Posted by admin | Posted in Acne | Posted on 01-09-2009
What causes acne?
Acne is caused by propionibacterium acnes trapped in the follicle with sticky sebum and build up of dead skin cells. The acne chair has 4 legs.We need to know off one or more of the acne legs, listed below, to make it so acne no longer has a “seat” on your skin.
Leg #1 = Hormones (androgens) - production begins at puberty and slows with age. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands to enlarge and to produce sebum. Monthly breakouts occur when sebaceous glands are sensitive to androgen stimulation. Men have 90% more testosterone in their bodies than females. When females experience a surge in testosterone, it can substantially increase the ratio of testosterone and cause more problems for females (i.e. stress, some birth control pills). Leg #2 = Sebum – increased sebum production from androgen. The greater the sebum production, the greater the likelihood for acne. This is because the oily sebum must travel up the hair shaft where it mixes with bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle.
Leg #3 = Hyper Keratinization – increased shedding of dead skin cells
During puberty, skin cells inside the follicle shed more rapidly and tend to stick together. Sticky skin cells mix with sebum to form a plug in the follicle. This plug is called a microcomedone (the beginning of all acne lesions).
During puberty, skin cells inside the follicle shed more rapidly and tend to stick together. Sticky skin cells mix with sebum to form a plug in the follicle. This plug is called a microcomedone (the beginning of all acne lesions).
Leg #4 = Bacteria – propionibacterium acnes. “Plugged” follicles are a breeding ground for bacteria. Some p. acnes bacteria are normal but too much will produce chemicals that can cause inflammation in the follicle and surrounding skin. P. acnes bacteria will multiply rapidly in clogged hair follicles where sebum is trapped.
The secret to controlling acne is to stop the impaction from ever being allowed to form in the follicle in the first place. THIS IS WHERE SKINCARE TREATMENTS COME INTO PLAY
Acne, whether called “blemishes”, “zits”, or “problem skin”, is simply a genetic disease of the sebaceous hair follicle. Each follicle contains a tiny hair and multi-lobed sebaceous gland. In non-acneic skin, sebum travels up the hair follicle and out to the skins surface. In acne skin, the sebum gets trapped within the follicle.
Acne, whether called “blemishes”, “zits”, or “problem skin”, is simply a genetic disease of the sebaceous hair follicle. Each follicle contains a tiny hair and multi-lobed sebaceous gland. In non-acneic skin, sebum travels up the hair follicle and out to the skins surface. In acne skin, the sebum gets trapped within the follicle.
Enzymes from the bacteria split the sebum into free fatty acids which are highly irritating to the skin. When a break in the cell wall occurs, the free fatty acid and cellular debris cause inflammatory reactions. There is no cure for acne. Acne sufferers can achieve clear skin by controlling the factors that can set off the eruptions, and using benzoyl peroxide.
How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Work? When applied topically, benzoyl peroxide (B.P.) is an antibacterial ingredient that successfully treats acne by penetrating into the follicle and releasing oxygen. This oxygen acts like bleach by killing the P. acnes bacteria (the bacteria that causes acne) and opening up the acne impactions to kill the P. acnes bacteria. This reduces the level of free fatty acids and the level of skin infection.
Here at Tan’ology Skincare Salon, We offer many different acne treaments along with educating you on how and what to do to get rid of acne. We offer many at home skincare products that are very effective on all types of acne. Give us a call today 789-1224 for your one- on- one consultation.