Acne is a skin disease that involves the oil glands found at the base of hair follicles. These glands come to life during puberty due to both male and female hormones produced at that time.
Because of these hormones, this is the time acne usually occurs. Acne occurs when the oil glands at the base of hair follicles get blocked and oil accumulates under the skin.
Acne isn’t medically dangerous, but it can be frustrating and embarrassing, especially for teens. It is estimated that nearly 3⁄4 of the population between 11 and 30 will get acne. When acne flares up, it usually occurs on the face, but often can be found on the back, chest, shoulders and neck.
Research shows that susceptibility to get acne may be genetic. If the child’s mother had acne, then the child is likely to have it.
There are also medications that may cause acne, mainly those that contain androgen and ithium. If you’re susceptible to acne, using greasy cosmetics can cause it to flare up.
During pregnancy, hormone changes may cause acne to either develop for the first time, or to recur if you had it in the past. Types of Acne
• Whiteheads—This type of acne remains under the skin and appear very small.
• Blackheads—These are very visible, but you should remember that the blackhead isn’t caused by dirt, and no matter how well you clean your face, the blackheads won’t go away.
• Papules—Small pink bumps visible on the surface of the skin.
• Pustules—Red bumps visible on the skin that have pus at the top.
• Nobules—Large solid pimples that are painful. They are formed deep in the skin.
• Cysts—They can easily scar the skin surface. Cysts are painful and pus filled.
You go to the movies and see beautiful people on the screen with glowing perfect skin. Perhaps you’ve even envied those people.
In reality, however, their skin might not be as “perfect” as you think. Many famous people such as Jessica Simpson, Kelly Clarkson, and Katy Perry have all confessed to being plagued with acne.
Sure, stage makeup gives them that “glowing” skin, but underneath they had the same skin care problem many people around the world face—dreaded acne.
As previously stated, when puberty hits, so do the zits. Hormones rage and many hormones can actually cause acne to occur.
At that age, even one pimple can seem devastating. For some, their acne problems are just a small amount of acne that goes away rather quickly.
For others, however, it can be a nightmare. Acne seems to take over their face, and nothing they buy seems to work.
Some are even troubled with it through adulthood. Often, these individuals have it so badly that they are scarred for the rest of their lives. Acne can not only be a burden, it can be extremely embarrassing for those who have it.
This is especially so during your teen years when self-esteem is so important. Face it, sometimes kids can be cruel, and those with severe cases of acne can be a target.
They get harassed and/or made fun of. This really stresses them out, which makes the acne even worse. It can be a vicious cycle.
