What causes acne? Acne has several origins. The five main causes include hormones, extra sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria and inflammation.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal fluctuations lead to acne during puberty and that can continue into adulthood. During puberty the body starts to produce hormones called androgens. Androgens are responsible for the enlargement of the sebaceous glands (this may lead to hormonal acne).

The sebaceous glands become over stimulated by androgens and release a large amount of sebum. This abrupt production of sebum can damage the hair follicle and make it weaker against bacteria. This is a normal process of growing up.

Extra Sebum

Extra sebum contributes to acne as well. Androgens are also a factor in the amount of sebum produced. Sebum moves towards the skin's surface and mixes with skin bacteria and 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 possible cause of acne. When dead cells within the follicle shed more rapidly, they mix with the extra sebum, stopping the renewal process. The renewal process is important to keep your skin functioning properly.

Clog pores are the perfect place for the proliferation of bacteria. The bacteria cause a chemical reaction known as inflammation. This reaction is what causes pimples to become red, painful and swollen.

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 drive out the infection, it also takes healthy cells with it.

An appropriate acne treatment can treat most if not 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.

Comedones are the only known form of non-inflammatory acne Whiteheads usually appear as small white bumps under the skin's surface. Therefore, they are considered closed comedos.

A blackhead is considered an open comedo because it has a dark appearance due to a follicle being pushed above the skin's surface.

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.

They are generally large and filled with pus. Nodules are produced when the inside of a comedo spills into the surrounding skin and pus is formed.

Cysts are nodules that have become seriously inflamed. They can last for weeks or even months. Both of these lesions can lead to significant acne scarring.