Become a Member

Acne

ACNE DEFINITION
Acne is a hereditary condition that is a result of hormonal changes that cause the oil gland to secrete too much oil.
The sebaceous oil and dead cells create a plug in the oil duct and bacteria begin to form. This causes the follicle to
become swollen, inflamed and then filled with pus. Acne may be aggravated further by emotional stress, environmental
factors, picking at the pimple and occasionally by diet. Acne commonly occurs in adolescents because hormonal
changes stimulate the sebaceous gland, however acne may continue long after adolescence. It may be aggravated
later in life by menstrual, general hormonal changes, oral contraceptives, lifestyle and stress.

ACNE FACTS
• Acne is the third most commonly treated skin disorder treated by Dermatologists and Skincare Therapists
• Acne impacts 17 million Americans
• 2/3rd of patients are genetically predisposed to acne
• Most people do not seek professional therapy
• Excessive washing and exfoliating irritate acne condition

ACNE VULGARIS
• Most common in puberty
• Acne considered an abnormal response to normal levels of male hormone, testosterone
• Response diminishes over time and disappears or decreases in the early twenties
• Affects up to 80% of adolescents and continues to affect 40-50% of adult women

GENETIC FACTORS
• Heredity
• Increase in Sebum production
• Bacteria
• Hormones
• Retention Hyperkeratosis

HEREDITY
• Determines the size and activity of the sebaceous glands
• If one parent has been an acne suffer, 40% chance; with both parents, 85-90%
• Can skip certain family members or even pass on entire generation

INCREASE SEBUM
• Acne patients excrete more sebaceous lipids
• Often have weak or no hair in the follicle to allow oils to escape to the skin surface. This is called a Sebaceous Follicile
• The sebaceous glands are larger and more numerous in acneic skin
• Respond to hormones

HOW LESIONS OCCUR
• Acne takes place in the sebaceous follicle
• Follicles are largest and most numerous on the face
• Sebaceous follicles are extremely large
• Have a deep and cavernous structure
• Large masses of keratinized cells occupy the follicle

STAGES OF THE ACNE PROCESS
• Abnormal keratinization
• Excessive Sebum and Bacteria
• Expansion and rupture of the follicle

FOUR GRADES OF ACNE
• Grade I—Mostly open and closed comedones with an occasional pimple. Grade I acne is typical of a teenager just
   beginning puberty.
• Grade II—Very large number of closed comedones with occasional pustules or papules.
• Grade III—Large number of open and closed comedones and many papules and pustules. It is very inflamed and red.
• Grade IV—Commonly referred to as cystic acne, with many deep cyst and scar formation.