About Acne

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The desire exists today to find new and inovative ways to treat acne and other skin conditions naturally without the use of drugs, lasers and sometimes harmful chemicals. This is not an unrealistic acne treatment goal. It is possible to live with, control and manage acne safely and effectively.

Most acne suffers have gained much knowledge in their battle with this skin condition, but unfortunately, most of the gained knowledge has not been helpful in solving the problem. Sadly most information available is about acne treatments that do not work, which results in years of frustration for the acne sufferer as usually they continue seeking information and migrate from dermatologist to dermatologist for years in their search for the best acne treatment answer. Knowledge of the symptoms does not solve the 'cause or etiology' of acne.

Acne vulgaris (common acne) is a condition of the sebaceous glands of the skin. These sebaceous glands surround each hair follicle and produce sebum, an oily substance, to lubricate the hair. Acne usually appears on the face, back and chest.

Acne is the most common skin disease during adolescence and early adulthood. It peaks in females between the ages of 14 and 17 and in males between the ages of 16 and 19. Males are affected more severely than females. Eighty-five percent of high school students will have some acne. Ten percent of those with adolescent acne will continue to suffer from it into their 20's and 30's. And sometimes "adult acne" will begin in the 20's, 30's and 40's and later years and continue due to stress and fatigue which can cause increased production of hormones by the adrenal gland with increased levels of androgens. These hormones worsen acne. Six percent of females and eight percent of males in their fifties and later still suffer from acne. Acne affects more than 17 million adult Americans and approximately 60 million adults in other countries.

The disease usually begins one to two years before puberty and is caused by stimulation of the facial sebaceous glands by androgens, the male hormones. (Women also produce small quantities of male hormones; this is the basis of acne in women.) It is thought that acne sufferers, rather than having higher levels of the hormones, actually have sebaceous glands that are more sensitive to the hormone.

Three Acne-Causing Factors

Acne is caused by three factors:

Abnormal keratinization of the lining of the sebaceous glands caused by androgen stimulation, resulting in plugging of the gland.
Increased production of sebum by the sebaceous gland due to androgen stimulation.
A bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes, proliferates within the gland and modifies the sebum. Propionibacterium acnes is a bacterium normally found on the skin.

The plugging of the gland and the action of the bacterium cause an intense inflammatory reaction, resulting in a blackhead (open comedone) or a whitehead (closed comedone). The color of the blackhead is due to melanin granules and is not dirt. Continued plugging and inflammation lead to the pustules (pimples), papules and cysts of acne.

Factors That Worsen Acne

Using abrasive cleansing agents or using vigorous scrubbing during cleansing can increase sebum production and damage the skin.
Squeezing pimples can lead to rupture, more inflammation, and permanent acne scars.
Using cosmetics or other oily skin or hair products which block pores. All oily selenium should be avoided.
Stress and fatigue can cause increased production of hormones by the adrenal gland with increased levels of androgens. These hormones can worsen acne. (Athletes who take anabolic steroids, which contain androgenic hormones, may experience acne.)
The pre-menstrual period in women can be a time of increased acne due to hormonal shifts. Approximately 70 percent of menstruating women experience minor acne before their period which is indicative of temporary hormone change.
Similarly, some birth control pills contain androgens which can worsen acne.
Winter tends to be a time of worse acne for many people, as the pores shrink in much colder weather, causing more clogging of pores. However, very warm weather provides a better environment for bacteria to grow on the skin exterior.
Hats and headbands which cover the forehead can lead to a localized outbreak, as can excessive sweating.
Dehydration can worsen acne. Consuming more water helps us to reduce facial redness and sebaceous gland oils. Adult acne is sometimes the result of stress and/or dehydration.

Goals of Acne Therapy

Decrease the abnormal keratinization of the sebaceous gland
Decrease production of sebum
Reduce the bacterial effect
Decrease inflammation

Acne Scars

The term "scarring" refers to a fibrous process in which new collagen is laid down to heal an injury. It affects 30% of those with moderate or severe acne vulgaris. Most people will have acne scars that are mild. However, some will have scars that look significant even to others. There are a number of different looking scars caused by acne. They can be classified as follows:

Ice pick scars: Deep pits that are the most common and a classic sign of acne scarring.
Boxcar scars: Angular scars that usually occur on the temple and cheeks, and can be either superficial or deep. These are similar to chickenpox scars.
Hypertrophic scars: Thickened, or keloid scars.
Rolling scars: Scars that give the skin a wave-like appearance.

Acne Rosacea

Acne rosacea is the combination of acne and rosacea. Rosacea is sometimes confused with acne; its symptoms include facial redness, papules and pustules, but no pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. To learn more about rosacea, visit our Rosacea-Ltd web site.

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We continually update this site to keep you informed of the latest scientific findings about acne.

This page last updated: May 13, 2008