L17: Acne and Acne Products

Question 1

Where does acne develop?

Answer 1

Areas of skin where sebaceous glands are most numerous

Question 2

Why does acne develop?

Answer 2

Due to sebum being trapped within hair follicles

Question 3

What are the 4 basic factors contributing to acne development?

Answer 3

• Hormones (androgens)
• Increased sebum production
• Changes inside the follicle
• Bacteria

Question 4

How does androgens cause acne?

Answer 4

Enlarges and overstimulates sebaceous glands

Question 5

How does sebum production lead to acne?

Answer 5

• Overstimulation of sebaceous glands produces more sebum
• Accumulation of sebum in the follicle
• Sebum mixes with skin cells and normal skin bacteria, thus clogging the hair follicle

Question 6

How does changes inside the follicle lead to acne?

Answer 6

Normally, dead cells inside the follicles are shed and expelled onto the surface.

However, abnormal shedding of these cells can cause clogging of the follicle and trap sebum

Question 7

Which bacteria is particularly responsible for acne?

Answer 7

Propionibacterium acnes

Question 8

What are the 2 types of acne lesions?

Answer 8

Non-inflammatory and inflammatory

Question 9

What are the 2 non-inflammatory acne lesions?

Answer 9

• Open comedones (blackheads)

- Closed comedones (whiteheads)

Question 10

Why does open comedones appear to be black?

Answer 10

Due to the tightly compacted cells and sebum

Question 11

What are the 3 types of inflammatory acne lesions? Start from the least serious one.

Answer 11

• Papules
• Pustules
• Nodules

Question 12

What causes inflammatory acne lesions?

Answer 12

Sebaceous materials (which may contain bacteria) from the comedo get into the surrounding tissue and cause an inflammatory reaction

Question 13

Can severe acne be genetically inherited?

Answer 13

Yes

Question 14

What are the cosmetics that contain ingredients that can clog pores called?

Answer 14

Comedogenic

Question 15

Are young men or women more likely to have more severe and long-lasting forms of acne?

Answer 15

Young men

Question 16

Are young men or women more likely to have intermittent acne? Why?

Answer 16

Young women, due to hormonal changes associated with menstrual cycle and acne caused by cosmetics

Question 17

What are some MOA of acne treatments?

Answer 17

• Unplug clogged pores
• Reduce sebum production
• Reduce P. acnes

Question 18

When should we consult a health professional for acne?

Answer 18

• Results achieved from OTC/non-prescription acne products are unsatisfactory
• Acne interferes with enjoyment of life
• Presence of acne scars and lesions
• Large and painful acne lesions

Question 19

What are some general basic care guidelines for acne?

Answer 19

• Do not pop, squeeze or pick at acne
• Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser of ~pH 5.5
• Use appropriate acne products after face washing
• Style your hair so that it does not directly touch the forehead and face
• Keep items that directly touch the face and hair very clean
• Reduce stress associated with over-work

Question 20

Should we stop using the acne product if it does not yield satisfactory results in a few days?

Answer 20

No. Some acne products require enough time to have effect.

Question 21

What are some examples of antibacterial ingredients for acne products?

Answer 21

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Sulfur
• Tea tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil)

Question 22

What are some examples of exfoliating ingredients for acne products?

Answer 22

• Salicylic acid
• Glycolic acid
• Lactic acid

Question 23

What are some examples of comedolytic ingredients in acne products?

Answer 23

• Benzoyl peroxide

- Tretinoin (drug)

Question 24

Can acne products containing benzoyl peroxide be considered as a cosmetic product?

Answer 24

No.