Risk acne vulgaris

The tendency to develop acne runs in families. You are more likely to develop severe acne if your parents had severe acne.

The risk of developing acne is highest during the teen and young adult years. These are the years when hormones such as testosterone are increasing. Women who are at the age of menstruation also are more likely to develop acne. Many women have acne flare-ups in the days just before their menstrual periods.
Testosterone
Testosterone is one of the hormones needed for sexual development and is present in both males and females. Testosterone is considered an androgen, which is a male sex hormone, because it is made in much higher amounts in men than in women.

Testosterone helps strengthen bones and muscles in both men and women. In young men, testosterone signals the body to lower the voice, grow facial hair, and develop sexual characteristics. This hormone is also needed for sperm production.

Menstruation
The menstrual cycle is the female body's monthly pattern of preparing for a possible pregnancy. The uterus grows a new lining called the endometrium; one of the ovaries releases an egg; and then, if the egg is not fertilized by sperm, the endometrium sheds from the uterus as a menstrual period.

    * Menstrual phase (period). The thickened lining of the uterus (endometrium) is shed, causing menstrual bleeding. Day 1 of the cycle is the first day of menstrual bleeding. Bleeding usually lasts for 4 to 6 days.
    * Follicular phase. The lining of the uterus thickens to prepare for pregnancy. Also, inside a sac (follicle) on the surface of an ovary, an egg becomes ready to be released.
    * Luteal phase. The egg is released (ovulation). Women's ovulation days can range from about day 7 to day 22 of the cycle. But for an individual woman, the ovulation day is usually quite consistent.
          o If the egg is fertilized by sperm, it may attach to (implant in) the lining of the uterus, and pregnancy begins.
          o If the egg is not fertilized or does not implant, the lining of the uterus is shed during the menstrual period, and the cycle starts again.

There is a broad range of "normal" among menstruating women. The average cycle takes 28 days, but 21 to 35 days is considered normal for women in their 20s and 30s. Unpredictable or long menstrual cycles are normal for teenagers and women in their 40s. For teens, normal cycles can be as short as 21 days or as long as 45 days. If you are a teen, you can expect cycles to even out over time. If you are nearing the age of menopause, you can expect menstrual cycles to become longer and eventually to stop.
Acne can be irritated or made worse by:

    * Wearing straps or other tight-fitting items that rub against the skin (such as a football player wearing shoulder pads), as well as using equipment that rubs against the body (such as a violin held between the cheek and shoulder). Helmets, bra straps, headbands, and turtleneck sweaters also may cause acne to get worse.
    * Using skin and hair care products that contain irritating substances.
    * Washing the face too often or scrubbing the face too hard. Using harsh soaps or very hot water can also cause acne to get worse.
    * Experiencing a lot of stress.
    * Touching the face a lot.
    * Sweating a lot.
    * Having hair hanging in the face, which can cause the skin to be oilier.
    * Taking certain medications.
    * Working with oils and harsh chemicals on a regular basis.