What is acne?
December 31, 2008 by admin
People have different opinions as to just what qualifies as acne and just what acne really is. Acne is medically defined as an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands; typically we see comedones and pimples. In severe cases of acne where cysts are formed, their subsequent bursting can cause scarring. What everyone agrees on is that acne can be miserable for the person dealing with it. Acne is not just for teenagers though and can affect the skin at any age.
What causes acne?
There is no one factor or cause of people getting acne. Acne typically happens when the adrenal glands in both men and women produce a male hormone and the sebaceous or glands that are responsible for oil production spring to life. We need oil production to keep our skin supple and smooth – the oil lubricates and protects our skins. Sometimes the skin cells near the surface can block the openings of these glands and the oil keeps being produced and building up underneath.
Bacteria we naturally have on our skin multiply and cause the redness and inflammation we can typically see around the pimple.
Types of acne include:
- If the oil comes to the surface it is commonly called a whitehead.
- If the oil becomes oxidised because of contact with air and therefore oxygen – it turns into a blackhead.
- Congestion and inflammation near the surface can cause a pustule or what we refer to as a pimple.
- If you get a pimple that is more below than on top of the surface it is called a papule.
- Go deeper into the skin and you have a cyst.
It is important to use a skincare regime that has a moisturiser that is non-comodegenic and does not block the pores. A cleanser needs to clean the face effectively but also be gentle on skin that is already sensitive and inflamed. Treat your skin gently.
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