Thursday, December 13, 2007

What Causes Acne?

Several factors play a role in why you getacne. Here's what doctors say are the most common causes:

Genetics. If your mother or father had acne as a teenager, there is a good chance that you will too.

Hormones. During adolescence, hormones called androgens become active and stimulate oil glands in your skin, increasing oil production. This, in turn, clogs

pores, causing pimples and blackheads. Hormonal changes around your period or birth control pills - starting or stopping - can also cause an acne flare-up. (In some cases, however, birth control pills are a treatment for acne.)

Stress. While stress can't actually cause acne, it will potentially aggravate this or any other skin condition.

Diet. Dermatologists aren't actually sure if diet plays a critical role in acne. Some experts, however, do believe that food allergies can trigger acne outbreaks.

Washing your face too often. This can aggravate the skin, causing acne to occur.

Greasy skin care products and oily cosmetics. Any product that clogs oil ducts is a culprit -- and may cause acne.

Medications. Acne can be a side effect of some drugs, including barbiturates, seizure medication and steroids.


source from http://beauty.ivillage.com/skinbody/acne/


No comments: