Hormonal Acne and Its Causes
Since the follicular lining in the pilo-sebaceous unit is untouched before puberty, it has been postulated that if colonization of Proprionibacterium acnes happens in sufficient numbers they create antigenic molecules that promote the initiation of inflammation. Proprionibacterium acnes can produce proteinases, lipase, and hyaluronate lyase all of which can serve as the catalysts or promoters of the inflammatory infiltrate which is composed of neutrophils and lymphocytes.
The key player in the cause of acne in puberty is hormones. At this phase androgens interact with receptors on the sebaceous glands and cause 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 increased peripheral metabolic conversion of the androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at the level of the skin in persons having acne.
How Acne Forms
The basic lesion in this condition called acne vulgaris is the comedo. When in contact with oxygen the comedo becomes dark and forms what you know as a blackhead. The comedo is made by retention of layers of devitalized skin known as 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, granulomatous reactions, nodules, cysts, pustules, cars, and keloids can develop.
Inflammatory Response
Airborne contamination and other toxic elements further exacerbate the inflammatory reaction. As microbes start to proliferate inside the blocked pore your immune system reacts by releasing granulocytes and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells that destroy the microbes. The inflammation process is needed to get rid of the continuing effects of excess bacteria and signal the body to repair the harm to tissues. Often times the immune response system can't stop the reproduction of acne bacteria due to lack of leukocytes or an impaired system.
Activity of the Sebaceous Gland
When a comedo is blocking the outlet of the sebum ducts, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, which gathers in the sebum canal increasing the comedo in size. The expansion in size produces pressure and leads to a further intense inflammation response in the nearby skin and creates redness, discomfort, swelling, and a mass (pimple, redhead, acne papule).
Growth of Acne Bacteria
The above conditions encourage the growth of microbes and result in infection inside the canal, the sebaceous gland, and nearby tissue. The commencement of the infection makes further inflammatory alterations, therefore starting a cycle of accentuated obstruction of the outflow of sebum which produces even more pressure, inflammation, and progressing infection making cysts and pustules to appear. The effect on skin tissues caused by these infections is very damaging and the healing process commonly ends in a scar.
To find a good pimple solution, you must remember that all individuals have different needs. Try a variety of 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, blemishes and marks left behind by various acne ailments can now be easily faded thanks to a biological skin care product made with a hypoallergenic, non-irritant special component for the regeneration of your skin.
Published February 15th, 2008
