Ageless Beauty

What Causes Acne?

Overview

Your skin has tiny holes called pores that can become blocked by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt. When this occurs, you may develop a pimple or “zit.” If your skin is repeatedly affected by this condition, you may have acne.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S. Although acne isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can be painful, particularly when it’s severe. It can also cause emotional distress.

Acne that appears on your face can affect your self-esteem and, over time, may cause permanent physical scarring.

There are many effective treatments for acne that reduce both the number of pimples you get and your chance of scarring.
What are the symptoms of acne?

Acne can be found almost anywhere on your body. It most commonly develops on your face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders.

If you have acne, you’ll typically notice pimples that are white or black. Both blackheads and whiteheads are known as comedones.

Blackheads open at the surface of your skin, giving them a black appearance because of oxygen in the air. Whiteheads are closed just under the surface of your skin, giving them a white appearance.

While whiteheads and blackheads are the most common lesions seen in acne, other types can also occur. Inflammatory lesions are more likely to cause scarring of your skin. These include:

Papules are small, red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.
Pustules are small red pimples that have pus at their tips.
Nodules are solid, often painful lumps beneath the surface of your skin.
Cysts are large lumps found beneath your skin that contain pus and are usually painful.

What causes acne?

Acne occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria.

Each pore of your skin is the opening to a follicle. The follicle is made up of a hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland.

The oil gland releases sebum (oil), which travels up the hair, out of the pore, and onto your skin. The sebum keeps your skin lubricated and soft.

One or more problems in this lubrication process can cause acne. It can occur when:

too much oil is produced by your follicles
dead skin cells accumulate in your pores
bacteria build up in your pores

These problems contribute to the development of pimples. A pimple appears when bacteria grows in a clogged pore and the oil is unable to escape.

What are the risk factors for developing acne?

Myths about what contributes to acne are quite common. Many people believe that foods such as chocolate or French fries will contribute to acne. While there’s no scientific support for these claims, there are certain risk factors for developing acne. These include:

hormonal changes caused by puberty or pregnancy
certain medications, such as certain birth control pills or corticosteroids
a diet high in refined sugars or carbohydrates, such as bread and chips
having parents who had acne

People are most at risk for developing acne during puberty. During this time, your body undergoes hormonal changes. These changes can trigger oil production, leading to an increased risk of acne. Hormonal acne related to puberty usually subsides, or at least improves when you reach adulthood.
How is acne diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of acne, your doctor can make a diagnosis by examining your skin. Your doctor will identify the types of lesions and their severity to determine the best treatment.
How is acne treated?
At-home care

There are a few self-care activities you can try at home to prevent pimples and clear up your acne. Home remedies for acne include:

cleaning your skin daily with a mild soap to remove excess oil and dirt
shampooing your hair regularly and keeping it out of your face
using makeup that’s water-based or labeled “noncomedogenic” (not pore-clogging)
not squeezing or picking pimples, which spreads bacteria and excess oil
not wearing hats or tight headbands
not touching your face

10 Anti-Aging Foods to Support Your 40s-and-Beyond Body

10 Anti-Aging Foods to Support Your 40s-and-Beyond Body

Beautiful, glowing skin starts with how we eat, but these anti-aging foods can also help with more than that.
Nadine Greeff/Stocksy United

When we pack our diet with vibrant foods loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, water, and essential nutrients, our body will show its appreciation through its largest organ: our skin. After all, the skin is often the first part of our body to show internal trouble, and there’s only so much that lotions, creams, masks, and serums can do before we need to take a closer look at what’s fueling us.

Researchers have even concludedTrusted Source that eating fruits and veggies is the safest and healthiest way to combat dull complexions and fine lines. Ready to glow? Here are 10 of the best anti-aging foods to nourish your body for a glow that comes from within.
1. Watercress

The health benefits of watercress don’t disappoint! This nutrient-dense hydrating leafy green is a great source of:

calcium
potassium
manganese
phosphorus
vitamins A, C, K, B-1, and B-2

Watercress acts as an internal skin antiseptic and increases the circulation and delivery of mineralsTrusted Source to all cells of the body, resulting in enhanced oxygenation of the skin. Packed with vitamins A and C, the antioxidants in watercressTrusted Source may neutralize harmful free radicals, helping to keep fine lines and wrinkles away.

To try: Add a handful of this flavorful green to your salad today for glowing skin and overall improved health!

2. Red bell pepper

Red bell peppers are loaded with antioxidantsTrusted Source which reign supreme when it comes to anti-aging. In addition to their high content of vitamin C — which is good for collagen production — red bell peppers contain powerful antioxidants called carotenoids.

Carotenoids are plant pigments responsible for the bright red, yellow, and orange colors you see in many fruits and vegetables. They have a variety of anti-inflammatory propertiesTrusted Source and may help protect skin from sun damageTrusted Source, pollution, and environmental toxins.

To try: Slice bell peppers and dip them in hummus as a snack, add them into a raw salad, or cook them up in a stir-fry.

3. Papaya

This delicious superfood is rich in a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that may help to improveTrusted Source skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These include:

vitamins A, C, K, and E
calcium
potassium
magnesium
phosphorus
B vitamins

The wide range of antioxidants in papaya helps to fight free radical damage and may delay signs of agingTrusted Source. Papaya also contains an enzyme called papain, which provides additional anti-aging benefits by working as one of nature’s best anti-inflammatory agents. It’s also found in many exfoliating products.

So yes, eating papaya (or using products containing papain) may help your body shed dead skin cells, leaving you with glowing, vibrant skin!

To try: Drizzle fresh lime juice over a big plate of papaya as part of your breakfast or make a papaya mask at home for your next night in!

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as an age-defying antioxidant called anthocyanin. This is what gives blueberries their deep, beautiful blue color.

These powerful antioxidantsTrusted Source may help protect skin from damage due to the sun, stress, and pollution by moderating the inflammatory response and preventing collagen lossTrusted Source.

To try: Throw this delicious, low-sugar fruit into a morning smoothie or fruit bowl, and let it provide a beautifying punch!

5. Broccoli

Broccoli is an anti-inflammatory, anti-aging powerhouse packed with:

vitamins C and K
a variety of antioxidants
fiber
folate
lutein
calcium

Your body needs vitamin C for the production of collagen, the main protein in skin that gives it strength and elasticity.

To try: You can eat broccoli raw for a quick snack, but if you have the time, gently steam before eating. From charred bites to pesto sauces, cooking broccoli actually helps release more health benefits for your body.

6. Spinach

Spinach is super hydrating and packed with antioxidants that help to oxygenate and replenish the entire body. It’s also rich in:

vitamins A, C, E, and K
magnesium
plant-based heme iron
lutein

This versatile leafy green’s high vitamin C content enhances collagen production to keep skin firm and smooth. But that’s not all. The vitamin A it provides may promote strong, shiny hair, while vitamin K has been shownTrusted Source to help reduce inflammation in cells.

To try: Add handfuls of spinach to a smoothie, salad, or sauté. More ideas? Check out our favorite spinach recipes, including spinach chips and cheesy burgers.

7. Nuts

Many nuts (especially almonds) are a great source of vitamin E, which may help repair skin tissue, retain skin moisture, and protect skin from damaging UV rays. Walnuts even containTrusted Source anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that may help:

strengthen skin cell membranes
protect against sun damage
give skin a beautiful glow by preserving its natural oil barrier

To try: Sprinkle a mix of nuts on top of your salads, or eat a handful as a snack. Don’t remove the skin, either, as studies show that 50 percent or moreTrusted Source of the antioxidants are lost without the skin.

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