Sebum
One of the factors behind acne formation is the excess production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Sebum is a natural protective oil that your body uses to prevent excess moisture loss from the skin, as well as waterproof the skin and hair. When too much sebum is formed, it can lead to oily skin. The excess oil is then able to combine with other substances on the skin to form plugs in the pores and follicles of the skin.
Skin Cells
One of the most abundant substances that sebum combines with to create plugs are dead skin cells. Your body is constantly sloughing off old skin cells to make room for new skin growth. However, when irregular skin cell shedding occurs, and excess dead skin cells are present, they can combine with sebum to block the pores and form comedones (blackheads or whiteheads). When the blockage occurs inside a closed pore, the comedone is considered a whitehead. When the blockage occurs near the top of the pore and the follicle is open, it's considered a blackhead. Blackheads are so named because the open pore exposes the plug to oxygen, resulting in the oxidation of the melanin which makes the plug darker in color.
Bacteria
Bacteria also play an integral role in acne formation. When a pore becomes clogged, it can trap a type of bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). The blocked pore creates the perfect environment for the bacterium to overgrow. As the bacteria grow they secrete chemicals which can break down the walls of the affected follicle resulting in infection, and the development of acne lesions, including papules and pustules.
Inflammation
As the acne infection grows in severity and spills over into the surrounding skin, the body responds by creating inflammation. This results in the development of the most serious forms of acne, such as cysts and nodules. With inflammation comes an increase in pressure behind the acne lesion. If enough pressure persists, the lesion can burst, resulting in acne scar tissue.
Member Comments