If left untreated or when mishandled, it leaves scars. Scars or the blemishes are the annoying red points in the skin, which makes one self, feel inferior. This problem is always irksome, as it occurs in the various visible sections of the human body. Faces with scars, are not that pleasant, and as a result, confidence level goes down.

When the acne emerges out, due to the excessive secretion of sebum, the human system tries to fix it, with the treatment of the white blood cells. It is an in bound process happening in the human body, without the knowledge of the individual.

This cannot be considered as a complete treatment, as it leaves behind scars. Therefore, it is the individual effort and medication that counts, to be a remedy for curing this irritating disorder. Rather than worrying, for this irksome problem, one should better analyze what it is. Initially, the skin type of the individual and the type of scar present should be tested and analyzed.

Generally scars are formed either, because of the loss of tissue cells or due to the rise of tissue cells, inside the skin. The intensifying of the tissue cells can be called, as the keloids, which piles up and gives out fibrous mass of tissues, which appears to be a scar in the skin. The thickness of the scar may vary from one to two millimeter, where as the length exceeds 1 cm.

These may either fortunately disappear, or may sustain permanently in the skin. The other case is similar to that of the chicken pox, where the top surface of the skin is worn out. They are commonly called as the ice prick scars, and their most prone spot is the cheeks. To look at, they are small, with serrated edges and slightly steep sides.

Their texture may be hard, soft, shallow or even deep depending on the effect in the individual and his or her body conditions. When this sustains for a long time, in the skin it leads to fibrotic scars, with long, sharp edges. There is an also superficial type of a scar, which are extremely soft to touch with oblique edges and usually gets embedded in the skin.

The other type is the Atropic type of scars, which has a fair shape, somewhat blue at the initial stage, and then turns into ivory later, which cannot be that easily identified. It is usually found in the chest and back, and can be termed as the semi developed white heads. Perifollicular elastolys is the scientific term for the above-mentioned condition. Thus, the analysis and treatment is definitely a must, to get rid of these acne problems and to get a healthy skin.

It is not a killer disease or a disease that impairs your health, but still it causes frustration because of the ugly looks it gives out, and the comments that the person has to face. Luckily, you can treat and cure this completely, with the various existing methodologies.  Acne has in itself a compound aeitology, with abnormal keratinisation, hormonal changes, increasing bacterial growth and decreasing immunity.

The condition becomes serious, when the sebaceous glands become hyperactive. The first and foremost happening of acnes is the appearance of black heads, which is caused due to the blocked pores. This turns out to become white heads leading to excessive secretion of oil, pores blocking, and bacterial infections and at last inflammations.

The sufferings may either be mild or moderate or it can be severe. Mild acne are just for some days, with no harm, nor any permanent marks. Moderate acnes; create some sort of irritations and the marks left behind is not that obvious. Severe acnes are highly harmful, which leaves behind permanent marks and also needs to be treated with utmost care. It has multi functional pathogenesis.

The major factors responsible for acne lesion are epidermal hyper proliferation containing clogged pores, inflammation, and excessive secretion of sebum and the accumulation of the propionibacterium acne.

Because of the above factors, the pore in the skin gets blocked and thereby causing significant damage. Acne has no connection, with the race, gender or the ethnicity. There are chances of spreading, through the commonly used combs, soaps, cosmetics, brushes and other accessories. Therefore, it is safe to avoid this common usage practice.

The acne grows strong and sturdy in the surface of the skin, because of the over production of bacteria. The puss provides the bacteria, with the most perfect temperature for its growth and sustainability. The grown bacterial content causes inflammation, which eventually becomes a scar. The scars are the end products of the fibrous materials, commonly called as the corneocytes, which brings out discoloration of the skin.

The severity of the scars varies with the intensity of inflammation; it might either be a spot, which is temporary and harmless, or a scar, which is supposed to be permanently annoying. The reasons for these severe scars are the enlargement of tissue cells and also because of the loss of them.

These scars get embedded deep in the skin and thus are really difficult to treat. The soft and the superficial scars can be easily treated, where as the ice prick scars involve long process of treatment. To our satisfaction, these scars do not tend to spread in the body parts and will not affect any organs in the human system.

This skin trouble has been a frustration all over the world over the years. The most severe happening that the acne causes is the ‘scar’. A scar can be rightly defined as a blemish in the skin, which results in red points and irritation.

There is yet another topic to be discussed, to get the detailed knowledge of scars. Yes, the ‘spots’ which caused by the acne, is truly harmless as it leaves no scars. Therefore, you need not worry, for a spot in your skin, but should put up with the embarrassment and the irritation. The technical terms for the spots are ‘macule’ or the ‘pseudo-scars’, which causes red points in the skin.

The annihilation of the swollen acne in the surface of the skin leaves behind a temporary mark, which can only last up to maximum of six months, with no left out traces, and this is, rightly a spot. A scar is not harmless like the spot; it has various types that are classified according to its intensity in the skin. The reasons that count are the damage of the tissue, itching of the upper skin, loss of tissue, unwanted tissue formation and so on.

Therefore, the upper dermis of the skin is damaged and significantly is discolored as well. So the scars can be considered as the ultimate ‘tissue injury’, which requires a ‘tissue repair’ as soon as possible.

The two major types of scars are the ‘keloids’ which can be other wise called as the hypertropic scars and the ice-prick scars. The above-mentioned rigorous condition of the skin is due to the blocked bacterial content and the excessive secretion of collagen in the human body. The over produced collagen, gets piled up, resulting in development of fibrous masses, which eventually leaves an irregular bulging in the skin called, the scars.

Whenever the skin faces a tissue injury, the entire human body gets alert and fires up its own, natural inbuilt soldiers’ i.e., the white blood cells, combined with the inflammatory molecules to fight this damage and repair it, to a possible extent. This WBC repair, is not perfect with complete cure, and it eventually leads to a cluttered site of fibrous tissue, leaving behind erosion in back end of the skin.

The scar’s concentration is variable; it solely depends on the effect of intensity that it causes in the individual’s skin. Luckily, for some, it may leave soon, for others it will remain long and create frustrating problems. The marks left by scars are permanent, but it can be definitely treated one or the other day. If it disappears by time, well and good, otherwise remodeling of the skin, along with medication should be done.

Unfortunately, smokers have one more thing to worry about. In a recently published study in the UK Journal of Dermatology, acne outbreaks have been conclusively linked to regular tobacco smoking. Between non-smokers and smokers, this study revealed several unique differences between the black heads of the two parties.

In a separate study of 1,000 subjects (divided equally into 500 women and 500 men), 40% of the smoking population was affected with acne, while in the non-smoking population, only 10% were impacted.

Upon a deeper inspection of this study, every participant had at least one thing in common: they had all been smoking regularly since their teens. Moreover, the 40% of smokers who did have acne all had the same kind, known as “adult acne.”

As opposed to adult acne, the most commonly recognized form of acne is known as acne vulgaris, and is the kind associated with teens and young adults. This variety of acne is often more noticeable (and painful), but tends to clear up around the early-20s.

Adult acne is a form of the condition that differs from acne vulgaris in a few ways. In general, those affected by adult acne display symptoms somewhat similar to acne vulgaris, but the pimples are often less inflamed. Due to the reduced amount of inflammation, this acne is sometimes referred to as non-inflammatory acne or NI acne.

What else differentiates adult acne? Adult acne is typically located in places on the body where acne vulgaris does not appear. An example of a common site for adult acne is the lower face, particularly around the chin and cheeks. In addition, the acne can radiate down one’s neck, making routine shaving especially painful. However, adult acne does not stop there, and can also extend to parts of the body including the torso and groin.

How can smoker’s acne be treated? Due in part to outbreak locations, many dermatologists opt for antibiotics over topical creams. These antibiotics are not only easier to remember and take, but are faster than a standard cream.

Although scientists are not sure what the actual cause is for Rosacea, but they do know that it is different than the cause for acne.  Unlike acne, Rosacea involves sebaceous hair follicles, and is a condition that involves the skin and blood vessels.  It causes the blood vessels to dilate which brings about a flushing effect as well as other symptoms.  After frequent dilation, the blood vessels will stay dilated permanently.  That is why proper treatment is so important, to prevent permanent skin damage.

Know What Brings On Your Reactions

Rosacea reacts differently from person to person.  Therefore treatment begins by learning what is causing your specific reactions or triggers.  Cheese, vanilla, chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol, hot beverages, sunlight, spicy foods, stress, cold winds, vigorous exercise, steroids and alcohol-based skin products have all been known to be triggers.  Doctors do say that prevention of outbreaks is the key in fighting Rosacea.  It is very important to track the foods that you eat, habits, activities, and surroundings.  If you notice anything that may be causing symptoms, discontinue using that product, doing that activity, or eating that food item or at the very least try to as much as possible.

Know What Treatments Are Available

Understandably, it would be impossible to know all of the triggers that affect Rosacea, so when you begin to have a symptom like blushing, flushing, or breakouts of the skin, make sure that the treatment you use is for Rosacea and not for acne.  The lesions that resemble acne should be treated with oral as well as topical antibiotics.  This treatment should slow the growth of the P. Acnes bacteria, and Demodex mites as well.  Demodex mites grow five times as rapidly when Rosacea is present on the body than normal.  Medicines like Metronidazol, a topical antifungal treatment, are helpful in treating Rosacea as well.  Most importantly, try to use exfoliating grains or gentle, alcohol-free cleansers.

If you think that you may have developed Rosacea, make sure that you see your doctor or a dermatologist as soon as you can.  Although there is not a cure for Rosacea, there are working treatments that will help to avoid permanent skin damage.

Many of us think of adolescence when we think of acne, because puberty and pimples seem to go hand in hand, right along with all those body changes that are so bothersome.  It is true that teens are included in the largest percentage of individuals who suffer from acne, but they are not the only ones suffering from this problem.  Acne strikes in more than half of the adult women and in as much as a quarter of the adult male population, and this number is continuously on the rise.  As more studies are done, many realize that the physical, psychological and social effects of this troubling condition are not ones that simply disappear with age.

Why the sudden commotion about adult acne?

This is a hard question to answer.  The Goulden and Cunliffe did a study in 1999 called “Prevalence of facial acne in adults,” and found that mean age of individuals that were treated increased from 20.5 years to that of 26.5, in the period of one decade.  This could mean two different things, either there are a higher number of adults that get acne, or there are more adults who are deciding to receive treatment.  Both of these are more than likely the case.  Some studies suggest that the incidences of acne in adults have increased, and others feel that more adults and more particularly women are becoming much more concerned about the health of their skin than in previous years.

Lasting effects from a lingering problem

It does not matter if an individual’s acne begins at the age of 30, during adulthood, or in adolescence, the problems with acne can have lasting effects from both the psychological and physical standpoints.  Many dermatologists know that cases of adult acne are well known to cause acne scars that are permanent.  It is a lot harder for aged skin that has lost collagen to bounce back once tissue damage has occurred.  Problems with the scarring that can occur psychologically are a lot harder to trace.  For several years it was thought that older patients with acne suffered less effects than those that were younger and simply accepted the problems they suffered as part of life.  Because of fear of embarrassment, many adults experiencing acne will simply suffer silently and privately.

A stand!

In two developments that were recently completed, they suggested that perceptions made from the public might be changing.  Dermatologists have seen a rise in the number of adults suffering from acne who are requesting help.  This may largely be due to the products available on the market today.  Over the counter medications and treatments requiring a prescription have increased in sales.

New hopes and greater awareness

As acne is more and more recognized as problem that all age groups can suffer from, more advancement can be made in the treatment of the acne fight.  Now that many doctors are also realizing acne can also be a problem adults suffer from, more consideration will go into the specific causes and effects on the older generation.  More people will likely seek treatment as the increase continues to climb in public awareness.

While you may think you just have a case of acne, you may actually have something else or something in conjunction with acne.  Acne Vulgaris can be often accompanied with various other conditions of the skin that can at times be quite annoying.  Some of these conditions, such as Dandruff, occur in conjunction with acne; there are others that resemble acne itself but need a different type of treatment altogether to rid your skin of them.  If there is even a little doubt that your condition can be more than simple acne, you should consult a dermatologist for a conclusive diagnosis.  After reading the following information, you should at least be able to formulate the right kind of questions to ask your doctor.

Dandruff

Seborrheic Dermatitis also known as Dandruff is often accompanied with acne, especially affecting the skin of adolescents.  The reason that they occur together is not known but their causes are very similar.  The process of renewing scalp-cells goes into high gear when the scalp is trying to fight off Pityrosporum Ovale {P. Ovale}, which is a common fungus that can be found on every person’s head and causes the dead skin cells on the scalp to slough off faster than normal.  Its effect on the scalp is what we call dandruff, identified by scaling, flaking, and itching and sometimes small pimples on the scalp as well.  There are many things that can bring on a case of dandruff; the climate that you live in, hormones, heredity, your diet, and also stress.  Although in most cases, dandruff can be easily managed using shampoos that can be purchased over the counter and contain salicylic acid, zinc, or coal tar, there are cases in which stronger shampoos are needed and a prescription can easily be obtained by your doctor.  Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is not caused by over-washing your hair.  It is perfectly fine to shampoo your hair every day, although picking or scratching the scalp can make dandruff worse.

Acne Cosmetica

Acne Cosmetica, as its name suggests, is acne that is brought on by the use of cosmetics.  It is rather common, usually mild in severity, and triggered by the use of many various topical products, therefore it can occur on anyone, even those people who are not otherwise prone to acne.  It develops slowly between spans of a few weeks to a few months and is typically characterized by small, itchy, pinkish bumps on the forehead, cheeks, and chin.  Acne Cosmetica can be extremely persistent, but does not usually leave a scar.  When looking to buy make-up or skin products, try to look for the various products that are “non-comedogenic.”  Non-comedogenic products have less of a risk of causing an irritation or clogging your skin’s pores.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis, or Eczema, is a quickly red rash that spreads and is often swollen, itchy, and sometimes blistered.  Atopic dermatitis, a relative of hay fever and asthma allergies, often occurs in childhood ages.  This form of dermatitis can be caused by being in contact with detergents, chemicals, or a varied number of allergens like certain fragrances, rubber, latex, or preservatives.  Adults who have chronic dermatitis usually have a history of irritant reactions that often occur on the neck, eyelids and hands.  These areas of skin may become darker and thicker than the surrounding skin due to constant scratching.  Although it is hereditary and may come and go throughout a person‘s lifetime, an onset of dermatitis can also be brought on by factors of the environment as well.

Enlarged Pores

Before puberty, several people have skin that is smooth and pores that are relatively small. During adolescence, pores often become larger as production of sebum increases.  Also, as we get older, skin damage from the sun decreases skin elasticity, which makes pores look larger as well.  Once you reach adulthood genetics will determine the size of your pores.  People who have large pores tend to develop small gray blackheads on their cheeks and cheeks.  These blackheads are sebum that is being produced to line the sides of the pores, and is perfectly normal.  The bad practice of squeezing the sebum out of the pores may actually do irreparable damage to the pore and can cause the pores to be permanently enlarged.

Epidermal Cysts

An epidermal cyst is a growth that is sac-like and occurs deep within the skin. They are unlike cystic acne, which occurs within an infected follicle.  An epidermal cyst contains soft, white matter that can remain indefinitely or until it is surgically removed.  The small cyst, the diameter measures under 5mm, it does not usually require treatment.  These cysts can be quite a nuisance, but usually cause no problems.  Bigger cysts, on the other hand, tend to have a much higher infection rate and are extremely painful and can also scar the skin.  Epidermal cysts can be permanent even if it is extracted.  This leaves the cyst sac intact and prone to return.  Therefore, the whole cyst sac has to be extracted in order to prevent the recurrence of the cyst.  While most cysts are benign, it is very wise to talk to a doctor about any suspicious bumps or lumps that you may feel on your skin.

Favre-Racouchet Syndrome

Favre-Racouchet Syndrome mainly occurs among men and women who are over 50 years old because it is caused by sun damage that is severe and progressive and it typically happens over the span of several years.  Characterized by big coalescent comedones on the upper cheeks and around the eyes. Unlike the treatment for blackheads the Favre comedones will not regress with time if left untreated.  These comedones must be treated with a topical retinoid or extracted surgically.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris is very common among teens and can be characterized by the tiny, red patches of bumps that appear with a hard kernel.  They can occur on the shoulders, backs of the arms, on the buttocks, on the front of the thighs, and occasionally the cheeks.  Although much different than acne, keratosis pilaris is painless when touched.  Keratosis Pilaris is more prevalent in arid climates and is worse during winter when the humidity is normally lower.

Milia

Milia are white bumps that are tiny and are usually found around the eye area.  Milia are cystic in appearance, hard when touched, and are located deep within the skin.  It can last weeks or months, but can also be removed by a dermatologist.

Peri-Oral Dermatitis

Occurring primarily in women between the ages of twenty and thirty, Peri-Oral Dermatitis can be characterized by itchy, tender patches or red spots that appear near your mouth.  The area around the lips can become dry and pale as the chin, cheeks, upper lip region, and sometimes the area around the nose may become flaky, dry, and red.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is often called “Shaving Bumps.”  Shaving bumps are caused when hairs that were shaved, plucked, or waxed begin the process of growing back and the tip of the hair gets stuck inside the hair follicle.  This causes the follicle to become swollen and irritated. Although not everyone will develop shaving bumps, it is more abundant with people who have curly hair.  There are steps that you can take to lessen your risk of developing this annoying condition.  The best tip is using electric razors whenever you can, but if you use blades to shave, then try using blades with a singled edge with every shave.  Use water that is warm and shaving cream that is rich, also make sure that you do not shave against the grain, you should always shave with it.  When you are finished shaving, be sure to apply antibacterial gel.

Rosacea

Rosacea is often mistakenly believed to be acne, and is a condition of the skin that is commonly affecting adults that are between the ages of 30 and 60.  Comedones are not involved with Rosacea, unlike with acne vulgaris, and only appear in the areas that tend to blush or get flushed with excited, embarrassment, or hot.  These areas include the neck, chest, and face.  The affected skin becomes red, bumpy, appear to be oily, and can also include pustules and papules.  Rosacea usually starts as only a slightly recurring and temporary annoyance, but can become an extremely chronic condition that could cause scarring.  It is important to remember that if you ever think that you have Rosacea, consult with a dermatologist as soon as you can.

There are many different forms in which a pimple can affect a person‘s skin, and every person‘s skin is different as well.  Pimples all begin their cycle the same way, as a skin lesion called a comedo.  The comedo is a hair follicle that is swollen and stopped up with bacteria and oil.  To the eye, comedos cannot be seen.  They lie just below the surface of the skin awaiting specific external conditions, which will allow the comedo to become an inflamed and infected lesion.  At this point, the comedo becomes red and visible.  This occurs because the body’s white blood cells begin to fight the infection, causing the surrounding skin to become irritated.  The affected skin produces more oil, which allows the contained bacteria to multiply rapidly inside of the follicle.  This begins the cycle that will determine the type of acne that will eventually be created.

• Acne that is Non-Inflammatory

The Whitehead, or Closed Comedo – A “whitehead” or closed comedo occurs when the infected follicle that is stopped up remains under the skin’s surface.  This type of acne can appear to be small white bumps on the the skin.

The Blackhead, or Open Comedo – If the follicle is swollen enough to raise above the surface of the skin and turns a darker color, then it is usually called a “blackhead.”  Contrary to popular belief, a “blackhead” or open comedo is not dark in appearance due to trapped dirt in the follicle.  Instead, the darker color is from melanin that has built up, which is the pigment within the skin.

• Types of Inflammatory Acne

Papule – The papule is known as the mildest type of acne.  Papules appear on the surface of your skin as small pink bumps that are firm.  Papules are often very tender when they are touched, and they are considered to be between the non-inflammatory stage and a clearly inflammatory lesion.

Pustule – Pustules, much like papules, are also small round lesions but are also visibly inflamed and may contain pus.  They are often reddish in color around the base and have a white or yellow looking center.  The inflamed area does not carry an abundance of bacteria.  Instead, the redness and irritation is normally caused by a chemical reaction from components of sebum.

Cyst or Nodule - What may be the most severe common form of acne lesion, nodules or cysts are large pus-filled lesions and usually are inflamed and very painful.  They can occur when a comedo ruptures below the skin layer and seeps into surrounding skin.  This brings about a response from the immune system that fights the infection and in turn produces pus.  Nodules can harden into deep cyst and may persist anywhere from a week or so, to several months and can cause deep scars.

Acne Conglobata – Although rare, this more severe form of inflammatory acne usually develops mainly on the buttocks, back, or chest.  There may be nodules and pustules present, and can also contain a bacterial infection that is severe.

Acne and blackheads walk hand in hand due to the fact that they are both caused by sebum oils clogging your pores. Blackheads form deep within the skin, inside your sebaceous glands. They start out quite small, but as time passes, they grow and reach the surface of your skin. They look like a black dot in place of where a pore should be, not very attractive in the least. Furthermore, the formation of blackheads eventually will cause acne, regardless of whether or not you are acne prone. However, there are things you can do to solve your blackhead problems.

Herbal supplements and certain medications have shown to make a substantial impact on the appearance of blackheads, and through time clear your skin completely. Finding a suitable treatment to cure your blackheads is very beneficial to the health of your skin. Many forms of treatments are home-base and have shown to be convenient and very effective.

Dermatologists advise using all-natural cleansers to remove excess grime and dirt from your skin and refrain from the use of harsh soaps that tend to dry your skin out. Keep in mind that keeping a good balance of the oiliness/dryness of your skin is the key to controlling blackheads. So basically, try to not allow your skin to be neither too oily nor too dry.

Although there is no cure, there is hope. Acne is a very treatable condition. Nowadays we know much more about controlling acne than in the past. What’s the huge secret? Acne prevention, meaning treating the condition before the symptoms are visible. Once you find an acne treatment that does this, you must to stick with it. The reasoning behind this, is that although your pimples are gone, you may still need the treatment to vanquish blemishes. Another secret to fighting acne,  is to begin treatment when the first signs appear. The quicker you begin to address your acne, the less likely it is that you will suffer permanent skin damage. In order to control acne, of course you need to know how it begins and what the causes are.

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not your fault. This condition is not caused by anything you are or are not doing, what you eat, how often you workout, or how frequently you wash your face. Acne comes about through a combo of factors far beneath the surface of your skin.

A Healthy Follicle

We’re talking healthy follicles v.s. plugged follicles. A blemish begins to form about 3 weeks prior to appearing on the surface of your skin. This occurs in the sebaceous hair follicles, aka your pores. Deep within your follicles, the sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil that keeps your skin moist). When your skin renews itself, older cells die and slough off. Normally, the dead cells gradually shed to make room for new skin. However, this doesn’t happen for everyone.

A Plugged Follicle

Some people have the tendency to shed cells evenly and some don’t. This uneven shedding of dead cells causes them to clump together and plug the follicle, trapping bacteria and oil inside. The bacteria and oil trapped within the follicle then begin to swell as your skin continues its normal oil production cycle. Your body then sends a swarm of white blood cells to attack the bacteria. All-in-all, this 3 week process ends in the creation of a pimple.

An Inflamed Acne Lesion

Keeping in mind that everyone has a different skin type, the condition of acne is influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are out of your control. Your body’s regularity of shedding skin cells changes as you age, meaning that the rate of which you produce sebum affects your hormone balance, especially in women. Research has shown that your genetic makeup also plays a part in the development of acne, so if you know your family’s acne history, you may get an idea ahead of time whether or not you will be affected.

Knowledge is a healthy weapon in the war against acne. Understanding the causes of acne will make it easier to formulate a treatment for it. There are five primary factors that contribute to acne. Each of these will vary between one person to the next, and no one has control over them. However, understanding them will help you find the proper treatment for your unique acne condition.

Factor #1: Bacteria.
The bacterium Propionibacterium is present in all skin types and is a major part of your skin’s natural sebum system. However, once a follicle is plugged, these bacterium rapidly multiply, creating a chemical reaction, and inflaming the follicle and surrounding skin.

Factor #2: Hormones.
Acne conditions have the tendency to appear around puberty when the body produces the hormones called androgens. Androgens cause your sebaceous glands to grow bigger, which is a natural stage of the body’s development. For people with acne, however, their sebaceous glands are highly stimulated by androgens, often even into adulthood, making them responsible for acne flare-ups during pregnancy or menstruation.

Factor #3: Excess Sebum.
When your sebaceous glands are stimulated by androgens, they produce an excess of sebum. When traveling up the follicle to the surface, the sebum combines with bacteria and dead cells that have recently been shed from the follicle, which can create a higher chance of clogging -  causing acne.

Factor #4: Unhealthy Follicles.
Usually, dead cells within your follicles gradually shed and are expelled through the skin’s surface. However, if someone has overactive sebaceous glands (usually everyone during puberty), the cells shed too rapidly. In combination with a surplus of sebum, the dead cells then plug the follicle, and prevent the skin from completing its natural renewal process.

Factor #5: Inflammation.
When your body comes into contact with unwanted bacteria, it sends a troop of white blood cells to kill off the enemy. In medical terms, this process is known as chemo taxis (aka the inflammatory response). This process is what causes pimples to be painful, swollen, and red. Although inflammatory response varies between everyone, research has shown that it is most prevalent in adult women.

So, keeping all that in mind, you’re probably wondering what your options are. There are thousands of acne treatments available today, and it is important to find the right one for your unique condition. Like personality, acne is highly individual, it can take different forms, and have different responses to treatment. The more knowledge you have about your specific acne condition, the higher your chance of finding a quality treatment that works for you.