Acne is a condition characterised by pimples, black-heads and white-heads that appear on the face, neck and the upper areas of the body. Acne problems are typically said to be a teenager’s disease. However older people also suffer from acne as well.
The most debated topic about acne is the cause behind the eruption of those spots.
Sebum
On the surface of the skin, an oily substance called sebum is produced by many glands. The sebum is essential to provide moisture to skin and hair. When a person reaches adolescence, these sebaceous glands grow in size to produce excess amounts of sebum. The skin has particular bacteria called as pilosebaceous acnes which use the sebum as a nutrient material for growth. They are present in varying quantities in different people and are generally in larger quantities in people suffering severe acne.
Hyperactive sebaceous glands
When these sebaceous glands become hyperactive, the bacteria grow and draw white cells from the body to produce an enzyme. Generally, the sebum is produced inside the skin’s follicle. However, the excess enzyme produced harms the follicle wall, letting the oily contents enter the outer layer of the skin – the dermis.
Acne formation
This eventually leads to an inflammatory reaction in the skin which we all call acne. The sebum produced is in excess to what is required to moisturise the skin. This excess sebum clogs hair follicles and can become infected.
Laser acne treatment
Laser treatments have proven to be very effective in acne removal. Laser treatments involve the use of laser light to target the affected area without harming the rest of the skin.
