subject: Exactly What Is Acne? [print this page] Exactly What Is Acne? Exactly What Is Acne?
Acne or acne vulgaris to give it its proper name is the world's most common skin condition. It affects almost everyone in the world at some point in their lives in one way or another. It is a condition that causes major embarrassment to many of its sufferers, especially when it appears on the face. Although this condition has affected the lives of many people, they are not aware of exactly what is acne.
There are four major acne factors that cause acne. These factors are: overactive sebaceous glands, skin pore blockages, bacterial activity, and inflammation.
1. Overactive Sebaceous Glands
Each sebaceous is connected to a tiny canal or pore in the skin containing a single hair. These glands are responsible for the excreting of sebum which flows through the canal to the surface of the skin and acts as a natural moisturiser.
Your body uses hormones particularly the male hormone androgen to stimulate the production of the sebum. During times of stress or increased hormonal activity, the levels of androgen production increases, causing an excessive production of sebum.
2. Skin Pore Blockages
When the skin pores become blocked by dead skin cells and bacteria, oil can be trapped within the pore. A whitehead or a blackhead will form from the blockage. This is what is known as acne.
3. Bacterial Activity
While bacteria I not responsible for the formation of acne, it does play a large role in making it worse. When the skin pore becomes blocked, the bacteria Propionibacterium acne is trapped inside as well. These bacteria will grow, and produce chemicals that change the composition of the sebum, causing it to become an irritant to the skin as well as inflammation.
4. Inflammation
Skin inflammation occurs because of the attempts of the body's immune system to rid itself of a foreign substance. In this case, the body is trying to remove either the bacteria or the irritants produced by the bacteria. Skin that is inflamed is characterised by redness, swelling warmth and discomfort.
There are four types of blocked pores.
1. Blackheads which occur when the blocked pore bursts through the surface of the skin and oxidises when it is exposed to air. This gives it its dark colour, not dirt as is commonly believed.
2. Whiteheads which occur when the blocked pre remains beneath the skin's surface, these whiteheads are more likely to lead to pimples or pustules.
3. Pustules, also known as pimples occur when the wall of the blocked cell ruptures. Dead skin cells, oil and bacteria get into the area forming reddened areas of inflammation.
4. Cysts are larger, deeper inflamed areas which are more painful and indicate a more extensive infection.
