What is Acne?

Almost everyone is familiar with acne and most have been affected by it a some point in their lives. Acne is a skin condition that usually appears during the teenage years but can affect people of all ages.

Acne is commonly known as pimples and is usually seen on the face but can also appear on the upper torso i.e. the back, the shoulders, the neck and the chest.

Acne affects males and females in almost equal numbers although males tend to have more severe forms. Acne is found throughout the world - no race is immune from it.

Acne in Medicine

The medical term for acne is Acne Vulgaris. Medically speaking, acne is defined as lesions which break out on the skin. These lesions can be in various forms such as whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts. It is caused by clogged pores due to an overabundance of sebum - an oily substance that keeps the hair and skin lubricated and supple.

The Cause of Acne

The body produces an overstock of sebum during puberty and this is the reason that acne is commonly seen as a "teenage" problem. Sebum production usually tapers off by the time we hit our twenties, reducing the occurrence of pimples and acne.

The excess sebum can clog pores, but it is not the only culprit behind acne. Another factor that contributes to acne is the excess production of follicle cells that also occurs during adolescence. The excess cells die off and can accumulate and combine with sebum to form whiteheads.

The oil and dead cell mix also creates a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria causes the redness and swelling which are typical of pimples.

What is Acne? - Part Two

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