Acne Articles

When pores and hair follicles become agitated and form sores on the skin surface it is known as acne. These imperfections can take many forms including zits, cysts, abscesses, open comedos, and in worse cases even permanent scars. Acne most commonly occurs in both men and women during the adolescent period known as puberty. This is when the human body begins to develop big changes in hormone levels as a result of developing into a grown-up, adult body that is capable of sex. Acne most commonly has an effect on teenage males, but it is not limited to just them. Acne can affect both genders of all ages; sometimes for their complete adult lives. This is less common but definitely not exceptional.

Blemishes that seem more obvious on the skin are called inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne can mostly be seen on the face, but can appear on a number of other locations on the body such as the legs, chest, upper arms, back, shoulders, neck, and scalp. The most prevalent form of acne observed is the pimple. A pimple is when the pore or hair follicle becomes agitated and develops tiny red spots on the skin surface. Before the sore is fully formed there are symptoms that can be seen. These signs include blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pustules. Open comedos are clogged pores that have a darker hue with a hole at the surface of the skin. They are more often than not found on the nose, but can also be observed on the cheeks and forehead as well. White heads are a little bit different in that they don't have an open ended pore. They are marks that appear to be bulged out from under the skin. They will commonly turn into pustules if not irritated for a couple of days. If the pimples are squeezed or popped, they will generally become more infected and could cause permanent scarring. So it is an excellent idea to leave the closed comedos alone. Acne sufferers with whiteheads should instead use a gently exfoliating cleanser, such as Proactive solution or Neutrogena.

Pustules are discolored sores that are filled with pus and have a whitish or yellowish hue. They can form from whiteheads or blackheads. They are round sores that are inflamed because of agitated sebaceous glands. The human body has thousands of sebaceous glands that produce an oil-like substance called sebum. Infection and irritation can start when the body manufactures an excess of sebum. Cysts are bigger pus filled sores that can be seen on the top but are in reality deep within the skin. Because of the size and depth of the inflammation, cysts are often very irritating and can be as large as an inch across the affected area. They form as a result of the contents of a comedo spreading across the affected area and the bodies natural defense of producing pus to minimize these effects. Cysts can leave deep and permanent blemishes. There are two major types of acne; non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Open comedos and closed comedos are the two major categories of non-inflammatory acne. A closed comedo is also called a whitehead and develops on the skin surface as a tiny whitish or yellow bump. An open comedo is also known as a blackhead. It is dark in appearance but, despite popular belief, is not an excess of oil and grime. It is actually an excess of melanin, a chemical that encompasses the color of the skin surface. Blackheads and whiteheads can be prevented and maintained by using anti-inflammatory cleaners like Proactiv or products that have aloe vera.

Whatever kind of zits there is, there is a good treatment that is out there and available.A better knowledge of the different kinds of acne will give the consumer a fuller idea of what the most efficient form of treatment will be. Remember, zitsdoesn’t have to make you suffer all your life. With some research and time anyone can find the treatment that is perfect for them.