What is Acne: Basic Information Causes and Treatment


What is Acne


Acne is characterized by the presence of pimples or “zits”, blackheads, and whiteheads. It chiefly affects the face, neck, chest, back, and/or upper arms of sufferers. Rarely you will find acne in other areas of the body. Acne varies in development from very mild to extremely severe.

Acne Types and Definitions

Many different words describe an acne problem.  Therefore, it’s important to note and understand what each word means.  We will start with the most general and get more specific.


Something likened to an inflamed, pus-filled lesion:  a small inflamed elevation of the skin that is filled with pus; a pimple.


Like a papule in that it is white and dome-shaped.  Characterized by inflammation.  Nodular acne is very severe and doesn’t respond well to many forms of therapy.

Comedo (plural Comedones)

When a sebaceous follicle is plugged with dirt, other cells, tiny hairs, or bacteria.  There are two types of comedones.  Blackheads are open comedones because the surface appears black.  Closed comedones appear as a slightly inflamed, skin colored bump and are called Whiteheads.


An abnormal membranous sac containing a liquid or semi-liquid substance consisting of white blood cells, dead cells, and bacteria.  Often very painful and they extend to deeper layers of skin.  Nodulocystic acne is when nodules and cysts appear together.


An infected or diseased patch of skin (can accompany acne, skin cancer, a knife cut, etc.)  When we read about lesions, we recognize that it has to do with an infected sebaceous gland.  Some lesions are more severe than others.


A small, solid, usually inflammatory elevation of the skin that does not contain pus.


A temporary red spot left from a healed lesion. They are generally light red or pink and they can last from anywhere between a day to a few weeks.

Range of Acne

The areas of the body most typically affected by acne are:

Less commonly, acne appears on the torso, arms, and legs.

Acne Causes

Abnormal Shedding of Skin Cells

The epidermis is constantly shedding dead skin cells through a process called desquamation. Dead skin cells fall away from the stratum corneum and are replaced by new cells. In acne prone skin this process goes awry, with four to five times more skin cells being produced than in normal skin.

There are also less Lamellar granules in the skin of acne sufferers. Lamellar granules are found within the cells of the stratum corneum. They are responsible for releasing enzymes that digest the substance that that holds cells together. Simply speaking, acne prone skin produces more dead skin cells than is typical, and the skin cells are not being shed properly. Instead, the cells remain suck inside the follicle creating a comedo.

Proliferation of Bacteria

Propionibacteria acnes (P. acnes) are bacteria routinely found on most skin. In those with acne the P. acnes population grows out of control. The plug of dead cells and oil within the pore creates an anaerobic environment where oxygen can’t get into the pore. P. acnes thrive in this environment and their population grows.

The P. acnes digest the oil trapped within the pore, producing a fatty acid waste. This waste irritates the pore lining, causing redness and inflammation. It is important to recognize that cleansing cannot wash P. acnes away. Its presence does not point to a lack of hygiene in any way.

Overactive Sebaceous Glands

Sebaceous glands create sebum, or oil, needed to lubricate the skin’s surface. Those who are prone to acne have oil glands that produce more sebum than is necessary. Excess oil remains in the pore, blocking the sebaceous duct and creating a blockage within the follicle.

According to information by the International Dermal Institute, the sebum of those who suffer from acne is also different in its makeup. It has higher levels of squalene and wax esters than typical, with lower levels of free fatty acids, and linoleic acid. This composition creates a favorable environment for acne causing bacteria.

Treatment Options

Treatment is aimed at reducing sebum production, helping the skin shed dead cells so they don’t build up, and preventing bacteria from accumulating. You can help by doing the following:

  • People with mild cases of acne may reduce symptoms with herbs, Ayurveda, or homeopathy. You’ll probably have to use medications or complementary and alternative remedies for at least 6 – 8 weeks before seeing a noticeable improvement in symptoms.
  • Use oil-free skin care products and cosmetics. Look for products that say “water-based” or “non-comedogenic.”

Acne Treatment

There are several ways of treating acne at home; the ones that are mentioned below are easily prepared and always available. Why not open the fridge and see what you can find in the vegetable compartment, chances are big, that you will find the ingredients needed for an effective natural remedy for acne.

  • Ground bay leaves that are blanched in water and are cooled afterwards can also be applied on the skin with acne.
  • Egg white can also be an effective acne remedy when applied on the acne for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
