Understanding The Basics of Acne

Acne occurs in both teens and adults and is never a pleasant occurrence. Before you can take the proper steps to clear your skin, you have to understand the basics of acne. Let Olay guide you through the anatomy of acne. 

What is Acne?

Acne is a disease of the sebaceous glands and refers to a variety of individual marks that can appear on the face, including: blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples or zits. These acne marks occur when pores become congested with excess oil and skin cells.

Acne can also occur on other parts of the body, including the chest and back.

Types of Acne

• Non-Inflammatory Acne

  • Blackhead: An open comedone (blackhead) occurs when the pore remains open to the skin surface and facial oil is oxidized by air, turning it a brown/ black color.
  • Whitehead: A closed comedone (whitehead) occurs when the trapped oil and bacteria remain below the skin surface. Whiteheads appear as small white spots. 

• Inflammatory Acne

  • Papule: A small, circular solid elevation of the skin occurs when there is a break in the wall surrounding the hair follicle. White blood cells migrate in and the pore becomes inflamed.
  • Pustule: A small circular pus-filled elevation of the skin forms several days later when the white blood cells and other components in the hair follicle migrate to the surface of the skin. A consistent skin care routine with the right acne-fighting products can help transform your skin to beautiful, acne-free complexion.