Acne being caused by an overload of sebum being produced makes perfect sense, but I’ve never understood why this is all caused by hormones. Why do the sebaceous glands freak out due to hormones and androgens when the body isn’t benefiting from, rather being harmed by large amounts of sebum?
In: Biology
Sebum production increase actually does help the body. The increase helps to keep the skin healthy and retain moisture, and has other uses as well. Having low sebum (dry skin) actually causes problems such as irritation and acne also, as well as potential for cracked skin. Acne is just a possible side effect from the increase in sebum and androgens, and often has other factors, such as what cleansers are being used, what type of acne it is, genetics, environment, exercising, etc. Sebum is regulated by your androgens. They are called the male hormones (but females have them as well, in smaller numbers). When androgens increase, sebum increases, that’s just how it goes. Hormones are regulated by the pituitary gland. When you hit puberty, your hormones increase and change levels frequently. This is natural as your body is adjusting. This hormonal imbalance causes your sebum levels to change as well. If the body is producing a large amount of testosterone, your sebum will increase and your chances for acne will increase. This is in puberty though, when your hormones are at much different levels then when you become an adult. As an adult, your hormones and as such sebum production should begin to balance out. As such, your skin should only produce its normal amount, and not change as often as puberty. Increases in testosterone at any age can increase sebum production, though. As you get older, your body will produce less androgens and less sebum will be produced. This results in dry and damaged skin, this shows that sebum production is important, it’s just acne takes advantage of the times when oil production is high. Think of how when people get older, the skin begins to seem more damaged. But acne can happen anytime really, just keep to a good skin care routine! Interestingly, progesterone might cause skin problems at higher levels also, despite not being an androgen. Balancing the levels of progesterone might help as well
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