Understanding acne

Acne is a skin disorder which results in the appearance of blackheads and red or white spots, often together.  Extremely frequent during adolescence, it also affects many adults. Although it is benign, its unsightly nature and the scars it can cause often make it very difficult for those affected.

The causes of acne
Every pore of our skin contains a hair and a sebaceous gland which produces sebum, a greasy substance designed to protect the epidermis from damage. Acne develops when the sebaceous glands become disrupted and produce excess sebum, under the influence of androgens: this phenomenon is called hyperseborrhea, and the skin becomes oilier.

At the same time, the canal between the sebaceous gland and the skin becomes blocked by an accumulation of dead cells (hyperkeratinization). Once trapped, the sebum can no longer escape: it builds up and forms a spot which shows in the form of an irregular bump on the skin, commonly known as a closed comedo or whitehead.

Two things can then happen:

• Once completely filled with sebum, the sebaceous canal may form a dilated pore which turns black due to oxidation of sebum in contact with air: this is a blackhead or open comedo.

• The obstructed hair follicle may also become inflamed due to the effect of various mechanisms, and in particular due to the presence of a bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes, fed by sebum: a red or white spot then develops (papule, pustule or nodule).

Acne spots mainly affect the face, but the whole upper torso may be affected: neck, cleavage, shoulders and back.

Who is affected?

Acne primarily affects adolescents: 70% suffer from it to varying degrees. In most cases, it disappears spontaneously at around the age of 20. But it may also continue into adulthood, particularly with women: 41%* still suffer after the age of 25. Hormonal problems are often the cause.
 

* source: An epidemiological study of acne in female adults: results of a survey conducted in France - F. PolI, B. Dreno and col. - JEADV (2001) 15,541-545

Ensuring a clean skin
While acne is not dangerous, it can disrupt the lives of sufferers: concentrated in the visible areas of the body and in particular the face, it affects self-image and relationships with other people.  It may also leave lasting scars on the skin. It is therefore important to consult a doctor: he or she will be able to prescribe treatment specifically for your type of acne. We now have very effective dermo-cosmetic medication and care products, which will help you to recover a smooth skin after a few weeks of patience and perseverance.