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.