What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the oil ducts are clogged and become inflamed.  The skin cells begin to clog the pore and bacteria (called P acne bacteria) grows in the clogged pores. Acne can only take place in the sebaceous (oil) follicle. Many things are thought to cause acne... Heredity, an increase in sebum (oil) production, bacteria, environment, skin care products, Retention Hyperkatosis (abnormal buildup of skin cells), hormones, and especially DIET.

The life cycle of an acne lesion:

The sebaceous follicle is a long hollow tube the width of a hair.  Inside this tube is lined with tiny dead cells that constantly shed.  Normally the cells shed into the follicle and are swept out and towards the surface of the skin.  But for those of us who are prone to acne breakouts, the cells don't shed and begin to build up clogging the follicle.  The blockage, formed by the dead cells (microcomedone), traps oil in the follicle and blocks oxygen from entering.  P acne bacteria then feeds on the trapped oil, excreting toxics and corrosive fatty acids.  The microcomedone then turns into either a blackhead or an inflammatory lesion like a white head or nodule.  This is what you see or feel.

Forms of Acne:

There are over fifty types of acne!  Here are a few of the most common.

Blackhead:

A clogged hair follicle gland that opens as it surfaces, the bacteria turns black when exposed to oxygen.

Whitehead:

A clogged hair follicle that remains plugged and unexposed to oxygen.

Nodule:

A solid skin lesion that is often painful and buried deep in the skin cysts.

Pustule:

An inflamed, pus-filled area of skin infection.

Cyst:

A pustule gone bad, that goes deep into the skin and can lead to scarring.

Milia:

These look like tiny skin colored bumps.

 
What can you do about your acne?

Three simple steps.

Healthy lifestyle~~~  this includes eating, exercise and avoiding bad habits.  WATER!!!!  Keep those cells clean and healthy! I will touch on this in an upcoming issue.
Proper skincare routine~~~  I will touch on this in an upcoming issue
Professional treatments~~~  Professional facials and especially treatments from an educated and licensed esthetician who specializes in acne, is a must to combat acne and prevent damage to the skin.  I will touch on this in an upcoming issue.
 
In later blogs I will deal with what helps combat acne and what worked for me and many of my clients.  As always if you have questions please email them to me at doran@doranpomaskincare.com