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 stimulate the initiation of inflammation. Proprionibacterium acnes can produce proteinases, lipase, and hyaluronate lyase all of which may 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 puberty is hormones. At this phase androgens interact with receptors on the sebaceous glands and cause stimulation of the sebaceous gland to hypertrophy and so induce more sebaceous synthesis of lipids and free fatty acids which dilate the follicular canal. More specifically, there is evidence for enhanced peripheral metabolic transformation of the androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at the level of the skin in people suffering from acne.
How Acne Forms
The basic lesion in this condition called acne vulgaris is the comedo. When exposed to oxygen the comedo turns dark and forms 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 retained layers of keratin), there is an aggregation of sebum. The combination of the keratin and the sebum produces a plugging of the opening of the follicular canal, and papules are formed by inflammation around the comedones. Depending on the degree of inflammation, nodules, pustules, cysts, granulomatous reactions, cars, and keloids may develop.
Inflammatory Response
Airborne contamination and other harmful elements further aggravate the inflammatory reaction. As microbes start to grow inside the clogged pore your defensive system responds by releasing granulocytes and macrophages, which are groups of white blood cells that eliminate the microbes. The inflammation process is needed to eliminate the continuing consequences of excess bacteria and signal the body to repair the damage to tissues. Often times the defensive 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 outlet of the sebum ducts, the sebaceous glands continue to form sebum, which gathers in the sebum canal increasing the comedo in size. The expansion in size produces pressure and leads to a more intense inflammation reaction in the nearby skin and creates discomfort, redness, swelling, and a mass (pimple, redhead, acne papule).
Growth of Acne Bacteria
The above conditions encourage the growth of microbes and result in infection inside the canal, the sebaceous gland, and nearby tissue. The commencement of the infection makes further inflammatory changes, therefore starting a cycle of accentuated obstruction of the outflow of sebum which leads to even more pressure, inflammation, and progressing infection causing cysts and pustules to occur. The consequence on skin tissues caused by these infections is very harmful and the healing process usually ends in a scar.
To find a good pimple solution, you must remember that all individuals have different needs. Try a variety of acne products, starting with the milder one, until you find what works for you. A good skin treatment can be the end of your acne.
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Published February 15th, 2008