LTA School of Beauty Shares article on Acne- A Skin concern faced by Beauticians in Beauty Services and teenagers

All About Acne What Is Acne? Acne is a disorder of the sebaceous glands. While sometimes it seems acne or pimples appear overnight, the development of an acne breakout is actually an extended process that begins as a blockage of the hair follicle or pore. Gaining an understanding of why a blockage begins and how a pimple develops will ultimately help us in treating acne. How Does Acne Develop? In a normal functioning follicle the sebaceous glands secrete oil, or sebum, into the pore. Typically, sebum and dead cells from the dead cell layer emerge at the skin's surface through the pore opening and are shed out. In those with acne, however, this process goes awry. In acne prone skin, sebum and dead skin cells easily become trapped within the follicle. This accumulation of dead cells and sebaceous matter forms a hard plug that obstructs the pore opening. This obstruction is called a comedone.  If the plugged follicle, or comedone, stays beneath the skin, it is called a closed comedone and produces a white bump called a whitehead. A comedone that reaches the surface of the skin and opens up is called an open comedone or blackhead because it looks black on the skin's surface. Propionibacteria Acnes (P. acnes) are the bacteria responsible for inflamed acne breakouts. P. acnes are regular residents within the hair follicle. Normally, they are harmless. However, in acne prone skin the P. acnes population grows out of control. When a comedone blocks the pore opening, the lack of oxygen and excess sebum within the pore creates a favorable environment where P. acnes bacteria can thrive. As the follicle becomes filled with sebum, dead cells, and bacteria, it begins to swell. The follicle wall ruptures and spills into the dermis. White blood cells rush in to fight the bacteria. Redness and swelling occurs, and pus is created. A pimple has now formed. If the rupture in the follicle wall happens near the surface, the pimple is usually minor and heals quickly. It is when the break occurs deep within the dermis that more severe lesions, such as nodules and cysts, develop. What Causes Acne? The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors. One important factor is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne. Another factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. Certain drugs, including androgens and lithium, are known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together, producing a plug. Factors That Can Make Acne Worse Factors that can cause an acne flare include: Ø  Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts Ø  Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin Ø  Pressure from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars Ø  Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity Ø  Squeezing or picking at blemishes Ø  Hard scrubbing of the skin Myths About the Causes of Acne There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt. Finally, stress does not cause acne. Who Gets Acne? People of all races and ages get acne. Nearly 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.                                                                                               How Do I Treat Acne? The treatment options of acne will discussed in our forthcoming article as this topic deserves due attention given the variety of treatment methods, now available. So, just hang in there till then and don’t pick…please. LTA School of Beauty