About Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin disorders to affect most people at some point in life. A skin disease of the hair follicle and sebaceous -- or oil -- gland, acne appears to be a genetic disease caused by the abnormal buildup of dead skin cells in the area known as the follicular wall, the presence of bacteria and the production of sebum that results in skin inflammation.

Most intense on the face, chest, back and upper area of the outer arms -- where sebaceous glands are largest and most numerous -- Acne may be little, with only a few eruptions, or it may show up in highly inflammable and diffusely scarring forms.

Other factors, such as cosmetics with comedogenic -- or pore -- clogging -- ingredients, hormone therapies and selected chemicals may aggravate the condition. Additionally, people prone to acne have an abnormally high level of dead cells and pores that easily become clogged.

After in-depth studies, scientists have established that the material extracted from these follicles contains bacteria thought to be involved in the development of acne.

In its more complex forms, acne requires medical treatment, usually with topical or systemic antibiotics and therapies such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Glycolic acid is also an excellent treatment that can be used in conjunction with other therapies to help improve some acne conditions because it reduces the buildup of dead skin cells. It also acts as an effective cleansing agent for problem-prone skin. Maintaining the clarity of the follicle helps prevent further follicular blockage.

Kate at Beauty Bridge