Acne can be a real issue, especially for teenagers. However, often it isn't only teenagers that have the misfortune to develop acne. It is also possible for many adults to get it too. So what causes acne? The main culprit is horomonal changes which influence oil production. It is thought that our hormones play a big part in developing acne, especially in teenagers. This is because our hormones have been known to be responsible for the maturation of the oil glands. This means that any hormone differences can cause acne to flare up. Generally, there are few occasions in our lives when our hormones can go a little hay-wire. Usually it happens during adolescence, pregnancy and during the menopause. However, they can also decide to play up whenever they feel like it so it is hard to determine when they are most likely to cause acne. Recent research has shown that acne may be caused by the male hormone 'androgens' which are present in both males and females. The effect of DHT on the androgen receptors stimulates the receptors and causes the oil glands to overproduce oil. The excess oil clogs the skin and allows dirt, bacteria and foreign debris to saturate the skin pore. Bacteria are then able to freely grow in the follicles and that is what causes acne.