Acne

Acne isn't a serious health threat unless there are unusual complications. If your acne causes you severe emotional distress, for example, you may be at risk for depression and anxiety that could undermine your psychological well-being. If fever, joint... Full Answer

If you have acne and like to wear make-up, you should look for products that don't contain oil or ingredients that can block pores. Acne is often caused by an oily, pore-clogging substance called sebum, produced by the body’s sebaceous (oil-making)... Full Answer

It’s a myth that acne is caused by poor hygiene, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. But acne treatment and regular skin cleaning can help keep outbreaks in check. Since acne is caused by bacteria that invade oil trapped inside... Full Answer

Women who experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may also be more prone to acne due to shifting hormones during the menstrual cycle. The same reproductive hormones that control the menstrual cycle also trigger glands in the skin to ramp up the production... Full Answer

A buildup of bacteria can worsen acne by changing a whitehead or a blackhead into a pus-filled pimple. Acne occurs when oil produced by microscopic glands in the skin mixes with dead skin cells to clog pores, trapping bacteria inside. As bacteria... Full Answer

If you care for a teenager or anyone else who has severe acne, bring him or her to a doctor for evaluation. Severe acne can be embarrassing and cause a person to feel less confident in his or her appearance. A doctor can prescribe effective... Full Answer

Acne vulgaris is caused when sebum (the natural oil the body produces to moisturize and waterproof skin and hair) backs up in the hair follicle. The fats contained in the sebum attract bacteria, which break the fats into fatty acids, causing an... Full Answer

Before your period starts, the hormone androgen triggers an increase in the production of body oil. This excess oil can clog pores, causing your face to break out. Hormone therapies, such as taking an oral contraceptive regularly, can help control this... Full Answer

Beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA, is different from other exfoliants in that it's oil-soluble. Since it can dissolve in oil, it can get inside oil-clogged pores (clogged pores are a cause of acne and blackheads) and remove dead skin cells to help unclog them.... Full Answer

Comedones are what people sometimes call whiteheads or blackheads. Essentially, they are pores (sebaceous follicles) that have become clogged with sebum, hair and sometimes bacteria.   Full Answer