Acne seems to be something that never seems to go away for some people. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, around 85% of Americans experience acne during the course of their lives. Acne is a very common skin condition that affects millions of Americans.

What is acne, however? What causes acne to form? Acne, medically called Acne Vulgaris, is what describes whiteheads, blackheads and pimples that appear on the face and other parts of the skin. Acne is the outcome of an inflamed pore.

The arrival of acne happens in a cycle, like most medical ailments. Acne is the final step in the process. The cycle ends in the formation of a blemish or pimple. This end results takes about two weeks. Here are the other steps involved in the formation of acne.

Step 1: Clogged Pores – Skin has a renewal cycle where it sheds its older layers and renews newer ones. Sometimes this shedding of dead skin cells mixes with the skins natural oil and the two combine inside of a skin pore. This causes a comedo, or plug, inside the pore to form.

Step 2: The comedo forces the oil to be trapped in the pore. It stops other oil production from that pore from traveling up to the surface of the skin. Because oil is just trapped in this plugged pore, bacteria starts to form and group together. This type of issue can happen whether you have oily, dry, or normal skin.

Step 3: Bacteria Attacks – Bacteria love environments where they can quickly grow. Clogged pores are the perfect environment for bacteria to spread and grow. The bacteria that grows in the pore also releases inflammatory toxins.

Step 4: With all the bacteria present the skin responds with the release of its own red and white blood cells to fight off the toxins that were released and to stop any infection from happening. This causes a lot of inflammation in the pore. The inflammation and swelling in the spore leads to acne. In less severe situations this means pimples. In more severe cases it can lead to a cyst or nodule. Sometimes, even after the pimple has healed and disappeared, it can leave scarring or discoloration, depending on the severity of the acne problem.

Acne is something that people have suffered with for thousands of years. Today, however, we have the advantage of being able to treat it. If you are suffering with acne give your dermatologist a call today. The right treatment can really help.

Kathy Olson owns a website dedicated to provide anti aging creme, skin care, and acne treatment. She is a Rodan and Fields independent consultant and she is here to help you look your best. The Unblemish treatment is best for acne. Visit her website to find out more about the skin care products they offer.