The Cause of Acne
Sebaceous (oil) glands generate oil. The nose area is typically affected by acne because the
sebaceous glands are larger and more active in this vicinity than in any other area of the face.
In order to accommodate the large flow of oil produced, the pores in this area are larger. Acne
tends to be found in areas where sebaceous glands are heavily concentrated: such as the neck,
chest, and back-areas.
Genetics determines how much oil an individual produces. Hormones act upon the oil gland,
and therefore, it is referred to as an end organ. Hormones and the oil gland, or “end organ
response”, influence this condition. While many individuals may have the same level of
hormones, different amounts of oil will be produced because each individual’s oil glands
respond differently. During adolescence, there is a distinct rise in the level of sex hormones, or
androgens, which enlarge and encourage the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil).
This may cause or exacerbate the problem of oily skin.
Acne patients also tend to have an abnormal desquamation (exfoliation) of follicle epithelium*,
which creates altered kerantinization. This condition is known as comedogenesis, a process
which results in the development of a still unseen microcomedone. Eventually, this lesion will
develop into a non-inflammatory lesion (blackhead or whitehead), or an inflammatory one. If the
comedo bursts, the area becomes inflamed and turns into papules, postules, or cysts. If there is
a large amount of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, continued infection and inflammation
may occur.
*Membranous tissue composed of one or more layers of cells separated by a small amount of
intercellular substance and forming the covering of the majority of internal and external surfaces of the
body and its organs.
Caring for Acne
In order to effectively treat and care for acne, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the type of
acne each individual is experiencing. There are several skin