Acne FAQ
What Exactly Is Acne?
Acne is a disorder of the sebaceous glands which secrete oil onto the skin and which lie in the dermis, the layer of skin just under the epidermis (surface layer). Acne is caused when dried sebum, flaked skin and bacteria collect in skin pores forming a "plug" which blocks the oil from flowing up through the pores. If this blockage is incomplete, a blackhead appears; if the blockage is complete, a whitehead appears. At the same time, bacteria can grow in the plugged pores, further irritating the condition. These irritated blackheads and whiteheads produce what is commonly known as acne. If left untreated, or if the infection and irritation gets worse, an abscess may form.
When the pores are blocked and pimples and pus-filled blisters (pustules) form without abscesses, the condition is called superficial acne; when inflamed pimples erupt downward into the underlying skin and pus-filled cysts appear or develop into abscesses, the condition is called deep acne. In deep acne, the infection may spread, causing red, raised, inflamed areas, cysts and abscesses which may rupture or leave scars. The lifecycle of a pimple can be up to eight weeks without treatment.
Can Anyone Get Acne?
It is estimated that acne affects as many as 70 million people of all ages, at a treatment cost estimated at well over $300 million per year.
Teenagers are often more prone to acne due to an increased production of sex hormones called androgens, which regulate the activity and size of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands inside the pores or hair follicles. Women may get acne with each menstrual period due to a change in hormones, and it may clear up or worsen during pregnancy. Anyone using anabolic steroids is likely to worsen their acne, and certain cosmetics may cause or aggravate acne by clogging pores.
Some people feel that diet plays a role in acne; however, extensive scientific studies have not found a connection between eating fried foods or chocolate and acne.
Acne’s Devastating Impact?
The psychological scars and the trauma of acne are often deeper and more disastrous than the blemishes and doctors are just beginning to understand the significant impact of acne and acne scarring on a person’s outlook on life. Recent studies have shown that people with acne suffer from social withdrawal, decreased self-esteem, reduced self-confidence, poor body image, embarrassment, feelings of depression, anger and frustration. Because many people still believe that acne is the result of poor hygiene or diet, feelings of guilt can become overwhelming only adding to the loss of self-esteem.
Acne Treatments?
Acne can be made worse by squeezing pimples or trying to open them, which may increase the inflammation and infection.
Many physicians recommend a course of treatment which includes oral antibiotics; however, this treatment may last from months to years.
Topical antibiotics, with or without skin irritants such as retinoic acid (tretinoin), are often combined with antibiotic treatment. Patients often experience drying of the skin and those being treated with tretinoin, should avoid exposure to sunlight, which can cause severe irritation.
Inflamed cysts can be injected with corticosteroids, or a doctor may cut a cyst or abscess to drain it. Topical corticosteroid treatment may actually worsen acne.
Over-the-counter preparations are also available with varying results.
We always recommend a visit to your dermatologist for a professional diagnosis of your skin condition.
PEL Basics AR Acne Treatment Creme is a serious treatment for acne that has achieved an excellent success rate without antibiotics, harsh chemicals, dangerous drugs or expensive doctor visits. A once- or twice-daily application on clean skin will normally produce significant results within days.
We offer you more than just a clear face. We offer you the confidence to go after your passion in life. Join the thousands of people of all ages who have seen the giant impact made by this small jar of cream.
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