The Stages of Acne - How A Pimple Develops
Despite its unsightliness, acne is actually an interesting process whereby you can actually see the physical effects of the body malfunctioning. Recent research suggests that acne is one of the most "embarrassing", "debilitating" and "socially awkward" phenomenon currently in existence - which clearly speaks volumes about the degree of confidence loss which can result from the issue.
However - what we must remember is that acne is a bodily response to chemical imbalances and changes - both of which are inevitable at some point or another in our lives.
In this article, we will follow the development of a pimple (the red, painful form of acne) - so that you have a better idea of what is actually going on, and what causes the red spots you see in the mirror.
The First Stages of Acne
A pimple begins its life long before you see it. Deep within the pore in the skin, a blockage - caused by either excess oil or an accumulation of dead skin cells - causes an accumulation of bacteria.
From here, the following steps take place:
1. Bacteria feed off the excess oil or dead skin and multiply.
2. As bacteria numbers grow, the body realizes that there is an invader in the pore.
3. The body sends out its own cells to destroy the bacteria.
As you can see - the body unknowingly thinks that an invader is present in the pore (which is correct) and reacts as it would in any other situation.
The Visible Stages of Acne
From here, the body's own defence cells begin to surround the bacteria, encapsulating it and cutting off the food supply (oil or dead skin cells). The area becomes red, inflamed, and this is where we see the small white area of the pimple.
Given time, the body will successfully kill the bacteria, and will then purge the area of the dead bacterium cells and its own cells - returning the skin to normal.
This essentially is the process of acne. Hopefully - this will give you an insight in to treating the condition, because as we have just seen, if you can prevent excess dead skin cell build up or oil on the skin's surface - you should be able to stop acne dead in its tracks.