Since the follicular walls in the pilo-sebaceous unit is untouched before adolescence, it has been theorized that if colonization of Proprionibacterium acnes happens in sufficient numbers they create antigenic molecules that stimulate the initiation of inflammation. Proprionibacterium acnes is able to produce proteinases, lipase, and hyaluronate lyase all of which may act as the catalysts or initiators of the inflammatory infiltrate which is composed of neutrophils and lymphocytes.

Hormonal Cause of Acne

The key 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 hence form more sebaceous production of lipids and free fatty acids which distend the follicular conduct. More specifically, there is evidence for enhanced peripheral metabolic transformation of the androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at the level of the skin in people suffering from acne.

How Acne Forms

The basic lesion in this condition called acne vulgaris is the comedo. When exposed to oxygen the comedo becomes dark and forms what you know as a blackhead. The comedo is created by retention of layers of dead skin called keratin in the walls of the follicles. In addition to hyperkeratosis (which is thickening or retained layers of keratin), there is an aggregation of sebum. The combination of the keratin and the sebum leads to a plugging of the opening of the follicular conduct, and papules are made by inflammation around the comedones. Depending upon the degree of inflammation, cars, pustules, cysts, nodules, granulomatous reactions, and keloids may develop.

Development of Acne

Inflammatory Response

Airborne contamination and other toxic elements further exacerbate the inflammatory response. As microbes start to grow inside the clogged pore your defensive system reacts by releasing granulocytes and macrophages, which are groups of white blood cells that eliminate the microbes. The inflammation process is needed to eliminate the continuing consequences of excess bacteria and signal the body to repair the harm to tissues. Often times the defensive 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 blocking the exit of the sebum ducts, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, which gathers in the sebum conduct augmenting the comedo in size. The expansion in size produces pressure and leads to a more intense inflammation reaction 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 microbes and result in infection inside the canal, the sebaceous gland, and nearby tissue. The commencement of the infection produces further inflammatory alterations, therefore starting a cycle of accentuated obstruction 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 harmful and the healing process usually results in a scar.

Treatments For Acne

To find a good pimple remedy, you must keep in mind that all individuals have different needs. Try a variety of acne products, beginning with the milder one, until you find what works for you. A good skin treatment can be the end of your acne.