Know The Acne And Its Main Cause

What Is Acne – Common Skin Disorder?

Puberty or adolescence stage can be disastrous to many. It is in this stage of human development where most teens tend to have acne. But what is acne? To better understand this condition and to be able to come up with possible remedies, we must be well acquainted of what acne is.

Acne is a common skin disorder. Acne is characterized by the formation of zits, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or even lesions in the skin surface. They are usually found in areas like the face, chest, neck, back, or arms. Acne can be mild and short-term or severe. Not all parts of the skin are prone to acne growth. Acne is often found in skin areas having greater number of oil glands like the face, back, shoulders, and chest. The growth of acne is not restricted by age. But this skin condition chiefly occurs during teenage years.

The growth of acne is primarily caused by the overproduction of oil by the sebaceous or oil glands in the skin. Oils released by the oil glands are supposed to protect and lubricate the skin. However, if the ducts where the oil will pass through are blocked, the oil becomes accumulated. This triggers the formation of whiteheads, zits, pimples, blackheads, and lesions or breakouts on the skin. Severe acne condition may also lead to the growth of cysts.

The Causes

In some studies, experts declares that what causes acne are overactive sebaceous units or glands, the blockage of skin pores, skin inflammation, and skin bacteria.

Overactive sebaceous or oil glands

The oil glands in our skin are stimulated to normally produce oil needed by the skin. The oil glands may be small or large. In stressful situations, the body releases increased level of androgen. Under these circumstances, the oil glands become larger, and hence, the release of oil by the sebaceous glands becomes higher as well.

Blockage Of The Pores

The oil released by the oil glands passes through ducks called the pores. Acne is formed when the oil is not effectively released in the external surface of the skin. Otherwise termed, the skin pores or ducks are blocked. Resultantly, the oil is compounded on the skin and develops into whiteheads, blackheads, zits, or pimples.

Skin Inflammation

Inflammation occurs when bunch of oil is trapped in the skin. This trapped oil will eventually form zits, cysts, blackheads and other skin bulges. Inflammation can also be caused by irritations due to harmful substances and bacterial activity.

Skin Bacteria

Bacteria naturally homes the skin. The so called Propionibacterium acnes are bacteria which helps the skin by ousting harmful bacteria. While P. Acnes can be of help, their formation and activity is likely to aggravate acne. When oil is compounded in the pores, more bacteria will grow. Bacteria play a big role in worsening acne. They may cause serious irritation and inflammation of the skin.

Customarily, the formation of acne is blamed in poor hygiene, wrong choice of foods, excessive oil intake, and unhealthy diet. Also, the skin types and heredity do contribute in the formation of acne.