Acne Control

Acne is a common skin disorder that is caused by hormone action on the sebaceous glands (oil secreting glands) of the skin. Hormones act on the skin’s oil glands and hair follicles leading to clogged pores and lesions which we commonly call pimples. These usually form on your face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Even though acne does not lead to a serious health problem, it can lead to emotional disturbances such as low self esteem. When it is severe, it can even leave behind permanent scars.

The sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum that is normally carried out to the skin surface through the tiny opening of the hair follicle, called a pore. The hair, sebum, and dead skin cells in the follicle may form a plug that prevents sebum from reaching the skin surface. The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) found normally on your skin start to grow in these follicles and cause inflammation. When this plug breaks down, it causes pimples.

Types of pimples

The most common types include:

• Whiteheads – These pimples form under the surface of the skin and appear as a small white bump on the skin
• Blackheads – These pimples form on the skin surface and are black in colour
• Papules – These are small pink bumps that can be painful when you touch them
• Pustules – These pimples appear red at their base and are filled with pus
• Nodules – These are large, painful, solid pimples
• Cysts – These are deep, painful, pus-filled pimples and can cause scars

Causes of Acne

Acne is common in teenagers because of excessive hormone production of androgens during puberty. These hormones make the oil glands produce more sebum and also clog the pores of your skin. It can also occur as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy or when birth control pills are started or stopped. In addition heredity may also play a role, where it runs in families. The use of certain drugs containing lithium and oily creams can also contribute to acne. In women, acne frequently worsens at the time of menstruation.