Acne is a disease that involves the oil glands of the skin. Although not dangerous, acne can cause bad scarring. Our skin has pores which connect to oil glands just under the epidermis. The glands are linked to the pores via follicles, which are microscopic canals. Sebum, which is an oily liquid, is produced by these glands. The sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of your skin.

Although acne is seen to be a teenage problem, adult onset acne is also a common problem that can arise due to numerous reasons.

It is difficult to advise your teen, daughter, cousin, nephew or niece how best to take care of their skin – and like teenage skin emotions can prove to be a veritable minefield.

Typically the areas affected includes:

• Face
• Shoulders
• Back
• Neck
• Chest
• Upper Arms

Acne Scarring is a disorder and infection of the pilosebaceous unit which consists of a hair follicle, sebaceous gland and hair. Pilosebaceous units are found all over the body except the palms, soles of the feet and the top of the feet. The greatest amount of pilosebaceous units can be found on the back, face, upper neck and the chest. A matter called sebum is evident in these units which plays a role in the moisturising of the hair and skin. These glands are enlarged when an individual reaches puberty producing greater quantities of sebum due to increased hormone activity (androgens).

Excessive sebum should decrease by the time puberty is over.Acne sufferers have an elevated amount of Propionibacterium acnes in their follicles than those without acne.

The presence of bacteria attracts white blood cells to the follicle which in turn produces an enzyme that damages the follicle walls allowing the contents of the follicle to enter the upper parts of the skin (dermis).This in turn results in papules, pustules and nodules.

Free fatty acids are also caused by the bacteria elevating the inflammation and infection in the follicles.

The answer to this question is yes and no, although there are most certainly varying stages of severity. Medically, though, acne is divided into four different grades:

• Grade 1 – Blackheads and whiteheads.
• Grade 2 – Blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.
• Grade 3 – Blackheads, whiteheads, pustules and papules.
• Grade 4 – Blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, papules and cysts.

Typically grades 1 and 2 are usually treated by a skin therapists and grades 3 and 4 by a Dermatologist.

Salicyclic acid is one of the most common ingredients in acne-fighting products as it gently exfoliates the skin surface and the inside of the follicles, getting rid of dead skin as well as oil build-up. It also acts as an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory agent – making it ideal for inflamed, irritated skin.

There are also a couple of over the counter skin savers that can assist in the treatment of acne that contain either salicyclic acid or benzoyl.

It is perhaps the best approach to choose a skin care clinic that is well-versed in all Acne Treatments to assist as this will most certainly guarantee success and far less scarring.
Excessive sebum should decrease by the time puberty is over.Acne sufferers have an elevated amount of Propionibacterium acnes in their follicles than those without acne.

The presence of bacteria attracts white blood cells to the follicle which in turn produces an enzyme that damages the follicle walls allowing the contents of the follicle to enter the upper parts of the skin (dermis).This in turn results in papules, pustules and nodules.

Free fatty acids are also caused by the bacteria elevating the inflammation and infection in the follicles.

Acne is seen often during puberty in boys and girls, when the sebaceous glands (oil glands) are over-activated. However it can show up during any stage of your life.

No, it’s not. However if left untreated, or treated incorrectly, it can leave scars on the areas to be affected. When we treat any sort of acne, we generally end up treating acne scars.