If you happen to be one of the few lucky people who has not suffered the
irritating consequences of waking up with a new pimple everyday, you might not be
acquainted with the aggravating skin condition that 85% of teenagers experience at
some point during puberty, and that is acne. Acne is a commonly encountered skin
issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While its exact origin is complex,
various factors contribute to the development of acne, ranging from genetic
predisposition to lifestyle choices. This essay aims to explore the intertwined nature
of acne formation, focusing on genetics, inadequate dietary choices, lack of exercise
and other influential elements, in order to give you a better understanding of why we
experience acne.
The production of the well-known pimples, as we commonly call them, is a
fairly easy to comprehend process. Acne-prone individuals experience excessive
sebum production, which is an ideal environment for the bacteria Propionibacterium
acnes to thrive in and for it to lead to inflammation and lesions. Sebum, mixed with
dead skin cells and dirt creates a process called follicular hyperkeratinization, which
means that the hair follicles become plugged with a mixture of oil and cells, therefore
resulting in the formation of pimples. But why do some people suffer from this
condition and others not?
First and foremost, we have to consider our genetic background. If, let’s
assume, our parents had severe acne problems during their puberty, it is almost certain
that we are also predisposed to experiencing the same symptoms at some point in our
lives, as genetic factors play a crucial role in acne susceptibility. Researchers have
suggested that genetics can influence sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization
and even inflammatory responses, which all contribute to the overall development of
acne lesions. Although, we shouldn’t put the whole blame only on our genetics.
Another factor which is crucial in the development of acne are our hormones,
and especially androgens which experience a spike during puberty. Testosterone is the
one androgen that is predominant in both genders, but others such as androstenedione
and DHEA play a significant role in acne pathogenesis. Increased androgen levels
during puberty stimulate sebaceous gland activity, therefore leading to excess sebum
production, creating a perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria. So, that means
that puberty is the time window for most cases of acne, but some people experience
the condition as a result of other health concerns such as PCOS (polycystic ovary
syndrome) for women and overall hormonal imbalances caused by stress, diet and
sleep in both genders.
While the role of diet in acne formation is still debated, there is evidence
suggesting a correlation between certain dietary factors and acne severity, making it
an important factor to be taken into consideration. High-glycemic diets, rich in refined
sugars and carbohydrates, may worsen acne symptoms by increasing insulin levels
and promoting inflammation, meaning that our guilty pleasures for fast food or sweets
may play a significant part in our acne problems. Additionally, dairy consumption has
been associated with acne development, possibly due to hormonal components in
milk, and many dermatologists suggest cutting down on dairy products to see a
reduction in severe acne.
A sedentary lifestyle can also influence acne through various mechanisms.
Physical inactivity may impact hormonal balance, increasing the risk of acne
development. Moreover, sedentarism is often linked to poor circulation, which can
affect skin health and contribute to acne lesions. Lifestyle choices such as inadequate
sleep and high-stress levels also play a role in acne worsening, possibly through
hormonal fluctuations and immune system dysregulation.
Environmental factors, exposure to pollutants and harsh skincare products are
also linked to acne formation. Pollutants may increase oxidative stress, promoting
inflammation and worsening existing acne. Similarly, aggressive skincare routines or
the use of comedogenic products disrupt the skin barrier and that means our skin is
exposed to additional damage and acne becomes more and more noticeable.
In conclusion, acne formation is a multifactorial process influenced by a
combination of genetic, hormonal, dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Understanding the intertwining of these factors is crucial for developing
comprehensive strategies for acne prevention and management. And don’t forget,
acne is a normalcy, so don’t feel ashamed of your skin issues!
Comentários