There are several myths surrounding Acne - for example, that people with blemishes are less hygenic than others. Whilst this is untrue, there are several key factors that medical professionals know are likely to make some people more prone to Acne than others:
Genetics
Genes determine our skin type and some of us have skin that is more reactive and prone to inflammation, blemishes and acne than others. If both your parents had Acne there is a higher chance that you will develop the condition.
Hormones
Acne is a hormonal condition. Hormones are responsible for the development of the sebaceous glands and they also stimulate sebum production in those sebaceous glands (an overproduction of sebum is one of the symptoms that defines blemish-prone skin).
The increase of hormones during puberty is the main reason why Acne is most prevalent in adolescence, but hormones continue to effect men and women differently at different life stages. Changes in hormonal levels during the menstrual cycle often causes flare-ups for women in their 20s and 30s, with late onset cases generally known as Acne Tarda. Find out more about the relationship between hormones and Acne here.
Medication
Some medications including antidepressants, antiepileptics, steroids and lithium are known to cause Acne. Prolonged use of antibiotics can also impact on skin health, potentially leading to Acne.
Acne Fulminans, a rare condition, can also be developed as a side effect of anabolic steroid abuse by some bodybuilders.