Severe acne results from a combination of factors working together. It's not simply "dirty skin," as some believe. Instead, four key elements contribute directly:
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Excess oil production: Your skin produces sebum (oil), and overproduction clogs pores. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty and adulthood, significantly impact sebum levels. Harvard Health explains that hormones, stress, and menstruation influence oil production.
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Clogged pores: Dead skin cells don't shed properly, creating a sticky buildup that blocks pores along with the excess oil. This blockage prevents the normal expulsion of sebum, leading to inflammation and breakouts.
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Bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) is a common bacteria found on the skin. When trapped in clogged pores, it thrives and contributes to inflammation and pimple formation.
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Inflammation: The body's immune response to the trapped oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria leads to redness, swelling, and painful pimples. Diet can play a role here, influencing overall body inflammation. The source from September 23, 2019, notes that diet can influence inflammation.
Beyond these core factors, several lifestyle choices and external factors can worsen acne:
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Poor hygiene: While not a direct cause, inadequate cleansing can exacerbate existing issues by allowing oil and bacteria to accumulate.
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Touching your face: Transferring bacteria and dirt from your hands to your face worsens acne. WebMD highlights this as a contributing factor.
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Hair and skin products: Certain cosmetics, hair products, and skincare ingredients can clog pores and irritate the skin, aggravating acne. Everyday Health cites hairstyling products and facial hair removal techniques as surprising contributors.
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Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially androgens, commonly trigger acne during puberty, menstruation, and even in adulthood. This is explained in both Harvard Health and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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Stress: Stress can worsen existing acne or trigger new breakouts.
To determine the specific reasons for your severe acne, consulting a dermatologist is essential. They can identify contributing factors and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
