Acne

Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples or “zits.” There are many types of acne. The most common is called acne vulgaris. Almost everyone goes through a period of acne at one time or another. Not exclusive to teenagers, many young adults, people in their 20’s and 30’s, have trouble with acne that is hard to control. Just beneath the surface of the skin lie hundreds of tiny glands called sebaceous glands. Their function is to collect and excrete the oily substance called sebum, to keep the skin healthy. However, the tiny pathway for the sebum to escape often becomes clogged, and a bacterium called p. acnes grows inside. In a short time, a pimple forms on the skin. At certain times, this process becomes very active, troublesome and hard to control.