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An early acne blemish that is caused by blocked pores (blackheads
and whiteheads).
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Early spots that become larger and inflamed (pimples).
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Deep and large bumps that can be painful (cystic acne).
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Caused by increased sebum production.
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After the inflammation subsides, the skin can be discoloured
by brown acne stains (hyperpigmentation), and damaged by
acne scars.
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Scars are common, and can occur even with mild acne.
Acne is the visible end result of
hormonal, bacterial and inflammatory disturbances that take
place at the level of the oil pore (pilosebaceous follicle).
The hormonal effects (from testosterone
and dihydrotestosterone) cause the sebaceous glands to increase
oil (sebum) production, which then flows into the hair shaft.
The oil or sebum controls how much scale
is produced in the inner lining of the hair shaft. Scale is
made of a protein called keratin, which blocks the hair follicle.
Increased oil production may occur within
the sebaceous glands, and the scale may become stickier and
build up on the inside walls of the hair follicle, which can
even further block the pore.
Acne bacteria can grow and multiply in
the retained oil. As the inflamed hair follicles and glands
enlarge, the surrounding skin becomes more inflamed, and nodules
(cysts) may appear.
Inflammation can cause damage to the cells
that create collagen, which can induce acne scarring.
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acne.ca
