What causes acne? There are several things that can lead to acne. The five main causes include hormones, extra sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria and inflammation.

Fluctuation in Hormone Levels

Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to acne both in adolescents and adulthood. During adolescence the body starts to produce hormones known as androgens. Androgens lead to the enlargement of the sebaceous glands (hormonal acne may ensue).

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.

Excess Sebum

Extra sebum contributes to acne as well. After the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. 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 factor in the development 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 extremely important to keep the skin functioning as it should.

A clogged pore is the perfect breeding ground for acne bacteria. The bacteria cause a chemical reaction known as inflammation. This reaction is the main cause of redness, pain and swelling.

Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body get rid of foreign objects or infection, but it can also cause damage. When the inflammatory reaction tries to expel the infection, it also destroys healthy cells in the process.

An appropriate acne treatment can treat most if not all acne causes.

Different Types of Acne

There are also several different kinds of acne. Some examples of common acne are acne rosacea and acne vulgaris. Acne commonly manifests itself with comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

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

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. Small, round lesions that contain pus are referred to as papules. They are produced by a 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 severely inflamed lesions. They are long lasting lesions. Both of these lesions can lead to significant acne scarring.