How does acne start

There are more sebaceous glands on the face and scalp than elsewhere. As the glands produce sebum inside the pores, new skin cells are constantly growing, and the outer layers of skin are being shed.

Sometimes, dead skin cells are not shed. They remain in the pores and get stuck together by the sticky sebum, causing a blockage in the pore. Pore blockage is more likely to occur during puberty, as the sebaceous glands produce more sebum at this time. Where sebum and dead skin cells accumulate and block a pore, this encourages the growth of undesirable bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes P.

Propionibacterium acnes exists harmlessly on our skin, but when the conditions are right, it can reproduce more rapidly and become a problem. The slow-growing bacterium feeds off the sebum and produces a substance that causes an immune response.

This leads to skin inflammation and spots. Although pimples are related to bacterial infection, they are not contagious. One person cannot catch pimples from another. It is unclear exactly why some people are more prone to pimples than others. Hormone fluctuation and genetic factors may play a role, as acne often runs in families, but some other factors are possible.

Another strain of P. People with pimples tended not to have this strain, but those with healthy skin did have it. This may indicate that particular types of bacteria determine the severity and frequency of pimples.

The researchers suggest that these bacteria may also interact with different factors, such as hormone and sebum levels. They call for more research. Pityrosporum, also known as malassezia or folliculutis, happens when a pityrosporum yeast enters the hair follicles and multiplies, triggering an itchy eruption of tiny, itchy, rounded pimples, that resembles acne.

It mainly occurs on the upper chest, shoulders, and upper back, but it can also affect the face. Most people have this yeast on their skin, but if too much develops, it can cause a problem. It can happen to both men and women in young to middle-age. Humid, sweaty environments, clothes made of synthetic fibers, and the use of oily skin products can all make this worse.

The condition is common in adolescents, probably because of increased sebaceous gland activity. It is not the same as acne, but it is often confused with it. Antibiotics that are usually used for acne can make also make the condition worse, as they suppress the bacteria that would otherwise control the yeast.

Antifungal treatment is needed in the case of malassezia. Higher testosterone levels appear to to trigger greater activity in the sebaceous glands, resulting in more clogged pores and higher chance of acne. The role of diet in acne is unclear, but, since a healthy, balanced, diet is known to promote good health, some dietary factors may affect the likelihood of getting acne or pimples.

Vitamins A, D, and E are all known to play a role in maintaining healthy skin, so it is possible that an adequate supply of these vitamins may help prevent acne.

Milk consumption has been associated with acne. If milk does play a role, this could be due to the hormones in milk. However, findings have been inconclusive. It has often been said that sugar and chocolate trigger acne, but research findings have not supported this.

Studies have linked a low glycemic-index GI diet with lower levels of insulin in the blood, lower levels of androgen, and a reduced likelihood of acne. However, the results are not conclusive. And when you're washing your face, be sure you take the time to remove all of your makeup so it doesn't clog your pores.

Acne isn't really helped by the sun. Although a tan can temporarily make acne look less severe, it won't help it go away permanently — and some people find that the oils their skin produces after being in the sun make their pimples worse.

If you use hair sprays or gels, try to keep them away from your face, as they also can clog pores. If you have long hair that touches your face, be sure to wash it often enough to keep oil away. And if you have an after-school job that puts you in contact with oil — like in a fast-food restaurant or gas station, for example — be sure to wash your face well when you get home.

It also can help to wash your face after you've been exercising. Many over-the-counter lotions and creams containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are available to help prevent acne and clear it up at the same time.

You can experiment with these to see which helps. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly — don't use more than you're supposed to at one time your skin may get too dried out and feel and look worse and follow any label directions about allergy testing. Some people do find that they notice their breakouts get more severe when they eat too much of a certain food.

If you're one of them, it's worth trying to cut back on that food to see what happens. Sometimes even though they wash properly and try lotions and oil-free makeup, people get acne anyway — and this is totally normal. In fact, some girls who normally have a handle on their acne may find that it comes out a few days before they get their period.

This is called premenstrual acne, and about 7 out of 10 women get it from changes in hormones in the body. Some teens who have acne can get help from a doctor or dermatologist a doctor who specializes in skin problems.

A doctor may treat the acne with prescription medicines. Depending on the person's acne, this might mean using prescription creams that prevent pimples from forming, taking antibiotics to kill the bacteria that help create pimples, or if the acne is severe, taking stronger medicines such as isotretinoin, or even having minor surgery. Most of these medications contain ingredients that can help kill bacteria or reduce oil on your skin.

Sometimes, you may continue to experience symptoms. If this happens, you may want to seek medical advice. Your doctor can prescribe medications that may help reduce your symptoms and prevent scarring.

Women with hormonal acne may be treated with birth control pills or spironolactone. These medications regulate hormones that can cause acne through a decrease in oil production. Isotretinoin Accutane is a vitamin-A-based medication used to treat certain cases of severe nodular acne. Your doctor may recommend procedures to treat severe acne and prevent scarring.

These procedures work by removing damaged skin and reducing oil production. They include:. Treatment for acne is often successful. Most people can expect their acne to begin clearing up within six to eight weeks.

However, flare-ups are common and may require additional or long-term treatment. Isotretinoin is the treatment most likely to provide permanent or long-term positive results. Acne scarring can cause emotional distress. But, prompt treatment can help prevent scarring. Also, your dermatologist will have treatment options designed to treat scarring.

You can book an appointment with a dermatologist in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool. But you can take steps at home to help prevent acne after treatment. These steps include:.

Knowing which type of acne you have is key to successfully clearing it from your skin. Here are the different types of pimples and how to treat them. Here are 4 natural treatments to try to get rid of pimples fast, plus a few longer-term remedies. Acne surfaces during times of hormonal imbalance. Some seek natural treatments such oral vitamin and mineral supplements.

Learn which natural remedies….