What causes Acne and who gets it?
Acne is caused by elevated hormone levels that occur mainly during puberty. The hormones that are changing are the androgenic (male) hormones that are present in both females and males. Those hormones cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that is usually needed to lubricate hair and skin. However, if an excess of sebum is produced that will, together with dead cells, eventually plug the pores of the skin. The sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles. In the clogged hair follicle the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can get trapped and multiply causing inflammation and red swelling of the skin. If the wall of the follicle breaks down the inflammation can be spread to other parts of the skin causing other pimples. Acne can affect teenagers but also adults, even into their 40s. Some adults that have never had acne during puberty get acne for the first time in their 20s. Almost everyone suffers from occasional pimples and zits d
