Common skin complaints - Acne

ACNE

When people hear the term acne, they generally think of a skin condition that shows noticeable spots / lesions. In reality, acne is the name given to a complex process that may virtually be invisible in some people, or cause others extreme gross disfigurement. Acne usually begins in adolescence and almost no one escapes a couple of spots. In fact, medical studies show that there is almost 100% incidence of acne and only the level of severity differs from person to person.

Currently, there is no one single cause for acne, however, a number of factors may be present such as:

1. Hereditary

While it may be true that nearly everyone suffers from some form of acne, the more severe cases of acne are believed to be strongly influenced by hereditary. As an example, hereditary is an important factor in determining the size and activity of sebaceous glands. Even though acne may skip certain family members or even pass a generation, the presence of acne is believed to be genetically based. (JMSR)

2. An Increase in Sebum (Oil) Production

Sebum is critical in the development of acne. Sebum production increases dramatically at the onset of adolescence due to higher levels of hormones, and in particular androgens. While androgens are present in both male and females, they are mainly associated with the so called “male” hormones.

3. Bacteria

It is the Propionibacteria (P acne bacteria) that produces the toxic substance that attacks the follicle and eventually causes the follicle to burst. For a long time, the medical profession considered acne to be a bacterial infection. This seemed like a logical conclusion since many of the features of acne (redness and tenderness) were in keeping with other infectious conditions. Not only that, antibiotics have generally proven to be beneficial in the control of acne. However, medics now know that bacteria only play a role in the acne process. In fact, research shows when P acne bacteria are injected directly into the dermis acne is not produced. It appears that the presence of other factors such as increased sebum, hormonal changes, follicle retention and inherited follicular characteristics, all contribute to the bacteria’s ability to produce the by- products that accelerate and aggravate acne.

4. Hormones

Acne is not a hormonal disorder in itself; normal hormone levels need to be present for acne to occur. People who have severe acne have normal hormonal levels in the same range as those who do not suffer from the disease. The rare exception is in people who have developed a specific abnormal condition in which acne may be one of several systems. More correctly, the individuals who are predisposed to develop acne have follicles that have characteristics that make the follicle far more reactive to various otherwise normal hormonal changes.

5. Retention Hyperkeratosis

This refers to the abnormal build- up and retention of cells in the follicles of individuals who are prone to acne. It appears that people who develop more aggressive acne may have a genetic defect that causes the follicles to stick together and form a blockage. P acne bacteria are known as anaerobic bacteria, meaning they cannot survive well when exposed to oxygen. The blocking of the follicle is then a contributing factor in at least two essential parts of the acne process. First, the anaerobic P acne bacteria has the perfect oxygen free environment to thrive and second, oil that is now trapped in the follicle is fed on by the P acne bacteria, which then begins excreting the by-products that play a primary role in the inflammatory process. If the abnormal cellular build–up did not occur, it is likely that much of the acne process could be diffused.

Here at The Cosmetic Practice we have a wide range of products to help with oily, problematic, breakout and acne prone skin and if you would like any advice or information, Don't hesitate to contact us via mail or phone on 08450020016.