Start and Cause of Acne
Since the follicular lining in the pilo-sebaceous unit is untouched 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 can produce proteinases, lipase, and hyaluronate lyase all of which can act as the accelerators or initiators of the inflammatory infiltrate which is composed of neutrophils and lymphocytes.
The crucial player in the cause of acne in adolescence is hormones. At this stage androgens interact with receptors on the sebaceous glands and cause stimulation of the sebaceous gland to hypertrophy and hence form more sebaceous production of lipids and free fatty acids which distend the follicular conduct. More specifically, there is evidence for increased peripheral metabolic conversion of the androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at the level of the skin in persons having acne.
How Acne Forms
The first 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 dead skin known as 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 plugging of the opening of the follicular conduct, and papules are made by inflammation around the comedones. Depending upon the degree of inflammation, nodules, cars, pustules, cysts, granulomatous reactions, and keloids can develop.
Inflammatory Response
Airborne contamination and other harmful materials further aggravate the inflammatory response. As microbes begin to proliferate inside the blocked pore your immune system reacts by releasing granulocytes and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells that eliminate the microbes. The inflammation process is necessary to get rid of 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 multiplication of acne bacteria due to lack of white blood cells 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 accumulates in the sebum conduct augmenting the comedo in size. The expansion in size results in pressure and leads to a further intense inflammation reaction in the surrounding skin and produces discomfort, redness, swelling, and a mass (pimple, redhead, acne papule).
Growth of Acne Bacteria
The above factors encourage the growth of microbes and result in infection inside the duct, the sebaceous gland, and surrounding tissue. The commencement of the infection makes further inflammatory changes, therefore beginning a cycle of accentuated blockage of the outflow of sebum which leads to even more pressure, inflammation, and progressing infection causing cysts and pustules to appear. The consequence on skin tissues caused by such infections is very harmful and the healing process usually results in a scar.
In order to find a good pimple solution, you must keep in mind that all individuals have 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 quickly faded thanks to a natural skin care product elaborated with a hypoallergenic, non-irritant special component for the rejuvenation of your skin.
Published February 15th, 2008
Filed in Beauty
