Acne Prone Skin; Causes of Pimples, Zits and Treatment

Acne impacts the life of million of people across cultures and lifestyles. Acne is often stigmatized because people assume that it is caused by poor hygiene. It is not. Acne and the accompanying black heads, white heads, and papules or pustules are the result of four primary factors; bacteria, hormones, blocked pores and inflammation. Some people battle acne their whole life because they have acne prone skin. Individuals with oily skin for example, may experience more outbreaks that people who have drier skin.  In the oil follicles (pilosebaceous follicle) excessive oil blocks the follicle and feeds bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) causing local tissue to become inflamed.  This leads to an outbreak of pimples

Other considerations may contribute to acne prone skin. People who have hormonal issues may be more vulnerable. Acne is influenced by androgenic (male) hormones, and changes to hormone levels can result in acne prone skin. Women who are taking hormones or pregnant women may have more frequent incidence of acne. 

Other factors can contribute to acne prone skin as well. For instance, people who wash too frequently irritate the skin and that can lead to inflammation. Women who use cosmetics that are oily or pore blocking, often report frequent outbreaks of acne. Other lifestyle factors have been implicated in acne. For example people who eat high fat, low fiber diets may put themselves at risk for acne prone skin.

People who have acne prone skin should take special care of their skin to reduce pimples. Using a cleanser that is specially designed to treat acne and contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help. Using coarse scrubs or face clothes will cause irritation for acne prone skin so it is advisable for an acne prone individual to use their hands to gently clean their face and body. Use only cosmetics that are non-comedogenic (pore blocking) and oil free. They should also avoid popping pimples because this can spread the infection and aggravate existing pimples.