http://www.bioskincare.com Tips for skin care en-us http://www.bioskincare.com/images/bioskincare_rss.gif http://www.bioskincare.com 80 80 http://www.bioskincare.com by Valerie DeVette. Acne is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by superficial skin eruptions that are caused by clogged skin pores. Acne commonly develops on the face and shoulders, but may cover the trunk, arms and legs. Acne is caused when sebaceous glands within the hair follicles (pores) of the skin become clogged. This blockage occurs when the pores secrete oil and skin cells faster than they can evacuate. The follicle begins to bulge producing what is commonly known as a whitehead, and the top of the plug may darken leading to blackheads. If the blockage causes the wall of the follicle to break, the oil, devitalized skin cells and bacteria found commonly on the surface of the skin can enter the skin and form small infected areas called pustules (also known as pimples or "zits"). Dried oils can also affect opened pores. Foreign matter or just facial dirt can also form blackheads. Many facial break outs are also common when the salt found in sweat dries and clogs pores. The bodys attempt at destroying the blockages results in pimples. As the white cells battle and die, swelling occurs producing a reddened area. In time, this area becomes an even greater mass of dead cells forming a pus pocket (white head). If the zit isn't treated properly it can evolve into an acne scar. However, you can prevent scarring by treating acne breakouts early on. Cysts, another skin issue, appear when the infection reaches the deeper layers of the skin. A sebaceous cyst forms when the sebaceous gland continues to produce oil. Instead of rupturing the follicle wall, the follicle keeps growing to form a soft, pliable lump (known as a cyst) under the skin. The cyst is commonly not painful or discolored unless it becomes infected. Teen Acne Acne is usually seen most in adolescent males, but it can occur in both sexes and at all ages. The tendency to develop acne is inherited. The condition commonly begins at puberty and may continue for many years. Every 3 out of 4 teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that activate the sebaceous (oil secreting) skin glands. Hormonal changes that occur with menstrual cycles, pregnancy, use of contraceptive pills or stress, also exacerbate acne. Acne is not simply caused by dirt or build-up, but dirt and oil may aggravate the condition. Other factors that increase the chances of acne are certain tumors, hormonal changes, stress, endocrine disorders, exposure to weather extremes, oily skin and the use of certain drugs (such as cortisone, estrogen, testosterone, and others). Acne is not contagious. The tendency to have acne outbreaks may persist through ages 30's to early 40's. Prognosis Acne is commonly chronic from adolescence to adulthood, but ultimately lessens. Acne generally responds well to topical skin care treatment after a few weeks, but may flare up from time to time. Acne is not medically dangerous except for untreated, severe infections. Scars may occur if severe acne is not treated; proper skin care is a must as well as a good removal treatment for acne scars.