So What is Acne?

Acne explained simply, is caused when a pore in your skin is blocked by oil and inflammation, allowing bacteria to grow inside the pore which in turn produces a pimple. A normal pore , or pilosebaceous unit contains a hair follicle, sebaceous gland, hair and sebum:

A pimple is caused when the pore, also called a follicle, can no longer drain the sebum to the surface of the skin due to blockage of some kind. As the sebum can no longer drain out of the follicle it stays behind the blockage and bacteria starts to grow:

As you can see in the diagram above the follicle is blocked and the sebum builds up behind it. From this point the blocked pore can develop either into a blackhead or a whitehead.

A whitehead pimple occurs when the follicle is completely closed, allowing no contact between the sebum and the air:

A blackhead pimple occurs when the follicle is partially open to the air, exposing the sebum trapped inside to the outside elements. The sebum changes to a black color due to its exposure to the air, so though blackheads look like they are caused by dirt clogging the pores, this is not the case.

Both blackhead and whitehead pimples are caused by blockages in the follicle trapping sebum below the skin, allowing bacteria to form. These pimples can stay under the skin for quite some time if left untreated, causing scarring and other skin problems.

To read about the main causes of acne please click here, Causes Of Acne.
To learn more about the different types of acne visit Acne Types

Diagrams courtesy of the National Institure of Health

Home What is Acne? Causes of Acne Acne Types Acne Treatments Dietary Treatments Acne Scarring Myths about Acne Social Impact When to See a Dermatologist Our Recommeded Acne Treatment News	So What is Acne? Acne explained simply, is caused when a pore in your skin is blocked by oil and inflammation, allowing bacteria to grow inside the pore which in turn produces a pimple. A normal pore , or pilosebaceous unit contains a hair follicle, sebaceous gland, hair and sebum: A pimple is caused when the pore, also called a follicle, can no longer drain the sebum to the surface of the skin due to blockage of some kind. As the sebum can no longer drain out of the follicle it stays behind the blockage and bacteria starts to grow: As you can see in the diagram above the follicle is blocked and the sebum builds up behind it. From this point the blocked pore can develop either into a blackhead or a whitehead. A whitehead pimple occurs when the follicle is completely closed, allowing no contact between the sebum and the air: A blackhead pimple occurs when the follicle is partially open to the air, exposing the sebum trapped inside to the outside elements. The sebum changes to a black color due to its exposure to the air, so though blackheads look like they are caused by dirt clogging the pores, this is not the case. Both blackhead and whitehead pimples are caused by blockages in the follicle trapping sebum below the skin, allowing bacteria to form. These pimples can stay under the skin for quite some time if left untreated, causing scarring and other skin problems. To read about the main causes of acne please click here, Causes Of Acne. To learn more about the different types of acne visit Acne Types Diagrams courtesy of the National Institure of Health	Recent Articles: New!! Free Product Trials Clearpores 3 step System Pimples On Vagina Treating Buttocks Pimples Retin A Treatments Acne and Antioxidants Acne and Skin Care
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