Acne, a common skin condition marked by whiteheads, blackheads, nodules, pustules, or cysts, not only causes physical discomfort but also impacts mental health. The psychological effects of acne, including embarrassment and self-consciousness, affect many people throughout their lives. This comprehensive article explores the root causes of acne, answers common questions, and discusses various treatment options to help those affected achieve clear, healthy skin.
What Causes Acne?
Acne forms when hair follicles (tiny pores in the skin) become clogged, leading to visible blemishes.
Each hair follicle is connected to sebaceous glands, which produce oil to moisturize and protect the skin and hair.
Sometimes, these glands produce too much oil, which mixes with dead skin cells and blocks the follicle. Depending on how close the blockage is to the skin’s surface, it appears as either a blackhead or a whitehead.
More severe acne, like pustules and cysts, develops when bacteria on the skin infect clogged follicles, worsening inflammation.
How Hormones Affect Acne
While overactive sebaceous glands are the main cause of acne, several factors can trigger excess oil production.
Sebaceous glands are highly sensitive to hormones, especially androgens like testosterone. This is why acne often appears during puberty when hormonal changes disrupt oil production, leading to oily skin and breakouts.
The Role of Genetics in Acne
Genetics plays a significant role in acne. If your parents had acne, you’re more likely to develop it too. This genetic link also determines whether you’ll experience teenage acne or adult acne—if a parent had adult acne, you’re at higher risk.
Why Women Are More Prone to Adult Acne
While teenage acne is more common in boys due to higher testosterone levels, adult acne affects women more frequently. Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can trigger breakouts.
Acne Treatment Options
How to Treat Acne
Acne treatment varies by individual—what works for one person may not work for another. Many people try multiple treatments before finding one that works. MedsBird offers several effective options:
Topical treatments: Tretinoin, Acnecide gel, Treclin gel
Oral antibiotics: Lymecycline, Oxytetracycline
For women: Anti-androgen birth control pills like Dianette and Clairette
MedsBird makes it easy to access these treatments without a prescription.
What Is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin has gained popularity as an acne treatment, thanks in part to social media influencers showcasing its results.
How Tretinoin Works
Tretinoin speeds up skin cell turnover and unclogs pores, preventing new acne. It binds to retinoic acid receptors in the skin, triggering chemical reactions that shed old cells and promote new, healthy ones.
Where to Buy Acne Treatments
You can purchase effective acne treatments, including Tretinoin, online from MedsBird without a prescription.
Other Acne Triggers
While not direct causes, certain factors can worsen acne:
- Cosmetics: Some products may clog pores.
- Friction: Tight clothing or accessories that rub against skin.
- Smoking: Increases oil production.
- Medications: Some epilepsy, depression, and bipolar drugs.
Common Acne Myths & Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does creatine cause acne? | No |
| Does vaping cause acne? | No (but may indirectly contribute) |
| Does stress cause acne? | Yes |
| Does dairy cause acne? | No |
| Does chocolate cause acne? | No |
| Does sugar cause acne? | Yes |
| Does milk cause acne? | No |
| Does smoking weed cause acne? | Yes |
| Can kisses cause baby acne? | No |
| Does whey protein cause acne? | Yes |
| Can retinol cause acne? | Initially, yes (but improves with use) |
| Does moisturizer cause acne? | Yes (if unsuitable for skin type) |
| Can niacinamide cause acne? | No (may help acne) |
| Can salicylic acid cause acne? | No (helps treat acne) |
| Can vitamin C cause acne? | No (but may irritate some skin) |
| Does hyaluronic acid cause acne? | No (hydrates without clogging pores) |
| Does masturbation cause acne? | No |
| Does smoking cause acne? | Yes |
| Does biotin cause acne? | Yes (in high doses) |
| Does coffee cause acne? | No (but may increase stress) |
| Does makeup cause acne? | Yes (if not removed properly) |
| Does sweat cause acne? | Yes (when mixed with bacteria/oil) |
| Can collagen cause acne? | No |
| Can dry skin cause acne? | Yes (triggers excess oil) |
| Can nicotine cause acne? | Yes |
| Do eggs cause acne? | No |
| Does pregnancy cause acne? | Yes |
| Does progesterone cause acne? | Yes |
| Can dermarolling cause acne? | Yes (if bacteria enters skin) |
| Can multivitamins cause acne? | No (but high doses of some vitamins can) |
| Can the pill cause acne? | Yes (some types) |
| Does alcohol cause acne? | Yes |
| Does cheese cause acne? | No |
| Does dermaplaning cause acne? | No |
| Does the implant cause acne? | Yes |
| Can gluten cause acne? | No |
| Does estrogen cause acne? | Yes (during hormonal changes) |
| Does high testosterone cause acne? | Yes |
| Does HRT cause acne? | Yes |
| Can antidepressants cause acne? | Yes (some types) |
| Can ashwagandha cause acne? | No |
| Can COVID cause acne? | Rarely |
Sources: