Acne is a taboo subject. It is something that many of us have suffered with through adolescence, and sometimes as a baby and as an adult. Acne is something that has affected about 85% of Americans during the course of their lifetimes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It is a very common skin condition, and is the most common condition diagnosed by dermatologists today.
What is acne? Acne Vulgaris is the medical term for pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Acne forms when the pores are inflamed.
The arrival of acne happens in a cycle, like most medical ailments. Acne is the final step in the process. The cycle ends in the formation of a blemish or pimple. This end results takes about two weeks. Here are the other steps involved in the formation of acne.
Step 1: Skin has a constant renewal cycle. It sheds its oldest, dead layers and renews it with newer, fresh layers. Sometimes this shedding of dead skin cells, however, mixes with the skin’s natural oil production. When the two combine it can cause a comedo, or plug, inside the skin’s pore. This causes the pore to clog.
Step 2: The comedo forces the oil to be trapped in the pore. It stops other oil production from that pore from traveling up to the surface of the skin. Because oil is just trapped in this plugged pore, bacteria starts to form and group together. This type of issue can happen whether you have oily, dry, or normal skin.
Step 3: Bacteria not only starts to form at this point, but it starts to spread. Growing bacteria releases harmful inflammatory toxins in the pore. While it doesn’t cause health issues, it does lead to physical reactions inside the pore. Bacteria really loves the environment of a clogged pore and really grows during this stage.
Step 4: The final step is the result of a pimple, blackhead, blemish, etc. The bacteria causes inflammation of the pore to happen. When the bacteria attacks the pores the body naturally responds back to fight off the toxins. It releases red and white blood cells to stop any infections that the bacteria might cause. This causes swelling, which results in a blemish or pimple. Sometimes, in more severe situations, a cyst or nodule can even form.
Acne is something that people have suffered with for thousands of years. Today, however, we have the advantage of being able to treat it. If you are suffering with acne give your dermatologist a call today. The right treatment can really help.
Kathy Olson owns a website dedicated to anti aging skin care, and acne treatment. She is a Rodan and Fields independent consultant and she is here to help you look your best. The Unblemish treatment is best for acne. Visit her website to find out more about the skin care products they offer.