Types of Acne
Severity of Acne
Acne ranges from pimples or blemishes -- whiteheads and blackheads -- to nodules and cysts, called lesions. At its worst, acne can create widespread infection over large areas of the skin, leading to permanant scarring and skin damage.
Whiteheads and blackheads.
When sebum (oil) is trapped beneath the skin surface, a closed comedone (pimple) develops. This is what we call a whitehead. If the oil is exposed to air, while still stuck in the follicle, it darkens into an open comedone -- a blackhead.
Infection from bacteria within comedones produces swelling, redness and pus, leading to the development of infected cysts. These sac-like lesions contain liquidified dead cells, bacteria and white blood cells which, without proper treatment, can spread and worsen.
Nodules -- solid lesions that are the worst kind of acne -- extend deep into the skin. This form of acne can be very painful and can cause tissue destruction resulting in scarring.
Acne Scarring
Acne scars are usually classified into three categories:
Ice-pick scars: Typically deep pit scars that can occur on the face.
Shallow, depressed scars: These resemble chickenpox scars and can appear anywhere on the body.
Deep, depressed scars: Usually found on the cheeks, these scars are highly visible and almost always permanent.
Acne Categories by Age
While acne can be categorized by severity, however a more useful categorization for explaining cause and making treatment decisions is to breakdown acne conditions by age, or time of life.
Infantile Acne. Even at birth, infants can have mild acne on their faces, generally on the cheeks and occasionally on the chin and forehead. It is more common in male infants and is usually very mild.
Fetal hormones appear to be the cause of infantile acne. Adrenal androgens, including excessive testosterone, causes an increase in sebum production in infants. Children with severe infantile acne also tend to develop severe acne during adolescence.
Adolescent Acne. Sebum production is controlled by the sex hormones. Acne usually develops when the body starts to produce hormones called androgens around 11 to 14 years of age, or when puberty begins.
As androgen production increases and sebaceous glands enlarge, the inner lining of skin in the hair follicle changes. Dead cells begin to shed more rapidly, and in the presence of excess oil, the cells start to stick together in clumps.
It is during adolescence that the development of severe acne conditions is most often seen. Beginning proper “lifestyle” treatment at this time can significantly reduce the number and severity of breakouts over the years as well as limit permanent damage and scarring.
Adult Acne. While most people develop acne during adolescence, other factors can cause acne to occur in adults throughout their lives. These factors include:
- Environment. High humidity can actually cause skin to swell, and pollutants in the air can contribute to a higher incidence of acne.
- Hormonal Cycle Changes. Women can experience intermittent acne associated with the hormonal changes caused by their menstrual cycles or perimenopause. Most cyclical breakouts occur about one week prior to menstruation, but occasional breakouts can occur throughout perimenopause. Even varying degrees of severe acne can recur during this major change in hormone levels.
- Cosmetics. Whiteheads, or closed comedones, actually can be caused by cosmetics (such as foundations), night creams and moisturizers which contain vegetable oils or oleic acid. Ironically, some cosmetic “cover-ups,” intended to hide or disguise blemishes and pimples, can instead aggravate the problem.
- Medications. Some prescription medicines can cause skin to secrete excess oil leading to an acne breakout.
- Genetics. Unfortunately, some people just are born with a predisposition to acne. If one or both of your parents had acne as a teen, chances are you’ll be more likely to have issues with acne. While it occurs in all races, Caucasian Americans tend to be more affected by acne than African Americans, Hispanics or those of Asian descent.
Return to The Wellness Solution to Acne.
The Malibu Wellness Solution
EC Mode Oil-Less Wellness System
Step 1: EC Mode® Zinc C Thera-Serum
Step 2: EC Mode® Oil-Less Moisturizer
Partners with
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Television Personality & Author
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