Acne and Treatments
Since the follicular lining in the pilo-sebaceous unit is intact before adolescence, it has been postulated that if colonization of Proprionibacterium acnes occurs in sufficient quantities they create antigenic molecules that promote the initiation of inflammation. Proprionibacterium acnes is able to produce proteinases, lipase, and hyaluronate lyase all of which may act as the accelerators or initiators of the inflammatory infiltrate which is composed of neutrophils and lymphocytes.
The key player in the cause of acne in adolescence is hormones. At this stage androgens interact with receptors on the sebaceous glands and cause activation of the sebaceous gland to hypertrophy and so form more sebaceous production of lipids and free fatty acids which distend the follicular canal. More specifically, there is evidence for increased peripheral metabolic conversion of the androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at the level of the skin in people having acne.
How Acne Forms
The basic lesion in this condition called acne vulgaris is the comedo. When exposed to oxygen the comedo becomes dark and creates what you know as a blackhead. The comedo is created by retention of layers of devitalized skin called keratin in the lining of the follicles. In addition to hyperkeratosis (which is thickening or trapped layers of keratin), there is an accumulation of sebum. The mixture of the keratin and the sebum produces a blocking of the opening of the follicular canal, and papules are formed by inflammation around the comedones. Depending on the degree of inflammation, pustules, nodules, granulomatous reactions, cars, cysts, and keloids may appear.
Inflammatory Reaction
Airborne contamination and other harmful elements further exacerbate the inflammatory reaction. As bacteria start to proliferate inside the clogged pore your immune system responds by releasing granulocytes and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells that destroy the bacteria. The inflammation process is needed to eliminate the continuing effects 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 clogging the exit of the sebum ducts, the sebaceous glands continue to form sebum, which gathers in the sebum canal 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 produces discomfort, swelling, redness, and a mass (pimple, redhead, acne papule).
Growth of Acne Bacteria
The above conditions encourage the growth of bacteria and result in infection inside the duct, the sebaceous gland, and nearby tissue. The commencement of the infection makes further inflammatory changes, therefore starting a cycle of accentuated obstruction of the outflow of sebum which produces even more pressure, inflammation, and progressing infection making cysts and pustules to appear. The consequence on skin tissues caused by these infections is very damaging and the healing process usually ends in a scar.
To find a good pimple solution, you must remember that all individuals have different needs. Try a variety of acne products, starting 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 produced by various acne conditions can now be easily eliminated thanks to a biological skin care product elaborated with a hypoallergenic, non-irritant special component for the regeneration of your skin.
Published February 15th, 2008