Fine Lines

Volume 1, Issue 3

Issue link: http://www.finelinesmagazine.com/i/1175070

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 10 of 15

www.ascpskincare.com 11 hereditary factors. If treatment is discontinued, the genetic factors will cause clogging again, and the condition will reoccur in time. There is no cure for acne, only good clearing management techniques. 3. Hormonal factors are a very important element in oily skin and acne. While hormonal influences affect acne in both males and females, females with acne-prone skin are more likely to be affected by hormonal issues as adults. Male hormones (androgens) in the bloodstream trigger oil production. When male hormones in the bloodstream come into contact with the lobes of an oil gland, the hormones "dock" in a receptor site within the sebaceous cells. This switches on the oil production and it flows into the follicle and onto the skin surface where it mixes with the cell buildup and begins clogging the follicle. The oil solidifies and forms an impaction. 4. There are a number of different bacteria that naturally live in the skin follicle. One of these is Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). P. acnes bacteria are anaerobic, which means they cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. The bacteria constantly divide to produce new bacteria, but P. acnes bacteria are constantly being killed off by oxygen flowing in and out of the follicle. When the follicle becomes blocked because of an impaction of dead cell buildup and solidified oil, the follicle does not aerate as it normally does. This allows the P. acnes bacteria to increase in numbers. P. acnes bacteria only eat one food: oil. As they digest the oil, fatty acids are produced from the remains, and these acids cause inflammation in the follicle, which causes irritation of the follicle walls. This inflammation further impedes the follicle aeration, which perpetuates the situation. 5. Let's talk about comedones, or those small bumps frequently found on the skin of those with acne. There are two types of comedones. Noninflammatory comedones are either open comedones (typical blackheads) or closed comedones, which appear as small white bumps just under the skin surface. Open comedones are so called because the follicle opening is open. Closed comedones do have an opening as well, but it is extremely small next to an open comedo. This tiny opening, along with the follicle stuffed with cell buildup and solidified oil, further block the follicle aeration. When the follicle becomes filled with the impacted buildup, oil, and pressure from inflammation from fatty acids, the follicle wall ruptures from the pressure. The immune system then sends white blood cells to the ruptured follicle and blood floods the follicle so the white blood cells can attack the bacteria and "save" the follicle. The lesion becomes red from the blood presence and the inflammation, and becomes an acne papule—a pimple. 6. Any sort of inflammation can contribute to acne flares. Overly stimulating treatments, peeling agents that are too strong or used too frequently, excessive extraction, fragrances in products, or stimulating products or treatments can cause inflammation in the follicles. Instead of standing in a drugstore aisle and guessing what products might help control breakouts, make an appointment for a consultation with an esthetician. Estheticians have the knowledge and experience to develop a treatment plan that includes professional treatments and effective home products that will keep your acne under control. ▪

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Fine Lines - Volume 1, Issue 3