Acne and Treatments
Since the follicular walls in the pilo-sebaceous unit is untouched before puberty, it has been postulated that if colonization of Proprionibacterium acnes happens in sufficient quantities they create antigenic molecules that stimulate the initiation of inflammation. Proprionibacterium acnes can synthesize proteinases, lipase, and hyaluronate lyase all of which may serve as the accelerators or promoters of the inflammatory infiltrate which is made of neutrophils and lymphocytes.
The crucial player in the cause of acne in adolescence is hormones. At this stage androgens interact with receptors on the sebaceous glands and promote activation of the sebaceous gland to hypertrophy and so induce more sebaceous production of lipids and free fatty acids which dilate the follicular conduct. More specifically, there is evidence for increased peripheral metabolic transformation of the androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at the level of the skin in people having acne.
How Acne Forms
The basic lesion in this condition called acne vulgaris is the comedo. When exposed to oxygen the comedo becomes 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 walls 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 leads to a plugging of the opening of the follicular conduct, and papules are made by inflammation around the comedones. Depending on the degree of inflammation, pustules, cars, granulomatous reactions, cysts, nodules, and keloids may develop.
Inflammatory Reaction
Airborne contamination and other toxic elements further aggravate the inflammatory response. As bacteria start to proliferate within the clogged pore your immune system reacts by releasing granulocytes and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells that eliminate the bacteria. The inflammation process is necessary to eliminate the continuing effects of excess bacteria and signal the body to repair the harm to tissues. Often times the immune 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 blocking the exit of the sebum ducts, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, which gathers in the sebum conduct increasing the comedo in size. The expansion in size results in pressure and leads to a more intense inflammation reaction in the nearby skin and creates swelling, redness, discomfort, and a mass (pimple, redhead, acne papule).
Growth of Acne Bacteria
The above conditions encourage the growth of bacteria and result in infection within the duct, the sebaceous gland, and nearby tissue. The commencement of the infection makes further inflammatory changes, therefore starting a cycle of accentuated blockage of the outflow of sebum which leads to even more pressure, inflammation, and progressing infection causing cysts and pustules to appear. The effect on skin tissues caused by such infections is very damaging and the healing process usually results in a scar.
In order to find a good pimple solution, you must remember that all individuals have different needs. Try a variety of acne products, beginning with the milder one, until you find what works for you. A good skin treatment can be the end of your acne.
Scars, blemishes and marks left behind by various acne ailments can now be easily faded thanks to a natural skin care product made with a hypoallergenic, non-irritant special component for the regeneration of your skin.
Published February 15th, 2008
Filed in Beauty
