Introduction to Acne

Over 90% of all adolescents and almost 25% of all adults suffer from acne.  Acne affects men and women worldwide, regardless of nationality.  This site provides detailed information and resources concerning acne.  It strives to clear up myths from facts, and presents an overview of the issues surrounding acne along with possible solutions which are now available to help with the prevention and treatment of acne.  This information is all based upon the most recent studies, reports, articles, and findings available so that you can learn more about acne and its care.

For example - does chocolate really cause pimples?  And how about oily foods?  Do French Fries bring on acne - or how about just being "unclean?"  The latest reports show that your diet does not directly cause acne.  This means not only chocolate and French Fries - but also any other dietary combinations with sugar and oil or other ingredients.

The real cause of acne can actually be a blend of several factors.  These contents are not presented from a medical practitioner and any and all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health care providers.  The content within only presents an overview of acne research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.

Science of Acne in Layman's Terms

A few simple steps occur that produce skin blemishes. 

a.  First, acne occurs when hair follicles become blocked.  There are many contributing elements for teenagers and adults alike including genetics (whether or not there is a history of acne problems), hormones, dietary and vitamin intake (or lack thereof!), and stress related factors.  Other less common factors could include how your body normally rids itself of skin cells and influences that may be working against this regularity (such as climate and other environmental factors or overall body health), and your hormones and their effect on your body's sodium production (especially for females).

b.  Second, sebum oil become clogged in these blocked pores as it drains toward the skin's surface..  This sebum combines with normal dead skin cells to further clog up the pores.  Laser treatments treat acne by targeting the sebaceous glands which make sebum oil.

c.  Bacteria begin to grow in and around these clogged areas.  As a normal defense reaction, your body's white blood cells then attack the bacteria, fighting it and pushing it out of the body,

d.  The resulting growths during this 14-day to 21-day battle are called microcomedomes.  Microcomedomes turn into comedomes, commonly referred to as blemishes, pimples, or acne.

Types of Acne

There are basically four types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and nodules.  Whiteheads are when the sebum (oil) and resulting bacteria are trapped below the skin surface and they appear to be a white head appear above (or near popping out of) the skin.  Blackheads are when the sebum and resulting bacteria are only partially trapped, slowly draining out the surface and turning black because of your skin's melanin or pigmentation.  In the absence of either white or blackheads are generally smaller pimples; the deeper, boil-like lesions are referred to as nodules.

Acne can be mild, moderate or severe.  Mild acne is visible in the form of whiteheads and blackheads - and sometimes pimples.  With moderate acne, more pimples and pustules are present on the face, some may appear on the back or chest.  With severe acne, many nodules develop, often large and painful, over parts of the face, back, chest, and other body areas.  This type of acne can lead to scarring.  Actually, lesser cases of acne can also lead to permanent skin scarring.  So, for those with possible nodular acne, seeking advice from a healthcare professional as soon as possible is always recommended.