Causes of Acne
It All Starts in the Follicles
The source of acne breakouts is the hair follicle. Sebaceous glands in the hair follicle produce sebum, or oil. Sebum travels up the hair follicle to the skin surface, collecting bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the hair follicle.
As sebum production increases, more cells begin to shed, creating an abnormally large amount of material attempting to exit the follicle. These masses of material can become clogged, plugging the mouth of the follicle and creating what is commonly called a pimple, blemish, whitehead or blackhead.
Unfortunately, the mixture of sebum and dead cells in the clogged follicle becomes a pool for bacterial growth. This potent combination begins to create inflammation, swelling and pus, resulting in acne. Further, the body responds to this by sending chemical defenders leading to free radical formation and further oxidation and inflammation.
Acne lesions are most common where there are the greatest numbers of sebaceous glands: the forehead, chin and mid-back; but acne also can flare up on the shoulders, chest, neck, upper arms and scalp.
The Hormonal Link to Acne
Hormones are the most common link to the causes of acne. The adrenal hormone DHEA, along with increased levels of testosterone, are closely associated with severe acne. When oxidized, testosterone is converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) by means of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This is also the hormone linked to the hair loss in both men and women.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Many women with acne suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a condition that involves the overproduction of male hormones, such as testosterone.
If acne is coincidental with changes in menstrual periods, fertility complications or weight gain, it might well be linked to hormonal imbalances that create high insulin levels in the blood and dietary cravings that are difficult to control.
A change in diet to include more vegetables and fewer carbohydrates can help to control this cause of acne.
Estrogen. Another hormonal link to acne is excess estrogen. Symptoms that can indicate excess estrogen include breast pain and headaches as well as other skin complaints. Again, diet and supplements can help to regulate these hormonal imbalances.
Progesterone Deficiency. Recent reports indicate that a deficiency of progesterone might lead to increased production of androgens (male hormones) which also can result in acne development. For some, the use of progesterone cream has been found to improve the appearance of acne.
Infections. Candida (fungal infection) and infections of the mucous membranes also have been linked with increases in acne development. This is considered a weak link by many doctors, but some studies have indicated that managing these conditions might improve the appearance of acne.
NOTE: Regardless of the cause of breakouts, pimples and blemishes, if your acne appears to be severe, infected or widespread, seek a doctor’s advice before attempting to self treat. Malibu’s Wellness Solution to Acne will help in the management of even severe acne, but underlying causes should be addressed by your doctor.
Return to The Wellness Solution to Acne.
The Malibu Wellness Solution
EC Mode Oil-Less Wellness System
Step 1: EC Mode® Zinc C Thera-Serum
Step 2: EC Mode® Oil-Less Moisturizer
Partners with
How do I begin to tell you how much the EC Mode® skin care products by Malibu Wellness mean to me! Thank you so much for my new skin!!!
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Television Personality & Author
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I’m 27 and my sister is 19 and we have both suffered for years from acne. We both had very large, almost cystic acne that would leave scars and never, never went away and it covered most of our face. It has now been about 4 weeks and our skin is looking so wonderful. It’s like we’ve been given a miracle! To look at our skin today you can hardly tell that we’ve ever had a problem with acne!
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Within two days of using Malibu's EC Mode Oil-Less System including EC Mode Pure Blend Cleanser, Zinc C Thera-Serum and Oil-Less Moisturizer my face was acne free and continues to stay that way.
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Ohio
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Ohio
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It's been three weeks since she started using the EC Mode Oil-Less system for acne and this is the first time she has ever noticed a difference in her skin (even after using a drug her doctor prescribed for adult acne)."
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Boulder, CO
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Jenny used the two components of the EC Mode Oil-Less system the EC Mode® Zinc C Thera-Serum and the EC Mode® Oil-Less Moisturizer. “Before, my skin would break out with tiny bumps and it would feel tight and dry. But not any more. I’ve been using EC Mode® now for two years. And I haven’t needed to go back to the doctor for my skin ever since!”
Jenny
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...decided to try the EC Mode®’s skin care line featuring EC Mode® Zinc C Thera-Serum It only took one month to see a difference in her acne condition. “Within that month my skin went from awful to beautiful! I had the type of acne that was deep under the skin, and I don’t have it anymore.”
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Licensed Esthetician
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