Acne is
caused by an interaction between hormones, skin oils, and bacteria, which
results in inflammation of hair follicles (the pores in the skin where hair
grows). Acne is characterized by many types of skin abnormalities
(lesions).
Acne occurs mainly during puberty, when the sebaceous glands are
stimulated by increased hormone levels, especially the androgens (such astestosterone), resulting in excessive sebum
production. By a person’s early to mid 20s, hormone levels usually have
decreased enough that acne lessens or disappears. However, up to 40% of women
may have acne into their 40s.
Other conditions that involve hormonal changes
can affect the occurrence of acne as well:
- Pregnancy or menstruation
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Certain drugs
- Certain products applied to the skin
- Too-tight clothing
- High humidity and sweating
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