Acne and Acne Products
Since the follicular walls in the pilo-sebaceous unit is intact before puberty, it has been theorized that if colonization of Proprionibacterium acnes occurs in sufficient numbers they create antigenic molecules that promote the initiation of inflammation. Proprionibacterium acnes is able to produce proteinases, lipase, and hyaluronate lyase all of which can serve as the accelerators or promoters of the inflammatory infiltrate which is composed of neutrophils and lymphocytes.
The key player in the cause of acne in puberty is hormones. At this phase androgens interact with receptors on the sebaceous glands and promote activation of the sebaceous gland to hypertrophy and hence induce more sebaceous synthesis of lipids and free fatty acids which distend the follicular conduct. More specifically, there is evidence for increased peripheral metabolic transformation of the androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at the level of the skin in people suffering from acne.
How Acne Forms
The basic lesion in this condition called acne vulgaris is the comedo. When in contact with oxygen the comedo turns dark and forms what you know as a blackhead. The comedo is created by retention of layers of dead skin known as keratin in the walls of the follicles. In addition to hyperkeratosis (which is thickening or retained layers of keratin), there is an aggregation of sebum. The combination of the keratin and the sebum produces a blocking of the opening of the follicular conduct, and papules are formed by inflammation around the comedones. Depending on the degree of inflammation, pustules, cysts, granulomatous reactions, nodules, cars, and keloids can develop.
Inflammatory Response
Airborne contamination and other harmful materials further exacerbate the inflammatory reaction. As bacteria start to proliferate within the clogged pore your immune system responds by releasing granulocytes and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells that eliminate the bacteria. The inflammation process is necessary to eliminate the continuing consequences of excess bacteria and signal the body to repair the damage to tissues. Often times the immune response system can't stop the reproduction of acne bacteria due to lack of leukocytes or an impaired system.
Activity of the Sebaceous Gland
When a comedo is blocking the outlet of the sebum ducts, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, which gathers in the sebum conduct increasing the comedo in size. The expansion in size results in pressure and leads to a further intense inflammation response in the nearby skin and creates redness, discomfort, swelling, and a mass (pimple, redhead, acne papule).
Growth of Acne Bacteria
The above factors encourage the growth of bacteria and result in infection within the duct, the sebaceous gland, and nearby tissue. The commencement of the infection makes further inflammatory alterations, therefore starting a cycle of accentuated blockage of the outflow of sebum which produces even more pressure, inflammation, and progressing infection causing cysts and pustules to appear. The consequence on skin tissues caused by such infections is very damaging and the healing process usually ends in a scar.
To find a good pimple remedy, you must keep in mind that everyone has different needs. Try various acne products, beginning with the milder one, until you find what works for you. A good skin treatment can be the end of your acne.
Scars, blemishes and marks left behind by various acne conditions can now be easily faded thanks to a natural skin care product made with a hypoallergenic, non-irritant special component for the regeneration of your skin.
Published February 15th, 2008
Filed in Teen
