Health Conditions

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors are characteristics that predispose people to develop a condition. Common risk factors for acne include the following:

• Family history of acne: Some dermatologists believe that the type, pattern, duration, and severity of acne that you may experience is related to the experiences of your parents. However, it is impossible to predict which type you will develop. While studies have been highly suggestive of a hereditary link for acne, no "acne gene" has been discovered yet.

• Hormone levels: Higher levels of sex hormones (like testosterone and androsterone) stimulate oil production by the glands surrounding hair follicles. This excess oil clogs these follicles or pores, thus causing a pimple.

Along with risk factors for developing acne, certain factors can aggravate acne. These aggravating factors include the following:

• Environment: Individuals living in humid areas may develop more severe acne breakouts.

• Cosmetics: Certain ingredients within cosmetics may worsen acne. These ingredients include lanolin, petrolatum, vegetable oils, butyl stearate, lauryl alcohol, and oleic acid. These ingredients may be contained in moisturizers, foundations, and pomades.

• Petroleum oils: Individuals who work in fast food restaurants and those exposed to motor oil regularly may be more prone to acne break-outs. This occurs because the grease or oil in the air causes the skin to become irritated.

• Pressure from wearing headbands or chinstraps: People who wear helmets or sporting equipment should continue to do so for safety reasons. However, oils can collect on headbands, chinstraps, and helmets and lead to acne breakouts. Thus, it is important to clean and thoroughly rinse these items after wearing them.