Acne is caused by excessive production of sebum in the sebaceous follicles of the skin. Sebum is normally produced to maintain the smoothness and softness of the skin.
Overproduction leads to distention and clotting of the follicular canals making way for the development of the so-called "blackheads". These are likely to become infected with bacteria. Inflammation of the sebaceous follicle is recognized as a red swallowing, which is later filled with yellow pus, also known as a "pimple" or "spot". The areas of the body that are most likely to become affected by blackheads or pimples are the face and upper part of the body.
About 80% of all adolescents and young people up to the age of 25 are affected by acne to a smaller or larger degree. The pronounced manifestation of acne during adolescence is caused by the hormonal changes and fluctuations that are typical of this age. The female hormonal balance is also subject to changes and fluctuations at the end of each period up to the time of menstruation. At this time of month a daily supplement of vitamin B6 (50-100 mg.) may be beneficial.
Worsening of acne can be seen in the following cases:
- Malnutrition may significantly worsen the condition. Native Africans who follow the traditional African diet are not as affected by acne as African Americans, who follow the much richer American diet. The same is true for Eskimoes who change to the average Western diet; they also have increasing problems with acne.
- A high milk intake, especially skim milk (proven in teenagers)
- A sustained elevated blood sugar level promotes the body's production of male sex hormones which in turn increases the skin's sebum production. This lays the ground for the bacteria producing acne.
- Food intolerance may also play a part. Especially wheat can worsen acne; possibly because it has the same effect as sugar in increasing the blod sugar too rapidly. An iodine supplement or a diet that is rich in iodine (seaweed for example) may worsen the condition. Vitamin- and mineral deficiencies may further worsen the condition.
- Overdosage of iodine or iodine-containing products
- When taking lithium supplements (prescribed against mania and manic depression).
- Pregnancy
- Stress.
- Allergy - Allergic people are likely to have an increased production of sebum.
- When taking birth control pills - Acne can actually be both worsened and improved by birth control pills.
- When taking hormonal medication and anabolic steroids.
- When using make-up and skin lotions - if used excessively it may lead to occlution of the sebacous follicles and acne. You should clean your face thoroughly after use.
- Water rich in chloride: Acne may also be worsened by exposure to chlorine from swimming pools.
