Acne: My Personal 411 on Acne

© Michelle Howard Smith - All Rights Reserved

Growing up I never really had problems with acne.  I was fortunate enough to have pretty clear skin throughout my earlier years.  However, in my late 30s I started getting a lot of pimples around my jaw line.  I've always had dry skin but now it's oily. Go figure.  I started having acne pimples in my mid 30s thanks to overactive sebaceous glands. 

When pores are blocked, the sebaceous glands aka oil glands get clogged.  This causes bacteria to multiply beneath the skin and the result is a breakout, or acne.

Acne Skin Care Products

Acne manifests itself in different ways such as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts.  Pimples form when bacteria are multiplied on and under the skin.  A cyst is a bit deeper than a pimple.  Whiteheads occur when the excess oil breaks through to the skin’s surface after being clogged under the skin.  Blackheads are similar to whiteheads.  The difference is that the oil from the whitehead either mixes with pigment or oxygen.  This causes the whitehead to become a blackhead because the oil beneath the skin turns black.

Acne can be the result of many factors.  Acne can be caused by an increase in hormones such as during puberty and around that time of the month (ladies, you understand me).  Most people don’t have problems with acne after age 25 or so.  However, people have been known to experience late onset acne.  As mentioned earlier, dealt with that problem personally

People with sensitive skin can be exceptionally prone to acne so its important care for the skin with products that are not abrasive.  Also, as discussed in my free skin complexion tips, keep your hands out of your face.  I know that’s easier said that done but you have to try to become conscious not to touch and mess with your skin.  It just irritates it more.  My daughter is learning that now.

So now, let me gross you out (just kidding) by showing you a few images of the different forms of acne (and no these are none of mine):

Pimple	Blackhead	Whitehead	Cyst

Fortunately, there are many treatments for acne.  There is over the counter medication, prescription medication and natural, holistic remedies.  Depending on the type of acne, and how severe, a doctor may need to be consulted.  In my case, I only experience minor acne pimples which I address by using natural face products.