Acne is one of the most common skin problems that plague teenagers and young adults. It is a very embarrassing condition, which can make you feel unattractive and self conscious. Although there are several ways to treat acne, it is important to understand how it works before choosing a remedy. This article will give you a brief overview of what causes acne and how to treat it effectively.
What Causes Acne?
There are many factors that cause acne. Some of them include:
* Hormonal imbalances
* Food allergies
* Excessive oil production
* Stress
* Environmental pollutants
Hormonal Imbalance
One of the major causes of acne is the imbalance of hormones in your body. Hormones play a very important role in the functioning of your body. They are responsible for regulating your body’s metabolism, moods, sexual functions and many other things. If you are suffering from hormonal imbalances, your body is unable to produce certain hormones at the right time. This results in excess oil production and blockage of pores, which leads to the development of acne.
Food Allergies
Another major cause of acne is food allergies. There are certain foods that trigger your body to produce excessive amounts of oil. These foods include dairy products, nuts, wheat and eggs. The problem with these foods is that they contain proteins that are similar to those produced by your body. Therefore, when you eat them, your body produces more oil than usual, which leads to acne.
Excessive Oil Production
Another major factor that triggers acne is the overproduction of oil in your body. Your body produces oil as part of its defense mechanism. When there is an infection or inflammation in your body, your body produces more oil to fight the infection. However, if this oil is not properly removed, it can lead to clogged pores and acne.
Stress
Stress is another major cause of acne. When you are under stress, your body produces more cortisol, which increases oil production. It also decreases the amount of blood flowing through your body, which makes your skin dry.
Environmental Pollutants
Environmental pollutants can also contribute to acne. These pollutants include cosmetics, detergents, pesticides, preservatives and air pollution.
Acne Treatment Options
Although there are various treatments for acne, it is important to choose the one that suits your skin type and needs. The following are some of the popular acne treatments: