Whether you are a pre-teen, teenager or an adult, acne is painful both physically and emotionally. When the body is lacking certain nutrients, especially during times of stress or hormonal changes such as adolescence or menopause, the body has difficulty removing excess toxins brought about by these circumstances. In these instances the pores become clogged which causes inflammations and unsightly blemishes.

What is Acne?
Acne (acne vulgaris) is a common disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's sebaceous glands, which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks commonly called blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, nodules or cysts.

What Causes Acne to Develop?
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused solely by things that we have control over such as dietary habits, exercise regimes, or personal hygiene. There is not one simple "cause" of acne. It is influenced by many factors, most of which are out of our control, such as genetics. The major contributors to an acne condition include:

1. Excess levels of various hormones in the body
2. Varying levels of immune system efficiency to remove excess hormones and bacteria
3. Rates at which you shed skin cells, which can change throughout your life
4. Fluctuating rates at which you produce sebum in response to hormonal signals
5. Genetic influences on the development and persistence of acne

Although sebum production (oily secretions) increases during adolescence, that alone does not cause acne. Bacteria, specifically Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), are present in increased numbers in persons who have acne. Much of the inflammation associated with acne arises from the action of enzymes produced by P. acnes bacteria. These enzymes convert sebum into free fatty acids, which stimulate an inflammatory response by attracting neutrophils (pus-forming white blood cells). As the hair follicle becomes inflamed, the skin's surface becomes red and irritated. Continuation of severe inflammation leads to formation of nodules and subsequent cysts that we know as a pimple. Therefore, the main factors associated with pimple formations are:

1. Hormones
2. Excess Sebum (usually resulting from hormones)
3. Blocked pores
4. Bacteria or bacterial buildup within a clogged pore
5. Inflammation associated with the body's defense from the excess bacteria