Find Out How Acne Develops

We know that acne is a very common skin condition. Some people encounter mild acne while others suffer from severe cases of acne. Acne is considered a skin disease that affects us not only physically, but emotionally as well. When you have acne on your face, it is not exactly a pleasant sight and you may feel embarrassed to go out and socialize because of the acne. However, there are ways to get rid of acne so that you can live a normal life with confidence.

What Triggers Acne?

Acne occurs when our pores are clogged by a kind of oil called sebum. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands in our bodies. Sometimes, our sebaceous glands function improperly and produce more sebum than our skin or pores can handle. When too much sebum or oil occurs, the pores are clogged, and the dead skin cells cannot be removed. When bacteria come in contact with the clogged pore, they will infect our skin and cause acne.

Pilosebaceous Units

Acne lesions are caused by the pilosebaceous units in our bodies. These units consist of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and they can be found anywhere within our bodies, excluding the palm and the bottom of the feet. You?ve probably noticed that we never get acne on the palm or at the sole of our feet. Pilosebaceous units can be found on the face, chest, neck, and back. Acne will develop when the pilosebaceous canal gets clogged.

How Pilosebaceous Canal Gets Clogged

As previously mentioned, it is the excess oil called sebum that clogs our pores. This happens when there is an overproduction of sebum, which will cause the pilosebaceous canal to get clogged. Sebum is produced by our sebaceous glands, and it will be produced in excess when the sebaceous glands become hyperactive. The activities of the sebaceous glands are influenced by the hormones in our bodies, particularly the male hormones. Any imbalance or stimulation that occurs in the male hormones will always lead to acne.

Ductal Hypercornification

When the over production of sebum occurs, ductal hypercornification occurs too. Ductal hypercornification refers to the overproduction of the follicle wall?s cell lining, and it will prevent dead cells from being removed. With the pilosebaceous canal already clogged up, sebum or oil and dead cells will clog the pores, and this will lead to the development of acne. Some bacteria called propionibacterium acnes can be found on top of our skin. They will draw white blood cells from our immune system and become inflamed. And the result is acne.

For more information on the development of acne, you can check out Medical Center of Central Georgia, Hippocrates World Site, Acne.com, and Yale New Haven children?s Hospital.

Labels: acne, cause, myths

Discover the Truth about Acne

Myth #1: Eating chocolates and nuts will cause break outs!

The Truth: Previously, chocolates and nuts were thought to be the cause of break outs, especially among teens. However, these assumptions were not formulated from scientific evidences. After relevant research was conducted, dermatologists and doctors have confirmed that the consumption of chocolates and nuts do not contribute directly to the development of acne. But recently, new studies show that foods can cause acne indirectly. Consuming dairy products in general may contribute to acne growth. However, if you eat chocolates moderately, there?s no reason for you to worry about acne. It is also proven that nuts do not cause acne. In fact, doctors recommend nuts because they contain zinc, which can boost the immune system and help control acne.

Myth #2: Pizza can worsen acne!

The Truth: To this date, there is no evidence to determine whether this claim is true or false. However, we can break down the ingredients of pizza to know how it may or may not affect acne development. One of the common ingredients or toppings of a pizza is cheese. Cheese is a dairy product, and when it is digested, it releases chemicals that may affect acne growth. Another common pizza topping is meat. Meat contains hormones or hormone-like substances that can cause acne as well. Also, if your pizza is oily, then there is a chance you can get oil on your face, and this will infect the clogged pores and cause acne. Generally, eating pizza moderately will not really cause acne.

Myth #3: Avoid fried foods as they can cause breakouts.

The Truth: Again, no studies have been conducted to prove this. However, if you are exposed to the oil when cooking, there?s a higher chance that you will develop acne. It?s not the food you take that causes acne, but the oil that comes in contact with your face.

Myth #4: Dirty skin is the cause of acne.

The Truth: This is not entirely true. We get dirt and dust everyday when we go outdoors. If you live or work in the city, then you will be in contact with pollution. While the dirt can contribute to factors that cause acne, dirt alone will not cause break outs. Acne is caused when a clogged pore is infected by bacteria.

Labels: acne, chocolate, dirty skin, fried food, myths, pizza