accumulated sebum and irritating fatty acids cause the spot to swell and eventually burst.

Causes of Acne

Unfortunately, there is no single clear cause for acne. It also depends on the type of acne you are dealing with. Genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, and external influences such as diet, stress, smoking, drinking, incorrect skincare products, warm or cold air can all play a role in triggering acne. Furthermore, there are different types of acne, including:

Types of Acne

• Cystic Acne: In cystic acne, the inflammations are severe and painful. The skin and bumps are red, sometimes with a white head, and you can feel the inflammation coming under the skin. It is a rather difficult form to treat, but even people with this type of acne benefit from gentle care. The cause appears to be genetic, but hormones play a significant role.
• Acne Rosacea: A difficult form of acne to treat, where redness, bumps, and spots are common, but issues such as digestive problems, irritated eyes, and migraines are also frequently reported.
• Premenstrual Acne: This form of acne is hormonal. Particularly in women just before their menstruation, this skin condition can worsen. Due to an increase in the hormone progesterone (responsible for the build-up of the uterine lining), sebum production also increases, raising the likelihood of spots. During menstruation itself and afterwards, the skin improves.

Cleansing & Care

There are various ways to support the skin to prevent or reduce acne. Cleansing the skin daily is one of them. It is important to thoroughly remove dirt and any makeup. Ensure the face is cleansed both in the morning and evening with clean hands using a mild cleansing gel or foam. Try to irritate the skin as little as possible: therefore, avoid harsh scrubs. A gentle scrub once a week can be used when there are no inflammations and the spots are not actively present. Additionally, it is important to avoid picking at the skin and to leave spots alone, as difficult as this may be. This prevents the inflammation from spreading under the skin and reduces the likelihood of scarring. Suffering from a spot? Applying Tea Tree oil helps dry out the spot. Keep the skin supple by applying a nourishing cream based on Calendula.

Nutrition

Not only is external care important, but also internal. Opt for natural, unprocessed foods with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and nuts, and cook with coconut oil or olive oil instead of sunflower oil. Avoid fast food such as biscuits, sweets, fried foods, and crisps. Unfortunately, these products with quick sugars and bad fats are linked to acne as they promote inflammation. Dairy is also highlighted in studies as a cause of an unsettled skin. Therefore, it is important to avoid it as much as possible. There are now plenty of delicious alternatives to dairy, such as coconut yoghurt and oat or rice milk. Tip: Drink a cup of Nettle tea three times a day to support internal skincare.

Supplements

In addition to a healthy diet, you can choose extra support from supplements. Consider zinc, which contributes to normal hormone balance and helps care for the skin from the inside. Also, GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid) contributes to skin condition as this healthy fatty acid supports the skin's natural ability to retain moisture.

Author: Noëlle van Seggelen