Just about every person on the planet has had acne at one point or another. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. In fact, 85% of adolescents have acne and 20% of adults have it. Unfortunately, many people find themselves struggling with this condition.
There are different reasons why people get acne. Some of the most common causes include an overabundance of oil production, a collection of dead skin cells, clogged pores, hormones, genetics and the presence of bacteria. Most people get the condition because of one or a mixture of these primary causes.
While acne can appear anywhere on your body, it is most common on the face, chest, back and neck. This is because these are the parts of your body that produce the most oil. Acne happens when the oil that your body produces gets stuck inside of your hair follicles. Then dead skin cells are added and bacteria develop.
Interestingly, the oil that your body produces actually has a very good purpose. It is designed to keep your hair and your skin lubricated. In normal circumstances, this oil will travel along the hair shaft, providing a nice layer of protection for your skin. Unfortunately, when this oil production reaches excessive amounts, it builds up. Then, the follicle or the pore becomes plugged. The plug becomes the perfect home for bacteria, and when bacteria do their thing, it leads to inflammation.
If your plug leads to the follicle wall bulging, you get a whitehead. If the plug opens up and gets covered with dead bacteria, you get a blackhead. There are certain factors that might make your acne worse. An example is hormones. When your hormones fluctuate, your body starts to produce more oil. This is why people commonly develop the condition in their teenage years, but this is also why you may see pregnant women or women using oral contraceptives having outbreaks.
The good news is you don’t have to grin and bear your acne. There are various treatment options available at VITAHL Medical Aesthetics that can help with your condition! These include laser acne treatment, customized facials and chemical peels, just to name a few. Contact us today at 312-634-6100 to schedule a consultation at our office in Chicago.
