Acne Scar / Scarring Treatments Before and After

General information about an acne & scar / scarring treatment is discussed below. It describes acne and how it develops, the causes of acne, and the treatment options for various forms of acne. Information is also provided on caring for the skin.

Topics on Acne and Acne Treatments & Facials in San Jose, CA.

What Is Acne?

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin imperfections. Although acne is usually a cosmetic rather than medical concerns, severe acne can lead to disfiguring, permanent scarring, which can be upsetting to people who are affected by it.

How Does Acne Develop?

Experts including Acne San Jose describe acne as an imperfection of the pilosebaceous units (PSUs). Found over most of the body, PSUs consist of a sebaceous gland connected to a canal, called a follicle, that contains a fine hair. These units are most numerous on the face, upper back, and chest. The sebaceous glands make an oily substance called sebum that normally empties onto the skin surface through the opening of the follicle, commonly called a pore. Cells called keratinocytes line the follicle.

What Causes Acne?

The exact cause of acne is unknown, but specialists such as Nozawa Intl; Acne & Scar / Scarring Treatments in San Jose, CA. believe it results from several related factors. One important factor is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.

Another factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder. Certain drugs, including androgens and lithium, are known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together, producing a plug.

Who Gets Acne?

People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. Nearly 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.

How Is Acne Treated?

Acne is best treated by a specialist such as Nozawa Intl; Acne & Scar / Scarring Treatments in San Jose, CA. Our Acne & Scar / Scarring Treatment Expert treats most kinds of acne & acne scars / scarring. The goals of treatment are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring, and minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by it etc.