Acne Education : What is Acne?
Preferred Ingredients by Type of Acne

 

What Is Acne?
Acne (Acne Vulgaris) is an inflammatory skin disease often characterized by red lesions and irritation of the skin. Acne lesions are typically referred to as pimples or zits. Most everyone for some point of their life suffers from the effects of Acne. Although acne is not usually a serious health concern, its can still negative impact to the sufferer and usually results in significant emotional distress. The onset of Acne usually appears during adolescence. Studies show that Acne has serious negative effects on self-esteem and has even been tied to severe depression. Early and aggressive treatment is therefore advocated to lessen the overall impact to individuals. (1), (2) Moderate-Severe and Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring.


Acne affects a large percentage of humans at some stage in life. For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to decrease in the early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take for it to disappear entirely, and some individuals will continue to suffer from acne decades later, into their thirties and forties and even beyond.(3)
What Causes Acne?


There are four causes of Acne. Acne develops when one or more of the follow occurs: skin cells shed and block the Follicle, over production of Sebum, growth of Acne Bacteria (p. acnes), or substances inflame the skin. Each cause is important to address in order to treat acne most effectively. Look for an Acne Treatment that do multiple or all of the following (see acne treatment comparisons): (4)


1. Decrease Sebum Production
2. Reduce P. Acne (acne bacteria)
3. Normalizes the shedding of skin cells
4. Eliminates Inflammation

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