Hormonal Acne and Its Causes
Since the follicular walls in the pilo-sebaceous unit is intact before adolescence, it has been theorized that if colonization of Proprionibacterium acnes occurs in sufficient quantities they create antigenic molecules that promote the initiation of inflammation. Proprionibacterium acnes is able to synthesize proteinases, lipase, and hyaluronate lyase all of which may 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 adolescence 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 enhanced peripheral metabolic conversion of the androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at the level of the skin in persons suffering from acne.
How Acne Forms
The first lesion in this condition called acne vulgaris is the comedo. When in contact with oxygen the comedo turns dark and forms what you know as a blackhead. The comedo is made by retention of layers of dead skin known as keratin in the walls of the follicles. In addition to hyperkeratosis (which is thickening or trapped layers of keratin), there is an accumulation of sebum. The combination of the keratin and the sebum produces a blocking of the opening of the follicular conduct, and papules are made by inflammation around the comedones. Depending on the degree of inflammation, granulomatous reactions, nodules, pustules, cysts, cars, and keloids may develop.
Inflammatory Reaction
Airborne contamination and other toxic materials further aggravate the inflammatory reaction. As microbes start to proliferate inside the clogged pore your defensive system reacts by releasing granulocytes and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells that eliminate the microbes. The inflammation process is necessary to get rid of 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 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 produce sebum, which gathers in the sebum conduct increasing the comedo in size. The expansion in size produces pressure and leads to a more intense inflammation response in the nearby skin and produces redness, swelling, discomfort, 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 produces further inflammatory alterations, therefore beginning a cycle of accentuated obstruction of the outflow of sebum which produces even more pressure, inflammation, and progressing infection making 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.
In order to find a good pimple solution, you must keep in mind 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 conditions can now be easily faded thanks to a biological skin care product elaborated with a hypoallergenic, non-irritant special component for the regeneration of your skin.
Published February 15th, 2008