Acne Education : How Does Acne Develop?
Preferred Ingredients by Type of Acne

 

How Does Acne Develop?
Most of our bodies are covered by what is medically referred to as a Pilosebaceous Unit. In more understandable terms, this is a Sebaceous Gland and a hair Follicle containing a fine hair. (This is depicted in the diagram below). Most of these are found on the face, upper back and chest. The Sebaceous Gland produces an oily substance called sebum that normally makes it way to the skin’s surface through the skin’s pores. Lining the follicle are cells called Keratinocytes.


Normal Skin Follicle (Pilosebaceous Unit)

In the beginning stages of Acne, these Keratinocyte cells mix with Sebum and form a blockage of the Follicle. Called Hyperkeratinization, this results in what is called a ‘microcomedo’. (PIC) Increased hormone activity (typical during adolescence) causes the enlargement of the Sebaceous Glands resulting in an overproduction of Sebum. This increased level of Sebum production provides an environment that promotes overgrowth of Acne Bacteria called Propionibacterium Acnes (p. acnes).


This Acne Bacteria produces chemicals and enzymes and attract white blood cells that result in inflammation. This stage is often characterized by swelling and redness or the feeling of heat or pain. Eventually the wall of the plugged follicle breaks down, it spills everything into the nearby skin – sebum, shed skin cells, and bacteria – leading to lesions or pimples. Acne Lesions are called comedos.

References

1) Goodman G (2006). "Acne and acne scarring - the case for active and early intervention". Aust Fam Physician 35 (7): 503-4. PMID 16820822.
2) Purvis D, Robinson E, Merry S, Watson P (2006). "Acne, anxiety, depression and suicide in teenagers: a cross-sectional survey of New Zealand secondary school students". J Paediatr Child Health 42 (12): 793-6. PMID 17096715.
3) Anderson, Laurence. 2006. Looking Good, the Australian guide to skin care, cosmetic medicine and cosmetic surgery. AMPCo. Sydney. ISBN 0 85557 044 X.
4) American Academy of Dermatology: http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatment.html