There are many myths associated with acne. If you are suffering from this skin condition, deciphering between what is real and not can be very important. There are typically three deciding factors on what induces this skin condition. Over production of oil in the skin, agitation of hair follicles as a result of abnormal shedding of flaky, dead skin cells and the build-up of bacteria can all lead to this skin condition.
Acne is the result of a combination oil and skin cells that are dead. These mix together inside the hair follicle. How? Well, each hair follicle is connected to a gland called a "sebaceous gland". This gland produces oils that work to lubricate the hair and skin.
Once produced the oil moves through the hair shafts and out of the hair follicles, in order to do its lubricating job. The problem occurs when excess oil is produced and then mixes with dead skin cells. This combination forms a clog under the skin's surface. This is how pimples begin to form on the surface of the skin.
Pimples that appear on the face are a result of this clog. This mix of oil and dead skin pushes against the follicle wall, thus the white head of a pimple. Blackheads are formed when the clog is exposed to the skin's surface in open air.
The lumps that occur with this skin condition are a result of clogs that occur deep within the skin's surface. They form cysts beneath the skin. Their location deep beneath the skin is the reason you cannot see the white or black head. Wondering about sweat glands? Well, they are normally not associated with this type of skin condition.
It is not known what exactly causes the increased amount of oil in the follicles that lead to this skin condition. However, there are few indications of these causes, which include hormone imbalances, bacteria, medications and heredity. These are just a few of the indicated factors that increase the production of oil, or sebum, as it is known in the medical community, in the hair follicles.
Too often acne is wrongly associated with dirt. It is not a matter of cleanliness. In fact, scrubbing your face too hard with harsh soaps can irritate the skin even further. Normal washing of the skin to remove extra oil or dirt that may be found is enough for ordinary facial cleansing. If you find yourself seriously afflicted by this skin condition, consult your doctor.
