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There are five primary causes of
acne that vary drastically between individuals, but all contribute
to the process. For the majority of acne sufferers, the trouble
begins with puberty, when the body begins to produce hormones
called androgens.
These hormones cause your glands
to enlarge and become overstimulated, causing flare-ups. These
hormones are also associated with the menstrual cycle and
pregnancy. When androgens are overstimulated, glands produce extra
sebum. Extra sebum mixes with skin bacteria and dead skin cells to
clog follicles and cause acne. All acne begins with one basic lesion: the comedo, an enlarged follicle plugged with oil and bacteria. |
But different people react differently, creating two
different types of acne: non-inflammatory and inflammatory.
Non-inflammatory acne comes in two forms: closed comedo, or
whitehead, and open comedo, or blackhead. If the plugged follicle
stays below the surface of the skin, it is known as a closed
comedo, or whitehead. They usually appear on the skin as small,
whitish bumps. If the plugged follicle enlarges and pushes through
the surface of the skin, it is an open comedo, or blackhead. Its
dark appearance is not due to dirt, but rather a buildup in
melanin, the skin’s dark pigment. Inflammatory acne can come in four different forms. The mildest form is called papule, which appears as small, firm pink bumps. They are usually tender and an intermediary step between non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions. Pustules are also small round bumps, but they are visibly inflamed and contain pus. They appear red at the base, with a yellowish or whitish center. The most severe form of acne appears as nodules, or cysts, and are large and usually very painful. They appear inflamed and pus-filled, and are lodged deep within the skin. They may persist for weeks or months and harden into deep cysts. Both nodules and cysts leave deep scars. The rarest form of inflammatory acne is conglobata.
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Conglobata develops primarily on
the back, buttock and chest and are caused by severe bacterial
infection. One of the most common misconceptions about acne is that it is caused by dirt, but it’s not. There are several different factors that cause acne that is out of our control, but there are things that you can control that may help keep it in check. The secret to managing acne is prevention. Since acne is not caused by dirt, it is important that you don’t over-wash. Try to limit yourself to two washes a day, anything else can leave your skin dry and irritated. It can even overstimulate oil production and cause more breakouts. When you do wash, use a gentle formula with small, smooth grains. Avoid almond or apricot shell products, as they will aggravate your acne further. If you use a toner, avoid products with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. This results in dry, red skin that will possibly cause more blemishes. Don’t squeeze or pick pimples yourself, since that might cause the bacteria to sink deeper in the skin, causing greater inflammation, damage, infection, and possibly a scar. If you exercise regularly, you should always shower or wash off immediately. Come to our salon & spa for further advice and excellent treatments. Remember! The future of your beautiful skin is at Githa's Salon & Spa in Sanur.
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