What are the main causes of acne?

To understand the physical changes that cause acne, we need to look at the microscopic processes that produce it. We all know that our skin has follicles. Imagine these pores as empty tubes extending from the top skin layers down deeper into the dermis.

This deeper layer is made up of elastin and collagen, which support the surface layers of our skin and provide a home for the blood vessels, nerves and other cells. Just beneath the dermal layers is a layer of fat that cushions skin and contributes to the full look of younger skin. The pore originates from deep within the dermal layer as something that looks quite like a thin tube. The oil glands (sebaceous) branch off these tubes like tiny clumps of grapes that are responsible for producing the oily substance referred to as sebum.

Now that we know this let's take a look at what causes acne. Many dermatologist today think the number one cause of acne is
something called retention hyperkeratosis. This process happens when the dead skin cells on the top layers of epidermis, and also within the pores,do not exfoliate as they usually do. If this happens the dead cells mix with sebum making them viscous and sticky. This leads to clogging of the follicle into a comedo.

These comedos come in two varieties: closed comedos (or whitehead) and open comedos (called blackhead). If the acne lesion is able to drain on its own to the surface it should heal. If it can't it may develop into a papule, then a pustule which is commonly known as a pimple. The inflammation may progress further and cause the acne lesion to grow further into the dermis resulting in a severe cyst or nodule.

This is due to bacteria entering the comedo. The bacteria breaks down oil resulting in a condition known as oxidative stress in the surrounding cells. Oxidative stress is caused when free radicals overwhelm the anti-oxidants, which are the natural defense system of our cells. This results in changes to the redux status, which is responsible for protecting the balance of the skin cells by controlling the balance of free radicals to antioxidants.

Under oxidative stress a chain reaction takes place that causes a gene to be turned on leading to cytokines to be produced at the cellular level. This process leads to stickiness on the pore walls, which results in the beginning of the pimple.

David Mitchell writes about health and wellness issues on various websites. His website Acne Scar Removal explains the latest on quick, safe and effective acne treatments. His site also lists many great home remedies for acne.