Acne, or “acne vulgaris”, is an oily skin condition where skin’s sebaceous glands produce excess sebum. This causes pores to become clogged with dead cells and sebum. Sometimes, the process stops there, resulting in blackheads and whiteheads. This is known as “retentional acne”. In more severe cases, bacteria multiply in the trapped sebum and cause inflammation in the skin, resulting in superficial pimples called pustules, or deeper, hard and painful lesions called nodules and cysts. This is called “inflammatory acne”.
In acne, an inbalance in hormones called androgens cause the sebaceous gland to produce lots of oil. The same hormones cause increased production of skin cells lining pores. Pores then get clogged with a mixture of cells and sebum, becoming a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. This results in several types of pimple ranging from red spots to pustules or deep, painful cysts.
Overly harsh products can cause a sebum-rebound effect and aggravate acne. Dermatologists recommend gentle adapted cleansing.
Firstly, heredity which in some cases is extremely important. The symptoms associated with hereditary acne should be studied especially anything indicating a hormonal blood disorder such as excessive hairiness menstrual disorders, or being overweight. Other factors that need to be investigated are whether the patient is taking medication such as oral corticosteroids or certain psychotropic and anti-epileptic drugs. Other factors that come into play include stress, environmental factors humid climates, pollution and a number of controversial substances present in the environment that may affect the acne. Acne is in no way a contraindication for using make-up. However, the make-up used should be non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested. If not, it may exacerbate the acne.
Safety standards beyond international cosmetics regulations.
