Since the follicular lining in the pilo-sebaceous unit is untouched before adolescence, it has been postulated that if colonization of Proprionibacterium acnes happens in sufficient quantities they create antigenic molecules that stimulate the initiation of inflammation. Proprionibacterium acnes can produce proteinases, lipase, and hyaluronate lyase all of which can act as the catalysts or promoters of the inflammatory infiltrate which is made of neutrophils and lymphocytes.

Hormonal Cause of Acne

The crucial player in the cause of acne in puberty is hormones. At this stage androgens interact with receptors on the sebaceous glands and cause stimulation of the sebaceous gland to hypertrophy and so form more sebaceous production of lipids and free fatty acids which distend the follicular conduct. More specifically, there is evidence for increased peripheral metabolic transformation of the androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at the level of the skin in people having acne.

How Acne Forms

The basic lesion in this condition called acne vulgaris is the comedo. When in contact with oxygen the comedo becomes dark and forms what you know as a blackhead. The comedo is created by retention of layers of dead skin known as keratin in the lining of the follicles. In addition to hyperkeratosis (which is thickening or trapped layers of keratin), there is an aggregation of sebum. The mixture of the keratin and the sebum produces a blocking of the opening of the follicular conduct, and papules are made by inflammation around the comedones. Depending on the degree of inflammation, cysts, granulomatous reactions, nodules, cars, pustules, and keloids can develop.

Development of Acne

Inflammatory Reaction

Airborne contamination and other harmful elements further aggravate the inflammatory response. As bacteria start to grow within the clogged pore your immune system responds by releasing granulocytes and macrophages, which are groups of white blood cells that destroy the bacteria. The inflammation process is needed to get rid of the continuing consequences of excess bacteria and signal the body to repair the harm to tissues. Often times the immune response system can't stop the multiplication of acne bacteria due to lack of leukocytes or an impaired system.

Activity of the Sebaceous Gland

When a comedo is clogging the exit of the sebum ducts, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, which gathers in the sebum conduct increasing the comedo in size. The expansion in size produces pressure and leads to a further intense inflammation response in the nearby skin and produces discomfort, swelling, redness, and a mass (pimple, redhead, acne papule).

Growth of Acne Bacteria

The above conditions encourage the growth of bacteria and result in infection within the duct, the sebaceous gland, and nearby tissue. The commencement of the infection makes further inflammatory alterations, therefore starting a cycle of accentuated blockage of the outflow of sebum which leads to even more pressure, inflammation, and progressing infection making cysts and pustules to occur. The effect on skin tissues caused by these infections is very damaging and the healing process commonly results in a scar.

Treatments For Acne

In order to find a good pimple remedy, you must remember that everyone has different needs. Try various acne products, starting with the milder one, until you find what works for you. A good skin treatment can be the end of your acne.