Acne, or acne vulgaris, is the most common skin disease in humans, affecting about 80% of people at some point in their lives. It typically occurs between the ages of 11 and 30, but can also affect older individuals. Acne happens when follicles and pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oils. By studying how acne forms, doctors have developed ways to prevent and treat it.
Your skin is a complex organ made up of two layers and lots of nerves, blood vessels, and glands. Your skin cells regenerate about once a month, so you constantly have dead skin cells sloughing off, and new skin cells rising to the surface. This process isn’t much of a problem on its own, but many of these dead skin cells come out through your pores, which can complicate things.
Skin pores are essentially just openings for tiny hairs. Hair follicles, the root ends of the hairs, are embedded in your skin and surrounded by clusters of sebaceous glands, special glands that produce sebum. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance that helps keep your skin waterproof and moisturized. However, when your body produces too much sebum, it can build up inside your pores, trap dead skin cells, and cause a blockage. This increased sebum production is one of the major factors involved in the development of acne.
Increased keratin production is another factor. Keratin is a protein produced by your hair follicles. It gives structure to each strand of hair, as well as the top layer of your skin. But when the hair follicles produce too much keratin, the extra protein binds together dead skin cells, so they can’t just shed out of the pore like they normally would. You end up with a blockage that then traps more dead skin cells, plus sebum.
Once the pore is officially clogged, it becomes a breeding ground for colonies of bacteria—especially Propionibacterium acnes. This species of commensal bacteria naturally lives on your skin and is not harmful most of the time. However, when these bacteria find their way deep into skin pores where they don’t belong, they can cause an infection. And infections often cause inflammation.
Different combinations of symptoms cause different kinds of acne, such as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and pustules. The scientific term for a clogged pore is a comedo. When the main symptom is just that the pore is clogged, without much inflammation, that’s either a blackhead or a whitehead. When there’s a comedo plus an infection that causes inflammation, that’s a different kind of acne: pimples. The most severe kind of acne is generally called cystic acne. That’s when the infection takes root in the deepest layers of the skin.
There are a few different factors involved in causing acne. Genetics seem to be important, as well as hormones, specifically androgen hormones, like testosterone. Hormones are linked to sebum production. So during puberty, when the hormones are highly active, there’s an increase in sebum production. Increased stress has also been thought to increase hormone production. However, scientists aren’t really sure how or whether diet and acne are connected.
To treat acne, the goal is to reduce the factors that come together to cause breakouts. Treatments try to lower sebum production, stop dead cells from clumping together in the pore as much, prevent bacterial growth, and lower inflammation. Treatments can range from mild to aggressive, depending on how severe the symptoms are.
For mild acne like blackheads and whiteheads, you can usually use topical over-the-counter medications. One of the most effective is benzoyl peroxide, a chemical compound that’s really good at killing bacteria. Another common treatment is salicylic acid, which doesn’t kill the bacteria, but stops them from replicating.
Inflammatory acne, like papular pimples or cystic acne, sometimes needs stronger treatment to reduce the inflammation. That usually means prescription meds.
Antibiotics can be used to treat acne. They stop bacterial growth and reduce inflammation. Another kind of treatment involves retinoids, which are compounds related to vitamin A. Retinoids work by binding to skin cell receptors to remove dead skin cells and encourage healthy skin cell growth. In severe cystic acne cases, stronger retinoids actually work at the deeper layers of skin to reduce the size of the oil glands so they produce less sebum.
Since hormones are a big factor in sebum production, using birth control or corticosteroids can regulate female hormones and reduce the amount of androgen hormones being produced. Fewer androgen receptors at work means less sebum production, which means less acne.
Sometimes, severe, cystic acne will leave scarring, but there are ways to reduce it. These procedures don’t necessarily treat or prevent the acne itself, but they can reduce the bumps and scars left over from bad breakouts. Dermabrasion uses a gentle sanding tool to wear down layers of the skin that have scarred over from cystic acne. This procedure has mostly been replaced by laser resurfacing, which uses laser pulses to remove skin layer by layer until the scar has smoothed out.
Most people grow out of the acne-ridden years of puberty, though some people will continue to have acne well into their 40s and 50s. But even though a bad breakout might make you self-conscious, it’s normal, it’s treatable, and it’s not life-threatening. So take care of your skin, talk to your doctor about prescription treatments if you want them, and trust that your acne will probably get better with age.
Create a poster that illustrates the causes and effects of acne. Use diagrams to show how acne forms and develops. Include the roles of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria in the formation of acne. Make sure to also highlight the physical and emotional effects of acne.
Prepare a presentation about the different types of acne and their treatments. Include pictures of each type and explain how they differ from each other. Discuss the various treatments available for each type, including over-the-counter medications, prescription meds, and hormonal treatments.
Form a group and create a skit about acne prevention. The skit should educate your classmates about the importance of good skincare habits in preventing acne. Include tips on how to reduce sebum production and prevent bacterial growth.
Design a quiz that separates acne myths from facts. Include common misconceptions about acne, such as the belief that it’s caused by a poor diet or lack of hygiene. Use the information from the article to provide the correct answers.
Conduct a research project on acne scarring and its treatments. Discuss the causes of acne scarring and the procedures used to reduce it, such as dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. Present your findings in a report or presentation.
acne – a skin condition characterized by the presence of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the face, chest, back, and other parts of the body. – She was frustrated with her persistent acne, as it affected her self-confidence.
causes – the factors or reasons that lead to a particular event, condition, or outcome. – Poor diet and hormonal imbalances are common causes of acne in teenagers.
effects – the results or consequences of a particular action or condition. – The effects of acne can extend beyond physical appearance and affect a person’s mental health.
treatments – methods or procedures used to alleviate or cure a particular health condition or problem. – There are various treatments available for acne, including topical creams, oral medications, and lifestyle changes.
skin disease – a medical condition that affects the skin and its functions. – Acne is a common skin disease that affects people of different ages.
humans – members of the Homo sapiens species, characterized by their ability to think, reason, and communicate. – Acne is not exclusive to humans, as some animals can also develop similar skin conditions.
follicles – small sacs or cavities from which hair grows. – Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oils.
pores – small openings in the skin through which sweat, oils, and other substances are secreted. – Excess sebum production can lead to clogged pores, resulting in acne breakouts.
dead skin cells – the outer layer of skin cells that have completed their life cycle and are ready to be shed. – Accumulation of dead skin cells can contribute to pore blockages and the development of acne.
oils – substances produced by the body or applied to the skin that can moisturize or protect it. – Excessive oil production can contribute to the development of acne.
prevent – to take action in order to stop something from happening. – Regularly cleansing the skin and avoiding pore-clogging products can help prevent acne breakouts.
treat – to take measures to alleviate or cure a particular condition or problem. – Dermatologists can prescribe medications to help treat severe cases of acne.
formation – the process of something coming into existence or being created. – The formation of acne begins with the clogging of pores and hair follicles.
complex organ – an intricate structure made up of different tissues that performs specific functions. – The skin is a complex organ that protects the body from the external environment.
layers – separate levels or sections of a material or substance, one on top of the other. – The skin has multiple layers, including the epidermis and dermis.
nerves – bundles of fibers that transmit signals between the brain and different parts of the body. – Nerves in the skin allow us to perceive sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature.
blood vessels – tubular structures that transport blood throughout the body. – Blood vessels supply oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells.
glands – specialized organs or structures that produce and secrete substances. – Sebaceous glands in the skin produce sebum, an oily substance.
regenerate – to grow or produce again after damage or loss. – The skin has the ability to regenerate and heal itself after minor injuries.
problem – an undesirable or harmful situation or condition that needs to be resolved. – Acne can be a persistent problem for many individuals, requiring ongoing management.
hair follicles – small cavities in the skin from which hair grows. – Acne often occurs when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells.
sebaceous glands – small glands in the skin that produce and secrete sebum. – Overactive sebaceous glands can contribute to the development of acne.
sebum – an oily, waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands. – Sebum helps keep the skin waterproof and moisturized.
oily – having or producing an excessive amount of oil. – People with oily skin are more prone to acne breakouts.
waxy substance – a substance with a texture similar to that of wax. – Sebum is a waxy substance that helps protect and lubricate the skin.
waterproof – impermeable to water. – Sebum acts as a waterproof barrier on the skin’s surface.
moisturized – kept hydrated and nourished. – Properly moisturized skin is less likely to become dry and irritated.
blockage – an obstruction that prevents the normal flow or passage of something. – Pore blockages can lead to the development of acne.
keratin production – the process of producing keratin, a tough protein that forms the structure of hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin. – Excessive keratin production can contribute to the formation of acne.
protein – a large molecule made up of amino acids that is essential for the structure and function of cells. – Keratin is a protein that provides strength and structure to various parts of the body.
structure – the arrangement or organization of parts that form a whole. – The skin’s structure consists of multiple layers and various components.
shed – to lose or get rid of something, particularly dead skin cells. – Regular exfoliation helps shed dead skin cells and prevent pore blockages.
clogged pore – a pore that is blocked or obstructed, often due to a buildup of dead skin cells, oils, and bacteria. – A clogged pore can lead to the development of a pimple or blackhead.
bacteria – microscopic organisms that can be beneficial or harmful to the body. – Propionibacterium acnes is a type of bacteria commonly associated with acne.
Propionibacterium acnes – a species of bacteria that plays a role in the development of acne. – Propionibacterium acnes thrives in clogged pores and contributes to inflammation.
infection – the invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body. – Acne can sometimes lead to secondary infections if bacteria enter the skin through open lesions.
inflammation – a localized response of the body to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. – The redness and swelling around a pimple indicate inflammation.
types – categories or classifications that distinguish different forms or variations of something. – Acne can manifest in different types, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and pustules.
blackheads – small dark-colored bumps on the skin resulting from clogged pores. – Blackheads are a common type of acne that appears as dark spots on the skin’s surface.
whiteheads – small, flesh-colored or white bumps on the skin caused by clogged pores. – Whiteheads are a type of acne that occurs when pores are blocked by dead skin cells and oils.
pimples – small, raised bumps on the skin, often red or inflamed, caused by clogged pores and bacteria. – Pimples are a common form of acne that can be painful and unsightly.
pustules – small, pus-filled bumps on the skin resulting from inflammation and infection. – Pustules are a more severe type of acne that can require medical intervention.
comedo – a plug of dead skin cells, oils, and bacteria that blocks a hair follicle or pore. – A comedo is a primary element in the formation of acne.
genetics – the study of heredity and the variation of inherited traits. – Acne can have a genetic component, with some individuals being more predisposed to developing the condition.
hormones – chemical substances produced by glands in the body that regulate various bodily functions. – Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to the development of acne.
androgen hormones – a group of hormones, including testosterone, that regulate the development and maintenance of male characteristics. – Increased androgen hormone levels can stimulate excess sebum production and lead to acne.
testosterone – a male sex hormone that plays a role in the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics. – Elevated testosterone levels can contribute to acne breakouts.
stress – mental or emotional strain or tension caused by demanding circumstances. – Chronic stress can worsen acne symptoms due to hormonal imbalances.
diet – the food and drink regularly consumed by an individual. – Some studies suggest that a diet high in refined sugars and dairy products may exacerbate acne.
connected – linked or related to something. – Studies have shown that there is a connection between hormonal imbalances and the development of acne.
reduce – to make something smaller, less, or weaker. – Practicing good skincare habits can help reduce the occurrence of acne breakouts.
breakouts – the sudden appearance or increase in the number of skin blemishes or eruptions. – She was frustrated by the frequent breakouts that marred her otherwise clear complexion.
mild – not severe or serious in nature. – Mild cases of acne can often be managed with over-the-counter medications.
over-the-counter medications – medications that can be purchased without a prescription from a healthcare professional. – Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are commonly used over-the
