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Acne is a disorder of the sebaceous glands in the skin technically known as Retention Hyperkeratosis.
When the pores of the skin become clogged, the oil that the sebaceous gland secretes becomes trapped. The plug causes the follicle to bulge (causing whiteheads). Sometimes the top of the plug may darken (causing blackheads) and inflamed red pimples or "zits.".
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous follicles. This happens, primarily on the face, neck, and upper trunk. It is characterised by both non inflammatory and inflammatory lesions also known as, the comedone (primary lesion), macules, papules, pustules and (at times) cysts and scars.
There is no single cause for oily and acne prone skin. Acne can be an inherent, genetic condition or can be caused by many different contributing factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, hot and humid climates, medications and cosmetic ingredients that irritate the skin and clog pores.
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The four major factors in the genesis of acne are:
- Increased sebum production
- Abnormality in cell turnover, known as ductal hyper-cornification or keratin plugging, caused by cells keratinising too early. This results in blockages deep down in hair shafts and sebaceous glands. These become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria which attaches to the bottom of the clogged mass and inflames into a pimple.
- Abnormality in the microflora of the skin or an impaired acid mantle.
- Propionebacterium in acne is also known as P acne Bacteria. By-products of these bacteria can produce inflammation and stimulate the process of pustule formation.
- Hormones: elevated androgen activity (adrenal activity and testosterone).
Acne is graded from 1 to 4 depending on the severity or can be diagnosed as either INFLAMED or NON-INFLAMMED.
Statistics
- Acne is a skin condition which will affect 85% of teens and young adults aging from 12 to 25 years at some time during their life and can be very severe in up to 5% of cases.
- Up to 20% of women over 25 develop mild cases of Acne.
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