Spots, pimples, scars, blackheads, whiteheads are common complaints of a teenager. Acne is a universal problem that has haunted all of us at some point of time in our lives. Acne happens when oil or sebaceous glands come to life around puberty, stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Sebum is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria which live on everyone's skin and generally cause no problems, to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed which gradually becomes a pimple.
Hormones are one of the main causes of acne. Besides hormones, there are some other factors that can cause acne. Food, pollutants, stress are the top reasons. Although there is no substantial evidence to prove this, we have been brought up being told by our elders that any form of junk food can lead to acne. Many suggest that we should avoid pizza, chocolates, greasy and fried foods, milk and dairy products, these findings are far from established. Dirt and other pollutants are also known to cause pimple. Stress, according to many can lead to acne as they believe that it causes hormonal imbalance in the body. However, experts say that there is no direct link.
Non-water based, oily cosmetics are also known to cause acne as they can clog the pores that result in the inflammation of the skin resulting in a pimple. Pressure, drugs and occupations are some lesser known causes in occasional patients. Pressure refers to both mental and physical pressure. Mental pressure can be due to work or personal issues. Physical pressure refers to pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, suspenders, and the like that can aggravate acne. Drugs and exposure to industrial products are other causes of pimples.
With all these factors we have to encounter in life, it seems impossible to avoid getting some kind of acne at some moment. This is also why it is difficult to find the perfect acne treatment for an individual. And considering everyone's skin is different, how one's skin can tolerate or react to a specific treatment is never a general rule. Plus treatments should be different for normal, oily or dry skin. It becomes important to fight acne from all ways possible, but not at the price of harming your health. An external treatment should cleanse, treat and repair your skin but be gentle enough so you don't get any form of irritation. Also, a dietary acne supplement should be included to your skin care routine as it deals with the hormonal changes that lead to acne.
