Acne Vulgaris and Its Origin
Since the follicular lining in the pilo-sebaceous unit is untouched 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 is able to synthesize proteinases, lipase, and hyaluronate lyase all of which may act as the accelerators or promoters 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 stage androgens interact with receptors on the sebaceous glands and promote stimulation of the sebaceous gland to hypertrophy and so induce more sebaceous synthesis of lipids and free fatty acids which distend the follicular canal. More specifically, there is evidence for enhanced peripheral metabolic conversion of the androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at the level of the skin in persons having acne.
How Acne Forms
The first lesion in this condition called acne vulgaris is the comedo. When exposed to oxygen the comedo becomes dark and creates what you know as a blackhead. The comedo is made by retention of layers of dead skin called 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 produces a plugging of the opening of the follicular canal, and papules are formed by inflammation around the comedones. Depending upon the degree of inflammation, cars, granulomatous reactions, nodules, cysts, pustules, and keloids may appear.
Inflammatory Response
Airborne contamination and other toxic elements further aggravate the inflammatory reaction. As microbes begin to proliferate within the clogged pore your immune system responds by releasing granulocytes and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells that eliminate the microbes. The inflammation process is needed to eliminate 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 reproduction of acne bacteria due to lack of white blood cells 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 accumulates in the sebum canal increasing the comedo in size. The expansion in size produces pressure and leads to a more intense inflammation reaction in the nearby skin and produces swelling, discomfort, redness, and a mass (pimple, redhead, acne papule).
Growth of Acne Bacteria
The above conditions encourage the growth of microbes and result in infection within the duct, the sebaceous gland, and nearby tissue. The commencement of the infection produces further inflammatory changes, therefore beginning a cycle of accentuated blockage 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 such infections is very harmful and the healing process commonly ends in a scar.
To find a good pimple solution, you must keep in mind 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, imperfections and marks left behind by various acne ailments can now be quickly faded thanks to a biological skin care product made with a non-allergenic, non-irritant special component for the regeneration of your skin.
Published February 15th, 2008
Filed in Teen
