Acne Treatment Bexleyheath

What Causes Acne?

Acne can develop due to several factors, including:

• Excess Sebum Production: Sebaceous glands produce oil to lubricate the skin, but overproduction can clog pores and cause acne.
• Clogged Hair Follicles: Dead skin cells accumulate in hair follicles, mixing with sebum and leading to whiteheads, blackheads, or inflamed acne.
• Bacterial Growth: The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can multiply in clogged follicles, causing inflammation, redness, and painful lesions.
• Hormonal Changes: Increased androgen levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress can trigger excessive oil production.
• Inflammation: Blocked and infected follicles trigger an immune response, leading to swollen, red, and painful acne lesions.
• Dietary Factors: Diets high in refined sugars, dairy products, and certain carbohydrates may increase acne risk by spiking insulin levels, stimulating oil production.
• Genetic Predisposition: If your parents had severe acne, you may be more likely to experience it as well.