Acne Vulgaris and Its Origin
Since the follicular lining in the pilo-sebaceous unit is intact before puberty, it has been postulated that if colonization of Proprionibacterium acnes occurs in sufficient numbers they produce antigenic molecules that promote the initiation of inflammation. Proprionibacterium acnes can produce proteinases, lipase, and hyaluronate lyase all of which can serve as the catalysts 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 promote stimulation of the sebaceous gland to hypertrophy and so form more sebaceous synthesis of lipids and free fatty acids which dilate the follicular conduct. More specifically, there is evidence for increased peripheral metabolic conversion 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 in contact with 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 lining of the follicles. In addition to hyperkeratosis (which is thickening or trapped layers of keratin), there is an aggregation of sebum. The combination of the keratin and the sebum leads to a blocking of the opening of the follicular conduct, and papules are made by inflammation around the comedones. Depending on the degree of inflammation, cysts, nodules, granulomatous reactions, pustules, cars, and keloids can develop.
Inflammatory Response
Airborne contamination and other toxic materials further aggravate the inflammatory response. As microbes begin to grow inside the clogged pore your immune system responds by releasing granulocytes and macrophages, which are groups of white blood cells that eliminate the microbes. The inflammation process is needed to get rid of the continuing effects of excess bacteria and signal the body to repair the damage to tissues. Often times the immune response system can't stop the multiplication of acne bacteria due to lack of leukocytes 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 conduct increasing the comedo in size. The expansion in size results in pressure and leads to a more intense inflammation response in the nearby skin and creates discomfort, swelling, redness, and a mass (pimple, redhead, acne papule).
Growth of Acne Bacteria
The above factors encourage the growth of microbes and result in infection inside the canal, the sebaceous gland, and nearby tissue. The commencement of the infection produces further inflammatory alterations, 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 commonly ends in a scar.
To find a good pimple solution, you must remember that all individuals have different needs. Try various 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.
Scars, blemishes and marks produced by various acne ailments can now be quickly eliminated thanks to a natural skin care product elaborated with a hypoallergenic, non-irritant special component for the rejuvenation of your skin.
Published February 15th, 2008