Let there be no mistake that acne bacteria plays a significant role in the development of lesions. It does not become involved in the process, however, until the hair follicle first becomes clogged. For this to happen, dead skin cells and other surface contaminants need to obstruct an open pore. The pore is nothing more than the opening of the hair follicle. The hair follicle acts as an expressway for sebum to travel to the surface of the skin. When it arrives, it helps preserve the skin’s moisture.
When sebum can no longer flow freely because of an obstruction, problems start to surface. The skin is typically able to replenish itself by getting rid of dead cells. When the shedding cycle is somehow altered, the dead skin remains on the skin and starts to plug pores. The hair follicle now begins to collect sebum and the acne bacteria become highly active. With plenty of food (sebum) they multiply in tremendous numbers.
The surge of bacterial activity within the pore activates an immune response. This is what causes the inflammation associated with acne. Whiteheads are almost always inflamed, as are other pimples. We are often advised to pick at our lesions, which can quickly aggravate the problem. The bacteria can further penetrate the pore, or worse, spread elsewhere.
Considering that bacteria is not the primary factor that causes acne, treatment is better aimed at addressing the dead cells that plug pores. Prescription medications, for instance, are designed to treat not only abnormal shedding, but also bacteria and sebum production (for more severe cases). This is why they tend to be more effective than over-the-counter products.
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