Acne is caused by pores and hair follicles being clogged with sebum, dead skin, and bacteria. Sebum is an oily substance produced in the sebaceous glands which is responsible for lubricating and moisturizing the skin, our largest organ, to protect it from friction. 

Factors that increase the risk of developing acne include genetics, hormones, and medications. Genetics play a big role in acne, because it determines how the immune system responds to bacteria causing acne, the type of acne a patient is prone to and the hereditary tendency in producing more dead skin or sebum. Androgen, a male sex hormone, also plays a role in acne formation. The increase of androgen in the body during puberty for both girls and boys and in pregnant women leads to a hormonal imbalance causing breakouts. Lastly, there are certain pharmaceuticals that can cause acne flare ups such as corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, androgenic steroids, medications that contain hormones, lithium, and DHEA supplements.  

The common myth around acne is that someone’s diet and environment can cause it. Studies have found that eating certain foods or environmental irritants, such as pollution, can worsen acne, but they’re not the cause of it. Other determinants that can worsen acne are picking at the skin, over exfoliating, and stress.

Schedule a consultation with an Aesthetica Master Esthetician to analyze what may be causing your breakouts and your options.