Hormonal Influences

Acne is caused by over active sebaceous glands combining with bacteria in the hair follicle which is in turn is trapped by dead skin cells. Puberty is the major factor for influencing the hormonal balance that effects the oil production in the skin the biggest organ in the body. An increase in oestrogen and testosterone in both male and females affect the secretive properties of the skin tissue. Testosterone is the predominant hormone in men and estrogen is dominant hormone in females.


Not all teenagers will suffer from acne problems and the lucky few escape without a blemish for an unknown reason, while us mere mortals are affected by monthly disruptive skin eruptions. For most unfortunate teenagers the combination of over active sebaceous glands in conjunction with dead skin cells in the skin hair follicle causes a clogging and enlarging of the pores and bacteria is built up under the skin. The bacteria will build up and inflammation occurs.


Acne eruptions are common for women at mid cycle in their menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome will be prone to acne flare-ups as well as women in menopause. Commonly menopausal women will be affected by Rosacea commonly called (adult acne). Women with (PCOS) are affected by acne fare-ups because of the unusually high levels of the male sex hormones (Androgens). Cystic acne is probably the most severe and painful of all the acne problems.


Inflamed cystic or nodule acne can be painful and deeply penetrating which in turn can cause scarring. Hyper pigmentation of the skin and scarring is a common symptom of cystic acne which is exacerbated by a rise in androgen levels usually around mid- menstrual cycle. Hair loss infertility and weight fluctuation is a common indication of androgen-associated acne problems. Tests for hormone levels and insulin with a 2 hour glucose test should determine the underlying cause.



Chocolate or Fried Foods Cause Acne

There is no medical proof contrary to popular belief that a high consumption of chocolate food cause acne flare-ups. Acne affects every body differently and displays many forms depending on a set of trigger factors. Hormonal influences clogged pores a poor diet lacking in the essential vitamins and minerals needed for the immune system skin, hair and nails and tissue regeneration. A diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins and essential minerals will help to make you feel health and aid the correct functioning of all of the vital organs, the largest of which is the skin. A combination of hormonal imbalances in conjunction with a high process diet high in glycemic index might indeed affect the skins normal Ph balance.



Squeezing or Popping Pimples or Spots Will Get Rid of Acne Quicker

This is the cruelest myth of all as popping spots especially cystic or inflamed nodule acne will detrimentally damage the skin by bruising or breaking the dermis with your nails. By squeezing the skin you will push the bacteria further into the epidermis causing deep pore scarring and spreading the puss filled bacteria further on the skin. Squeezing black heads or white heads will only make the problem worse. Deep pore cleansing gentle buffing and clay face masks will purify and detoxify the skin and naturally kill the bacteria exfoliate the dead skin cells and unclog pores and reduce pore size.



Sun Light Will Clear Up Acne Flare-Ups.

A healthy exposure to sunlight will benefit your skin hair and nails. However long term or over exposure to sunlight is dangerous and detrimental to your skin and general health. Direct
sunlight at high temperatures will dry the skin and cause ageing spots and wrinkles and in severe cases skin cancer. It is important to wear a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF or higher to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Skin that is damaged by acne scars will need a high protection factor as scarred skin will be venerable.



Scrubbing and Frequent Washing of the Skin will Cure Acne

This is a common myth that a lot of people sercombe to and will scrub inflamed or infected skin and make the problem worse. 2 to 3 time’s daily cleansing routine with toning and moisturizing will be sufficient. Over cleansing will strip the skin of the natural oils and cause the skin to produce more oil to compensate. Rubbing inflamed acne will break the skin and spread the infection further. Harsh chemicals are not always necessary for all skin types as harsh chemical topical creams will dry the skin and could inflame or irritate the problem further. Inflamed skin will need to be soothed and nourished in order to encourage the natural healing process and encourage collagen production.



Acne is a problem for Teenagers only and will diminish with time

This unfortunately is not always the case, as many an adult sufferer of Rosecea will tell you. Hormonal imbalances poor, diet, stress environmental factors as well as hereditary influences can be attributed to skin problems. Acne can affect anyone at anytime as hormone levels dietary factors and stress levels can fluctuate for various reasons due to illness age appropriate hormone changes and physiological influences. If we are stresses run down not sleeping or eating properly we will be susceptible to many common ailments like skin problems migraines pain in the joints etc. The human body is very complex and the tell tale signs of deficiency in essential minerals and vitamins will be visible and can take many forms such as acne flare-ups.
Acne has to be treated by a Dermatologist or Physician


This is partly true depending on the severity of the problem. The correct treatment for skin problems is to consult a skin specialist which in all cases is a Dermatologist. If you had a heart problem then you would consult a heart specialist so it is common sense to go to a qualified skin specialist. Mild acne is easily cured by OTC products and will generally subside with time. Severe Acne will need to be properly investigated and assed to find the best way to remedy the problem and limit the likely hood of a reoccurrence.



Sex Causes Acne Problems

This is a moral myth perhaps as sex has no influence on acne flare-ups, if that were the case 99.9% of the world population would be plagued by spots, pimples cysts and nodules. Being sexually active will not affect or aggravate skin problems in any way. There is some misconception that the male sex drive and the male hormone testorone is associated with acne. The myth is that sex raises the hormone levels in the body which is unproven.


Levels of estrogen in women and testosterone (Androgens) levels in men can be elevated at puberty or menstruation and can cause acne breakouts. Sex hormones and sexual drive or frequency of sexual intercourse is totally different thing entirely. Some holistic believers maintain that too much sex can weaken the body’s immune system this has no medical signifance or relevance. As with all medical complaints common sense will have to prevail and a trial and error process of elimination is needed to get the correct prognosis and diagnosis.


The internet is a fool proof way of determining the effective methods of improving skin flare-ups and determining truth from fiction and myths and misinformation from medically proven effective products, to help you make an educated informed decision as to the correct effective remedies for your individual problem. The amount of money and time you spend on eradicating acne breakouts will be a personal decision ultimately.