What Causes Acne?
Most teenagers find out that the combination of stress and pubertal hormones are a powerful acne trigger. Women can also experience hormonal acne resulting from menstrual periods or pregnancy. Along with hormones, common causes of acne include:
- Genetics
- Stress
- Medications
- Skin and hair products
The association between acne and stress can result in a breakout right before an important event. Establishing a successful acne management routine is the best way to avoid frustrating breakouts. Getting your acne under control can protect you from future breakouts that tend to happen at the worst possible times.
What Types of Acne Are There?
Acne is separated into two main categories, with several types of acne in each category. Your Premier Vein & Body team will consider your type of acne when planning treatment.
Non-Inflammatory
Blocked pores can form blackheads or whiteheads. These do not grow bacteria or become inflamed, although they can become infected if you touch or pick at them. Blackheads are dark because the pore remains open, exposing the material to oxygen. Whiteheads remain closed from the air so the material does not oxidize. These will not typically cause scars unless you interfere with them.
Inflammatory
Inflammatory acne occurs due to bacteria that can inhabit your clogged pores. These bacteria trigger an immune response that can break down the cells around your pores. This results in redness, swelling, and pain.
- Papules occur when the affected pore becomes red, hard, and sensitive
- Pustules are also red and sensitive, contain pus, and may have a white head
- Nodules happen when bacteria move deeper into the skin
- Cysts are deep, bacteria-infected, and painful to the touch
Inflammatory acne is more likely to cause scars, with cystic acne deep in the skin most likely to leave you with scarring.
You may have inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne at different times or even during the same breakout.
