What is the most major cause of acne in adolescent women?

What is the most major cause of acne in adolescent women?

• A. Stress
• B. Dietary intake
• C. Family history
• D. Hormonal imbalance

Answer: (D)

Pubertal acne in adolescent women is primarily driven by hormonal changes that increase androgen activity. As puberty progresses, androgens rise and stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. That excess oil, combined with shedding skin cells, clogs hair follicles and creates an environment for Propionibacterium acnes to provoke inflammation, leading to the pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads characteristic of acne. While stress can worsen acne by affecting inflammation and the skin’s environment, and while diet and family history may influence susceptibility, they are not the main cause. Hormonal imbalance during puberty is the key driver behind most acne in adolescent women.

Pubertal acne in adolescent women is primarily driven by hormonal changes that increase androgen activity. As puberty progresses, androgens rise and stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. That excess oil, combined with shedding skin cells, clogs hair follicles and creates an environment for Propionibacterium acnes to provoke inflammation, leading to the pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads characteristic of acne. While stress can worsen acne by affecting inflammation and the skin’s environment, and while diet and family history may influence susceptibility, they are not the main cause. Hormonal imbalance during puberty is the key driver behind most acne in adolescent women.