Acne forms when secretions from the skin's sebaceous glands clog the tiny openings of hair follicles. This is what we often call ?plugged pores. Clogs in larger openings result in blackheads, whereas clogs in smaller openings form whiteheads. Plugged small and large plugged pores can undergo further swelling and inflammation to form pimples.

 

Top 10 facts about acne

1. Acne forms when secretions from the skin's sebaceous glands clog the tiny openings of hair follicles. This is what we often call “plugged pores. Clogs in larger openings result in blackheads, whereas clogs in smaller openings form whiteheads. Plugged small and large plugged pores can undergo further swelling and inflammation to form pimples.
2. Nearly 90 percent of all adolescents and 25 percent of all adults suffer from acne. It affects both men and women and occurs in all races and nationalities.
3. Acne in late adulthood, i.e. in 30s or beyond affects women more often than men.
4. A recent study has shown that almost 50% women experience acne flare-up around their periods, a condition called hormonal acne.
5. Acne is most common on the face, but it can also occur on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, and upper arms.
6. Acne is not caused by poor diet, poor hygiene, or too much of sex. Most forms of acne is associated with hormonal or genetic factors. But the precise reason why it occurs is not known.
7. Acne does not form because your pores are clogged with dirt and grime. The clogging occurs from within. Therefore, excessive washing does not reduce or prevent acne. In fact it does the opposite. It irritates your pores and causes more clogging.
8. A healthy skin regimen should include washing twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Harsh scrubbing or over-washing washes off the oil from your skin, stimulating more sebum production.
9. Use gentle exfoliating products but avoid anything that can scratch your skin. Also avoid alcohol products as far as possible. They can cause your sebaceous glands to produce more oil, clogging more pores in the process.
10. If your skin is acne prone, look at the labels of your cosmetics and lotions carefully. Only use non-comedogenic or oil-free products.