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Skin
Tips Newsletter
Archive
of Skin Tips on a Variety of Topics and Products
The Cause of Acne
August 10, 2001
The oil is produced by oil glands known as sebaceous glands. These glands are bigger and more active in the region of the nose than any other areas of the face. This is why the nose tends to be a trouble area. The pores in this area are also larger, in order to accomodate the large flow of oil produced. Other areas on the body where sebaceous glands are most heavily concentrated are the neck, chest, and back-areas where body acne can be common.
The amount of oil that an individual makes is determined by genetics. It is affected by hormones and what is called an "end organ response". The oil gland is considered the end organ because it is this gland that is acted upon by hormones. Many people have the same level of hormones, but make different amount of oil because their oil glands respond differently. During adolescence, a surge in the level of sex hormones, known as androgens, creates a problem of oily skin where sometimes there was none. The reason is that androgens enlarge and stimulate the sebaceous glands, causing them to produce more sebum.
In addition, there is present in acne patients an abormal desquamation (exfoliation) of follicle epithelium*, which results in altered keratinization. This is known as comedogenesis. This process creates a microcomedone, which is still invisible to the eye. This lesion will evolve into either a non-inflammatory lesion (blackhead or whitehead), or an inflammatory lesion. If the comedo ruptures, the area becomes inflamed and results in either papules, postules, or cysts. If there is a large presence of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes it will facilitate ongoing infection and inflammation.
*Membranous tissue composed of one or more layers of cells separated by very little intercellular substance and forming the covering of most internal and external surfaces of the body and its organs.
For an more in-depth review on Acne click here.
Non-Prescription Treatments for Acne:
Physician's Choice Acne Bar
Glycolic Acid: Glytone Acne
Treatment Kit (Recommended)
Mandelic Acid: NuCelle Mandelic
Cleanser and Serum 15%
Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid: C2S Skin Balancing Serum
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