Does That Acne Affect You?
Acne is an inflamed, irritated, red skin rash that can occur at any age or anywhere on the body.
It is however more common in young adults and teenagers and tends to appear in areas where the skin produces more oil such as the face, chest, back, neck and arms.
Acne, if severe and left untreated, can lead to unsightly scarring, which can be difficult to treat and potentially permanent.
Besides the physical effects acne can also have psychological effects, manifesting as decreased self-esteem, loss of confidence, social withdrawal and even depression.
What causes acne? A number of factors may cause acne to develop.
Most important is the flaking off of skin cells within the hair follicle that causes the formation of an obstructing plug.
This plug can cause the hair follicle to rupture and release irritating oil and debris into the skin leading to inflammation, swelling, and redness.
Bacteria, such as propionibacterium acnes that normally lives on the skin, contribute to acne by producing substances causing inflammation and also by degrading the skins natural oils into irritating substances.
Hormones called androgens, which are present in both men and women but at higher levels in men, contribute to acne by increasing production of sebum (oil) from sebaceous glands.
This increases the plugging of hair follicles and provides bacteria with more material to convert into irritating substances.
What acne treatments are available? Both over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available to treat acne.
Over the counter treatments often include the ingredient benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl peroxide has both an antibacterial effect and decreases the plugging of hair follicles.
It does this by causing a mild 'peel' and removing the top layers of dead skin cells.
Unfortunately, excessive drying and flaking of the skin is a common side effect.
Salicyclic acid, otherwise known as aspirin, may be included for its keratinolytic action.
This means that it helps to dissolve or breakdown keratin, which is what the surface layer of dead skin cells is predominantly made from, decreasing the amount of hair follicle plugging.
It is however more common in young adults and teenagers and tends to appear in areas where the skin produces more oil such as the face, chest, back, neck and arms.
Acne, if severe and left untreated, can lead to unsightly scarring, which can be difficult to treat and potentially permanent.
Besides the physical effects acne can also have psychological effects, manifesting as decreased self-esteem, loss of confidence, social withdrawal and even depression.
What causes acne? A number of factors may cause acne to develop.
Most important is the flaking off of skin cells within the hair follicle that causes the formation of an obstructing plug.
This plug can cause the hair follicle to rupture and release irritating oil and debris into the skin leading to inflammation, swelling, and redness.
Bacteria, such as propionibacterium acnes that normally lives on the skin, contribute to acne by producing substances causing inflammation and also by degrading the skins natural oils into irritating substances.
Hormones called androgens, which are present in both men and women but at higher levels in men, contribute to acne by increasing production of sebum (oil) from sebaceous glands.
This increases the plugging of hair follicles and provides bacteria with more material to convert into irritating substances.
What acne treatments are available? Both over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available to treat acne.
Over the counter treatments often include the ingredient benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl peroxide has both an antibacterial effect and decreases the plugging of hair follicles.
It does this by causing a mild 'peel' and removing the top layers of dead skin cells.
Unfortunately, excessive drying and flaking of the skin is a common side effect.
Salicyclic acid, otherwise known as aspirin, may be included for its keratinolytic action.
This means that it helps to dissolve or breakdown keratin, which is what the surface layer of dead skin cells is predominantly made from, decreasing the amount of hair follicle plugging.
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