Acne is a common skin condition that affects the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands in the skin, which secrete an oily substance called sebum. Acne commonly on occurs on the face, arms, back and chest.

 What cause acne?

Acne is the visible end result of hormonal, bacterial and inflammatory disturbances that take place at the level of the oil pore.
As the process advances, greater amounts of oil may be produced within the sebaceous glands, though the change in composition and quality of the oil may be more important than the quantity.

The scale produced on the inside walls of the hair follicle becomes stickier, and it builds up and blocks the pore. This shows up as white heads and black heads.

The acne bacteria grow and multiply in the retained oil. The sebum acts as a nutrition source for the bacteria, which in turn releases chemicals within the pore. These alert and attract white cells from the blood, and that’s what leads to inflammation. On the skin, the inflammation is seen as pimples or zits.

As these inflamed hair follicles (pores) and glands enlarge, the surrounding skin also becomes inflamed and may lead to even larger lumps and cysts.

Inflammation may damage the cells that make collagen. Less collagen production causes thinning of the skin, which is seen as depressed scars. Occasionally, collagen production will increase, which then causes the scars to become thickened.

How is treated?

There are numerous ways to treat acne. While acne cannot be prevented nor cured, there are treatments to help lessen the severity of the acne as well as to avoid scars and infection. Among the most common, day to day or homeopathic methods for treating acne are, soap and water, benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, Alcohol and Acetone.