People have their pet theories of what causes acne. Many of these notions have nothing to do with the facts. The causes of acne are not as simple as people often think they are. These causes are steeped in science.

The problem of acne starts with the hormone androgen. It is a male hormone that increases during puberty in both young women and young men. There are other times that androgen is in more plentiful supply than usual, as well. There are many times that women have acne due to changed hormone production.

The androgen stimulates the sebaceous glands. These are ducts in the skin that are right next to the hair follicles. They produce a substance called sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that serves the purpose of keeping the skin moist and smooth when all is going well. It also makes the skin more waterproof.

However, when excess androgen over-stimulates the sebaceous glands, they produce too much of the oily substance. The sebum starts to move up the hair shaft. There, it mixes with the bacteria that are already on your face. Propionibacterium Acnes is the primary type of bacteria the sebum encounters.

These bacteria are also fostered by the dead cells that stick together and clog the pores when the sebum is being over-produced. Basically, the bacteria eat up the sebum. This produces a chemical reaction. The result of this reaction is that the skin becomes inflamed. Then, the area turns red. It may also become puffy and can get very painful.

One reason sebum causes so much trouble is that the oils of the skin may not be the normally occurring oils. Usually, sebum is made up in part of linoleic acid. This acid is an Omega-6 oil that is a healthy oil and is beneficial to the body.

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that cannot be replaced adequately with the trans-fats and saturated fats that most people eat. When that happens, oleic acid appears in its place. This acid is different in consistency and weight. It causes the pores to clog faster.

There are also risk factors that make acne more likely. If you are constantly around greasy, oily substances, you will be prone to get acne. Often, people who work in restaurants where a lot of frying is done are apt to get acne more often than, for example, someone who works in a retail clothing shop. If you are around the grease throughout your work-shift, you are exposed to grease on your skin the whole time.

Another risk factor is wearing certain types of makeup. If you have acne, there are grease-free types of makeup that you can wear without a problem. However, if you wear heavy oily or greasy makeup, you are more likely to have acne or to see it worsen.

Wearing clothing or backpacks that cause friction on your body can also promote the formation and spread of acne. When the fabric rubs on your skin, it irritates the pores and causes more sebum to be produced. Another factor in why some people have more acne than others is genetics. If your parents had problem acne, you likely will, too.