What Acne Is

Our body is covered with pores (also known as follicles). Sometimes these pores get blocked. The reasons for this are more or less unknown. Body oils that find their way out through the pores cannot get out. Bacteria begin to grow. A microcomedone is the beginning of acne. This then grows into a whitehead or blackhead. These whiteheads or blackheads are called comedones. A whitehead is formed when the trapped sebum (oil) cannot reach the surface at all. On the other hand, in the case of a blackhead the oil partially reaches the surface. The skin pigment (melanin) reacts with the oxygen from the air and forms a blackhead. The blackhead or whitehead heals if the oil is let out to the surface. If the follicle wall ruptures then inflammatory acne is caused.

This is caused by picking or touching. This is why skin that is prone to acne should be untouched. When the follicle wall is broken white blood cells rush in and a formation called a papule follows. When white blood cells make their way to the surface of the skin, several days later, a pustule is formed. This is commonly known as a zit or a pimple and is often the cause of adolescent embarrassment. A nodule is formed when a follicle breaks along the bottom and there is total collapse. Cysts are pus filled cells formed by a severe inflammatory reaction.

Read What Causes Acne here.