THE ACNE GROUP

THE ACNE GROUP is dedicated to providing accurate, reliable information on the treatment of acne, acne skin care and eliminating acne. Believe it or not, acne IS a skin disorder! Everyone seems to have acne and everyone seems to suffer from it.

ACNE IS CAUSED BY THREE MAIN FACTORS:

1) Abnormal keratinization of the lining of the sebaceous gland caused by androgen stimulation, resulting in plugging of the gland;
2) Increased production of sebum by the sebaceous gland due to androgen stimulation; A bacterium Propionibacterium proliferates within the gland and modifies the sebum.
3) Propionibacterium is a bacterium normally found on the skin.
Acne is influenced by many more factors. Hormones play a part in the production of conditions, which can promote the occurrence of acne. Over use or abuse of acne treatments themselves can cause a worsening of acne. Makeup applied to the skin can in some instances cause conditions leading to the symptoms of acne. Diet, while not normally thought to be a cause of acne, can in fact lead to a pH imbalance in the body and the body's largest organ, the skin will also be affected. Hair spray, gels and conditioners can clog the pores along the hairline leading to acne pimples.

The best way to understand and treat acne is to first separate the myths from the facts.

ACNE FACTS:

1) 80 percent of the population suffers from acne.
2) Bacteria is generally the number one cause of acne.
3) There are many different types of acne.
4) Ultraviolet rays are acne contributors, not preventors. Sun rays damage skin, not help it. Although a tan may temporarily mask acne, the sun can make the skin dry and irritated, leading to more breakouts in the future. Always protect your skin by choosing a sunscreen of at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 that says noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic on the label, which means it won't clog pores.

ACNE COSMETICA

Cosmetics, because of their chemical composition, are directly related to the occurrence of acne. Acne cosmetica is a common mild form of acne. Topical factors rather than hormones and acidic imbalances in the body trigger this type of acne. As the name implies, acne cosmetica is triggered by the use of cosmetics or skin care products such as deodorant soaps. Acne cosmetica usually occurs on the face, neck, hairline and scalp but can occur anywhere on the body. Acne cosmetica presents as small, rashy, pink bumps on the cheek, chin, forehead and even the scalp. The skin texture will appear and feel rough. There is little to no inflammation associated with this form of acne. It develops over a period of a few weeks or months and may be persistent for a long time. Discontinuing the use of the particular cosmetic, which triggers the onset, can contain the outbreak. Using cosmetics or other oily skin or hair products, which block pores.