Does everyone get acne? Not quite, but almost everyone experiences some form of acne in their lives. Acne can range from a few patches here and there during puberty, to long-term irritation throughout adulthood.
The key questions are, "Why do people get acne in the first place?" and "Why do some people not get acne at all?" The answer, like many things, is complicated. Many factors influence the frequency and severity of acne. Let’s explore the most important of these factors.
Genetics
Genetics are quite literally what you are made of. Unfortunately, if your parents struggled with acne, it will most likely be passed down to you. However, it’s not as simple as passing you an "acne gene." Instead, your genes control the sensitivity of your skin in relation to hormones and the environment, as well as your skin’s ability to stand up to acne-causing bacteria.
There are also certain hormonal conditions that may increase the likelihood of acne that can be passed down genetically, which we’ll dig into more later.
Hormones
Hormones are public enemy number one when it comes to acne, especially during your teenage years when fluctuations can exacerbate things. During puberty, your body is flooded with hormones such as androgens, the family of hormones most commonly associated with acne. Androgens are present in both men and women, but are often referred to as "male hormones," produced by the testicles, ovaries and adrenal glands. One of the common androgens is testosterone.
But hormonal fluctuations are not limited to teenagers. Generally, women deal with acne later in life than men. This is because mens’ androgen levels, and therefore, their acne, peak during puberty. Womens’ hormones fluctuate with their menstruation cycle, making them prone to acne a bit longer.
Hormonal acne that develops during puberty often appears in the t-zone (forehead, nose and chin), while hormonal acne as an adult can usually be found around the cheeks and jawline.
Exercise and diet
Exercise is an incredibly important part of a healthy lifestyle. It can help your skin by increasing circulation, allowing your blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to your skin more efficiently. But without taking the right hygiene precautions, exercise can trigger acne.
If you sweat at the gym, the humid conditions on your skin are perfect for fostering acne-causing bacteria. To offset this, wear breathable materials that aren’t tight against your skin, and make sure to shower or at least wash your face right after you work out. We recommend you use the Ultra-Gentle Cleanser from the ProactivMD® 3-Piece System to help wash oil and dirt from your skin without stripping it of vital moisture.
Pay attention to your diet too. Refined foods, greasy food, fast food, and sugary foods and drinks can all be contributors to acne symptoms.
Stress
While simply being stressed doesn’t immediately trigger acne, stress contributes to an environment on your skin where acne is more likely. When you are stressed, your body produces cortisol, and this stress hormone boosts oil production much like testosterone. Acne may take longer to heal for a person under stress.
What you do to limit stress will probably be unique to you, but you can start with deep breathing, meditation, yoga, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising regularly and discussing your stress with a trusted friend, family member or counselor.
The bottom line
Even with all the preparations you put toward curbing acne-causing factors, your skin still might need some extra help. With the proactiv® acne treatment system that’s right for your unique skin, you can give your skin the reinforcement it needs to get clear and stay clear.
