What are comedones? The natural plugs that are formed from the excess oil along with dead skin cells are called comedones.
These eventually result in white heads and blackheads that can be seen on the skin's surface through a dilated pore.
Comedones cause further build-up of sebum and now bacteria begins to grow and bred in the hair follicle.
The acne bacteria (Propionobacterium acnes) feed off the sebum and release chemicals that draw white blood cells to the follicle which becomes inflamed.
This produces pimples or papules or zits that look bumpy and white and are the cause of the anxiety most teenagers feel at that young age.
Inflamed Acne Pores With time, infection sets into the follicle and the papules grow into pustules, with pus formation inside the hair follicle.
As the acne worsens, the inflammation spreads to surrounding areas of the skin.
This, coupled with inflammation of the other glands inside the follicle, results in ugly, lumpy nodules or even cysts.
These sac-like structures lumps are deep-seated and grow into the second layer of the skin called the dermis.
How do Acne scars form? Scarring is a very possibility in a large number of acne patients and this happens when the condition turns severe.
Acne scars result from inflammation of the skin which damages the natural collagen in it.
When this happens, the skin gets thin and depressed and results in a scar.
Alternatively, the inflammation could result in increased collagen production, which causes raised scars.
Scientists are yet to determine what causes acne but what we do know is that it is basically a hormonal disturbance.
It results due to a higher-than-normal amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood.
There are certain situations that tend to trigger flare-ups and bouts and these can be avoided to the condition.
Avoid doing anything that blocks the skin pores as this will lead to a build-up of sebum in the follicle.
Therefore do not wear tight clothes, do not use greasy creams and hairsprays and avoid the use of headgear like caps.
Medicines to Avoid Certain drugs and formulations can also be included in the list of what causes acne to flare up.
These are androgenic medications like anabolic steroids and progestin in oral contraceptive pills.
Acne pimples and zits are itchy bit never ever scratch, pick or squeeze the papules.
This could disrupt the acne oil sac under the skin.
If the contents of the sac leaks, it leads to further inflammation.
Finally, careful not to use abrasive soaps and towels and don't over wash your skin.
Cleansing should always be with a mild soap.
Washing your face frequently will likely lead to dry and damaged skin and make it more inflamed.
Understanding what causes acne makes it easier to take the necessary precautions.