Informative Articles

What causes acne? Acne has several origins. The five main causes include hormones, extra sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria and inflammation.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to acne both in adolescents and adulthood. During adolescence the body starts to produce hormones known as androgens. Androgens are responsible for the enlargement of the sebaceous glands (this may lead to hormonal acne).

The sebaceous glands become over stimulated by androgens and release a large amount of sebum. This abrupt production of sebum can damage the hair follicle and make it weaker against bacteria. This is part of a normal growth process.

Extra Sebum

The formation of acne also depends on extra sebum. After the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. As sebum makes its way to the skin's surface it combines with skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle.

This increases the chances of clogged pores, which can result in acne.

Follicle Fallout, Bacteria and Inflammation

Follicle fallout is another factor in the development of acne. When dead cells within the follicle shed more rapidly, they mix with the extra sebum, stopping the renewal process. This process is very important for keeping the skin performing properly.

A clogged pore is the perfect breeding ground for acne bacteria. The bacteria cause a chemical reaction known as inflammation. This reaction is the main cause of redness, pain and swelling.

Inflammation may be a necessary process to help the body get rid of foreign objects or infection, but it can lead to damage as well. When the inflammatory reaction tries to expel the infection, it also destroys healthy cells in the process.

The best acne treatment is the one that will deal with the majority of all acne causes.

Different Kinds of Acne

There are also many different types of acne. Some examples are acne rosacea and . The basic types of acne are comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

Comedones are considered to be the only form of non-inflammatory acne Whiteheads usually appear as small white bumps under the skin's surface. Therefore, they are considered closed comedos.

An open comedo is called a blackhead pimple because it has a dark appearance which is due to a follicle being pushed above the skin's surface.

Papules are the mildest form of inflammatory acne and appear as small, solid bumps that can be tender. Small, round lesions that contain pus are referred to as papules. They are set off by a chemical irritation to fatty free acids.

They are generally large and filled with pus. Nodules result when the inside of a comedo spills into the surrounding skin and forms pus.

Cysts form when nodules have become severly inflamed. They can last for weeks or even months. Nodules and cysts result in deep acne scarring.

Cysts, nodules and acne scarring can all benefit from treatments with natural skin care products. BIOSKINFORTE successfully address most of the causes of acne and enhance the immune system at the site of the lesions. Try out our natural skin care products now!