Many people who suffer from acne are interested in finding the best cures. If you have not suffered from acne, you probably do not know about its causes. Acne is more than just a skin condition; it is an inflammatory disease that can cause scarring and cause long-term damage to the skin.

What causes acne? The skin produces an excess of sebum, which is naturally produced by the body’s sebaceous glands. However, the sebum contains bacteria and other microorganisms, which then multiplies and forms a plug on the surface of the skin. These plugs, or pustules, are the source of the majority of acne problems.

There are many causes of acne and most acne treatments and medications tend to focus on one particular cause of acne. But the factors that cause acne to happen all need to be addressed for your skin to be acne free. Here are some major causes of acne:

Stress is a very common cause of acne occurring in both men and women. Most of us associate stress with having to work late into the night or attending seminars or sessions that require long hours of concentration. But stress and acne go together and too much stress can make it worse. While stress can make acne worse, it can also cause you to have an overproduction of hormones.

Pregnant women are the biggest reason for acne to occur. The hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy cause many types of acne to occur. They can occur all over the body but are most commonly found on the face and neck.

So is heredity also a cause of acne? It can be, and it’s estimated that as many as 40% of acne cases are caused by family history. Women who carry the genes for acne will most likely develop it as they get older and have children. Another factor that causes acne to occur is excessive oiliness on the face. You have probably noticed the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads when your face is oilier than normal. Oiliness on the face makes the pores more open and this causes clogging. It can also cause spots and discoloration of the skin.

Environmental factors are another cause of acne. Pollution, tobacco smoke, and even air pollution can cause the skin to produce more oil and cause problems for the acne sufferer. Frequent exposure to pollutants and excess hormones can also lead to acne, regardless of gender.

Redness and swelling can also be an underlying cause of acne. The excess production of hormones can cause the skin to break down and can result in excess fluid. The redness and swelling associated with this can be quite painful and result in pain in the face.

Pimples can also be an underlying cause of acne. The production of pus and bacteria can result in the formation of pimples. If the pus or bacteria are not removed it can result in scarring and permanent damage to the skin. With the frequent and repeated exposure to bacteria and pus, the pores become clogged and if the person is suffering from acne as a result of this then they should seek medical attention immediately.

If you suffer from acne as a result of these causes, there are many skincare products on the market that are designed to treat acne. Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment for your particular type of acne and which products are most effective.