The human skin is a complicated marvel of design. It is the largest organ that humans have, and it provides protection against every single external force trying to penetrate the body. The skin protects us against germs, wind, rain, dust and a whole host of other potential hazards. At the same time, the skin has the responsibility of keeping the body hydrated, as well as lowering the body’s temperature by producing perspiration.
While the skin is a wonderful thing, it is not impervious to defects. For example, many people develop acne on their skin, especially when they get into their teenage years. And although this condition is considered a normal part of being a teenager, having acne as a teenager or even as an adult is not easy. When you look in the mirror and you see a giant pimple on your face, it can be very disheartening.
So, the million-dollar question is, what causes acne? It is a condition that can be classified by a series of bumps that appear on the skin. These can be blackheads, pimples, cysts or whiteheads.
A teenager may develop acne in response to changes in the hormonal balance of their body. Unfortunately, the condition is also genetic. So, if your parents battled it as a teenager, it is very likely that you are going to have the same battle. While acne is inevitable for about 80 percent of teenagers and adults, the great thing is that most people are able to grow out of their acne completely by the time they are in their early twenties.
Acne usually shows up on the face, shoulders, chest and back. In most cases, it develops as a response to the oil glands and pores in your skin becoming clogged. The oil glands in your skin deliver oil via the hair on your body. This oil lubricates your hair and your skin. Under normal conditions, your body produces just the right amount of this oil. However, as a result of changes to hormones or other imbalances, your body might begin to overproduce oil.
This oil production can cause your pores to get clogged with bacteria and dead skin cells. Once the bacteria get trapped in your pores, they multiply like crazy. In response to this growing bacteria, the area swells and gets red. And this is how acne starts.
A blackhead can happen if a pore gets clogged up with a bunch of junk, but the surface of the pore is open, allowing dirt and other things to accumulate. Pimples happen because of your body reacting to the bacterial infection in your clogged pores.
The truth of the matter is that understanding how acne develops is comforting, but it really does nothing to remove the frustration that comes from having a face full of it. What can help is knowing that there are a lot of treatments available that have been proven to be effective at fighting this condition. Using these treatments can leave you with a clear, healthy face.
Schedule an appointment at The Dermatology, Laser and Vein Center in Cincinnati to get more information about how your acne can be effectively treated. You don’t have to live with your condition. Contact our office today to request a consultation to learn more.
