Top Causes of Acne Vulgaris

1. Acne vulgaris is a hormonally-mediated bodily process. It number one cause is production of sex hormones, known as androgens, which begins at puberty. This is why majority of acne sufferers are adolescents and teens. Hormones are also responsible for acne flare-ups during menstruation and pregnancy. The female body goes through extreme changes in hormone levels during this time.

When the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. In its journey up the follicle toward the surface, the sebum mixes with common skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle. While this process is normal, the presence of extra sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging; which results in the formation of acne.

2. Acne flare-ups most commonly appears on stressful periods. Stress can also cause the production of hormones, such as cortisol, which can aggravate acne. Stress brings upon different hormone levels. With hormone changes the body prompts the skins oil glands to enlarge, secreting more oil. Which causes whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.

3. Oily or heavy make up clogs the skin pores and oily make-ups add more oil, which only adds to the problem if oily skin already exists. Cosmetics, especially certain moisturizers, foundations and pomades contain lanolin, petrolatum, vegetable oils, butyl stearate, lauryl alcohol and oleic acid.

4. Certain medications and steroids. Vitamins are good for your body, but an excess of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can cause acne flare-ups. These vitamins are good for the skin, but avoid overuse.

5.Diets: For some people, a diet that is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can actually aggravate their acne.

6. Over abrasive cleansing: Harsh exfoliators can damage skin and spread infections.

7. Picking and squeezing: This can actually send the infection deeper into the skin and can cause scarring.

8. Environmental irritants: such as high humidity and pollution. High humidity actually causes swelling of skin. Pollution is of course is a big cause for clogging your pores.

9. Genes: Family members who are also acne sufferers. Acne is inherited and severe cases known as cystic acne usually come from heredity

10. Disease processes: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome, and other endocrine disorders with excess androgens may trigger the development of acne vulgaris.