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Acne is pustular eruptions, localised
abscessed formation and local inflammatory conditions
of the dermis and epidermis skin layers. Endogenous hormones
(mainly androgens), which are present in unusually high
concentrations in the blood during adolescence and puberty
give rise to an excessive production of sebum (or oil).
The condition may worsen by a simultaneous increase in
the rate of keratin in the skin's outer layer (the horny
layer) that causes skin cell death. As the horny cells
proliferate, they can form an occlusive plug or comedone
which coupled with the increased production of the sebum,
represents an ideal medium for the proliferation of the
skin resident anaerobic bacterium, P. acnes.
 Plugged
follicles may take the form of either whiteheads,
where the plug in the follicle remains beneath
the skin's surface, or blackheads, where
the plug in the follicle extends to the skin's
surface and becomes visible. In the majority of
these clogged follicles, the bacterium P.
acnes will cause swelling, itching, and redness
around the follicle.
The bacterium P. acnes is normally present
in all skin types as part of the skin's sebum
maintenance system. In a hair follicle, P.
acnes produces enzymes that break down sebum
creating a balance of oil in the skin. However,
a clogged follicle creates an ideal environment
for this sebum-eating skin bacterium to multiply.
Consequently, the increase of P. acnes
and its enzymes irritates and inflames the skin
resulting in acne. Furthermore, P. acnes
is responsible for at least 90% of all acne cases.
There are many myths about what causes acne.
Stress does not cause acne, and neither does eating
greasy foods. Another common myth is that dirty
skin causes acne, but studies have shown that
blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused
by dirt.
Acne is a medical problem and requires a medical
solution.
Acne
Treatment
People of all races and ages get acne. Although
frequently thought of as a condition that affects
teenagers, adult acne is a real
problem, and some people in their forties and
fifties continue to have this skin condition.
For decades, people have experimented with and
invented all manner of treatments and medications
to clear acne, with varying degrees of success.
There are many over-the-counter
and prescription acne medications. Experts
recommend different ones for different people,
but none have been totally effective in a
large portion of the population. Most people
do not respond to traditional acne treatment.
This is especially true of adults, as most
topical acne
medications are formulated for teenaged
skin. That's why we developed Zeno,
a new device for clearing acne.
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