The first thing to understand is that acne is a consequence of an underlying health issue. A healthy body does not allow the growth of acne. Once this is understood, everything else I tell you will become clearer. The Science:
On the skin surface, there are glands that produce an oily substance called sebum which is used to moisturize the skin and hair. During adolescence these glands (sebaceous glands) enlarge and produce excess sebum.
Now, in the human skin there is a common bacteria (pilosebaceous acnes) that uses sebum as a nutrient for growth. This bacteria occurs in different quantities in people and is found in larger numbers in severe acne sufferers.
During the period of hyperactive sebaceous glands, this bacteria flourishes and attracts white blood cells from the body which produce an enzyme. Usually sebum is produced inside a follicle within the skin. However, this enzyme damages the follicle wall and allows the contents to enter the outside layer of skin (dermis).
This ultimately causes an inflammatory response in the skin which is, as you all know, acne. Quite often the blemishes become infected. You will notice these most of all as they are the ones that are painful.
You may also notice that your acne occurs mainly around skin that is prone to hair. Face, chest, upper back, etc. Due to the nature of the sebaceous glands, they are more common in these areas and produce more sebum because there is more to keep moisturized. In many cases, the hair follicle becomes clogged and there is nowhere for the sebum to escape to so again it is released into the dermis.
To minimize this effect you should shave as often as possible. This not only reduces the amount of sebum that the body produces but also opens the hair follicle for sebum to be released.
Author Information:
George Cleanthous suffered from acne for over 10 years. He now provides free information on acne including articles on acne causes, acne treatments, acne medicine, acne 'cures', and how to deal with acne. To view George's articles visit his online website My Acne Review at www.myacnereview.com
