What causes acne? Acne has several origins. Five of the main causes are hormones, extra sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria and inflammation.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones can cause acne during puberty and continue into adulthood. During adolescence the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. Androgens lead to the enlargement of the sebaceous glands (hormonal acne may ensue).

A large amount of sebum is produced when the sebaceous glands are stimulated by androgens. This sudden outflow damages the hair follicle making it weaker to resist bacteria. This process is part of normal development.

Extra Sebum

The formation of acne also depends on extra sebum. After the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. The sebum moves up the follicle and mixes with common skin bacteria combined with dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle.

This process increases the chances of clogged pores and acne.

Follicle Fallout, Bacteria and Inflammation

Follicle fallout is another possible cause of acne. When dead cells within the follicle shed more rapidly, they combine with excess sebum and hinder the natural renewal process. The renewal process is extremely important to keep the skin functioning as it should.

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

Inflammation is a natural process by which the body tries to rid itself of a foreign object or infection. However, it can also do damage. When the inflammatory reaction tries to expel the infection, it also destroys healthy cells in the process.

Successful acne treatment will deal with most if not all of the causes of acne.

Different Kinds of Acne

There are also several different kinds of acne. Some examples are acne rosacea and . Comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are the usual ways in which acne manifests itself.

The only form of non-inflammatory acne are comedones Whiteheads are closed comedos because they usually appear as small white bumps.

An open comedo is one that has been pushed to the skin's surface. These types of comedos are usually called blackhead because of their darkened appearance.

Papules are the mildest form of inflammatory acne and appear as small, solid bumps that can be tender. Papules are round lesions that contain pus. They are caused by the chemical irritation to fatty free acids.

Nodules are large, extremely painful pus-filled lesions lodged deep within the skin. Nodules result when the inside of a comedo spills into the surrounding skin and forms pus.

Cysts are nodules that have become seriously inflamed. They are long lasting lesions. Both nodules and cysts can lead to significant scarring.