What causes acne?

The main cause of acne is the overproduction of an oily substance called sebum.

Sebum serves a vital role it keeps the skin and hair lubricated and supple. The problem arises when sebum pairs up with naturally occurring dead skin cells. They block hair follicles from escaping.

The sebaceous glands begin to swell, causing an increase in sebum production. This gets the ball rolling and causes a bacterial overgrowth. Since the sebum cannot escape, this is an ideal place for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria multiples and soon your skin becomes inflamed, producing a pimple.

Common Causes of Acne

1. Diet (although it might not directly cause acne — it can make it worse)
2. Skin irritations
3. Certain medications
4. Hormonal activities
5. Menstrual cycles
6. Constipation

Do not squeeze pimples

Squeezing acne can  make the situation worse. Why? Squeezing acne can press the bacteria deeper into the skin. Squeezing acne can also injure the skin around the pimple, Additionally it can lead to scarring, and in extreme cases, this can be permanent.

Do not touch the face

Many people touch their face out of habit, so it is essential to remember to leave it alone. Why is this a problem? The hands contain oils and bacteria which can make the acne worse. It is not only your hands. Think about anything that touches your face like your hair, glasses and phones. They all must be kept clean to help break this cycle of infection.

References:

• Acne.org: Diet and Acne
• Health Scout: Acne