Acne remains a bit of a mystery. It seems to be partly hereditary, but why some people are affected by it and others are untouched isn’t exactly known. We do, however, understand some of the biology behind it.
The main culprit is the excess production of sebum, an oily substance whose function is to keep skin and hair lubricated and supple. The production of the oily sebum blocks the skin’s surface, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. The bacteria multiply, the skin area becomes red and inflamed, and then a pimple pops up.
The Role Of Testosterone
The excess production of sebum is caused by testosterone, the male hormone. However, testosterone is present in both males and females. During puberty, the body changes in its reaction to testosterone, thereby producing extra sebum. This irregular reaction, occurring mainly during adolescence, causes the skin — particularly the face and upper torso — to become oily.
The sebum then combines with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block hair follicles.
The body usually regulates its reaction to testosterone by the early 20s, and then the annoying...