Acne has many forms but the most common is pertained to as "Acne Vulgaris", meaning "common acne". Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the skin, induced by changes to your skin structures which, consists of hair follicle and its associated sebaceous glands. Pimples, zits, spots and acne are familiar names that describe acne vulgaris.



Acne Vulgaris the Cause

The barring of your skin pores by dead cells leads to the eruption of acne. This results in the build up of oils created by the sebaceous glands (these are found under your skin); a perfect environment for skin bacteria to breed uncontrollably.

As the oil collects under your skin it gets inflamed and produces a visible pimple on your skin. The areas of your skin chest, face, back, shoulders and upper arms are at the most risk of acne breakout.

Acne produces some visible scars but it is the emotional scars which are the most damaging such as depression, low self-esteem and even suicide. Acne usually strikes during adolescence and is more prominent in the western culture. The male hormone testosterone has some function to play.

Overtime you will find that your acne decreases or goes away entirely by the time you hit your twenties. Some people suffer from acne vulgaris for most of their lives. Acne is one of those skin disorders that has some part to play in most peoples lives.

Why Have I Got Acne?

This is a great question with no real answer. It is not clear why some people get acne and some people do not. It is partly due to who you are (hereditary). Several elements are known to be linked to acne:

Diet Stress Active Hormones - such as menstrual cycles and puberty Accumulation of dead skin cells Use of anabolic steriods Bacteria in the pores, to which the body gets sensitized too Skin aggravation Any medication incorporating halogens Exposure to high levels of chlorine compounds

Later on in life you may suffer from rosacea which can have a alike appearance to acne vulgaris. While adult acne could be due to other inherent conditions. Menopause is another cause for acne as described by dermatologists.

Acne is something we have to learn to accept and proper care and treatment will see most of us rid ourselves of acne. Skin care is essential to help prevent or bring down the effects of acne.