Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions affecting 80% of adolescents and 30% of adults. It is a polymorphous inflammatory condition occurring in the pilosebaceous follicles better known as “pores”. Acne is caused by a combination of excess sebum (oil) production and hyperkeratosis (thickened skin cells).
Our skin contains sebaceous glands that produce sebum to lubricate and protect its surface. Naturally our skin will slough dead skin cells, with acne the sebum and dead skin cells stick together inside the follicles. The mixture of oil and cells allows bacteria that normally live on the skin to grow inside the follicle resulting in inflammation.
Triggering Factors for Acne:
- Genetic predisposition
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Medicines
- Cosmetics and hygiene
- Pollution and environmental factors