Acne and Hair and Skin

Acne, hair and skin are a formidable component of that "first impression" everyone is susceptible to in their lives at one time or another. Teenagers and adults, men and women, the rich and poor from around the world care for and have concern for their facial appearance. Acne, or "Acne Vulgaris" as it is referred to in dermatological practices, is wrongfully stigmatized along with facial hair, hair color, and skin - even though almost everyone experiences an acne outbreak, consisting of pimples, whiteheads or blackheads, at least once in their lifetime.

Unfortunately, studies show that the majority of people still has the false impression acne is primarily caused by poor hygiene, particularly blackheads - and this false impression has a detrimental effect on the quality of life for teenagers and adults. Acne is more common, and more accepted, by teenagers. But teenagers experiencing moderate to severe cases of acne are often more socially withdrawn, as are adults experiencing outbreaks or suffering from other facial skin conditions. Numerous studies have shown that because of the stigma that goes along with acne, those with moderate to severe cases of acne suffer a lower quality of life. In fact, a 1986 study in the British Journal of Dermatology demonstrated that adults who suffer from acne have higher unemployment rates.

Too often, people associate the word "bacteria" with "dirt." The American Academy of Dermatology clearly states "Acne is not caused by dirt." The bacterium that worsens acne is "propioni-bacterium acnes," and naturally resides on the dry skin (acne treatment). In fact, behavior contrary to poor health regimens, such as aggressive washing, is often the culprit for exaggerated outbreaks. The American Academy of Dermatology even warns against soap unless a person is prone to oily skin or works in an "oily" environment, such as a fast-food restaurant. And the "black" in blackheads? It's simply skin debris (keratin) and an oxidization process from the oxygen hitting the oil - which turns it black. A blackhead is formed from an "open" comedo. A comedo is basically a pimple - the hair follicle opening that is filled with keratin, bacteria and sebum (oil). A whitehead is a "closed" comedo. Scientific studies continue to debunk the relation between acne and poor hygiene, and increasingly show that genetics and hormones are dominating factors that influence not only the skin and hair, but also the hereditary disposition towards acne.

Skin and allergy studies report acne affects over 85% of young adults, with varying degrees throughout different countries, however percentages are still significantly high. Although Acne Vulgaris, which is considered a skin disease, is at its peak during adolescence, it continues to affect millions of men and women as they get older. Acne is not easily preventable, and studies are proving that genetics play a strong role in determining the likelihood and severity of an outbreak. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology reported on a clinical study involving twins and genetic modeling that demonstrated 81% of acne occurrences had genetic influences, and 19% were due to environmental factors. Women in particular are subject to acne's obtrusiveness, and are more heavily influenced by genetics as well as their menstrual cycle. A 2007 study by the University of Alabama consistently found that after the age of 20, women continue to have more outbreaks than men. This could largely be due to a woman's menstrual cycle. The Archives of Dermatology reported on a clinical study that recorded acne lesions before, during and after menstrual cycles, which conclusively demonstrated that the majority of women (63%) experienced a pre-menstrual flare up with a 25% increase in their acne lesions. Questionnaires administered to women in other studies reported results that were consistent with these findings.

Just as one can not choose where they are born, or what their hair color or skin color will be at birth, they can neither choose their hereditary disposition towards acne outbreaks. Acne can, however, be treated, and there are hundreds of acne treatment options and environmental variables to manipulate that can reduce acne severity and incidence.

Acne and other facial skin diseases continue to be heavily researched in the fields of dermatology and psychology. With enough research and public awareness, perhaps one day acne - together with its stigmatism and all of the pimples, whiteheads and blackheads following it - can be eradicated - along with the anxiety of that "first impression."