L17: Acne and Acne Products Flashcards
Where does acne develop?
Areas of skin where sebaceous glands are most numerous
Why does acne develop?
Due to sebum being trapped within hair follicles
What are the 4 basic factors contributing to acne development?
- Hormones (androgens)
- Increased sebum production
- Changes inside the follicle
- Bacteria
How does androgens cause acne?
Enlarges and overstimulates sebaceous glands
How does sebum production lead to acne?
- 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
How does changes inside the follicle lead to acne?
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
Which bacteria is particularly responsible for acne?
Propionibacterium acnes
What are the 2 types of acne lesions?
Non-inflammatory and inflammatory
What are the 2 non-inflammatory acne lesions?
- Open comedones (blackheads)
- Closed comedones (whiteheads)
Why does open comedones appear to be black?
Due to the tightly compacted cells and sebum
What are the 3 types of inflammatory acne lesions? Start from the least serious one.
- Papules
- Pustules
- Nodules
What causes inflammatory acne lesions?
Sebaceous materials (which may contain bacteria) from the comedo get into the surrounding tissue and cause an inflammatory reaction
Can severe acne be genetically inherited?
Yes
What are the cosmetics that contain ingredients that can clog pores called?
Comedogenic
Are young men or women more likely to have more severe and long-lasting forms of acne?
Young men
Are young men or women more likely to have intermittent acne? Why?
Young women, due to hormonal changes associated with menstrual cycle and acne caused by cosmetics
What are some MOA of acne treatments?
- Unplug clogged pores
- Reduce sebum production
- Reduce P. acnes
When should we consult a health professional for acne?
- 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
What are some general basic care guidelines for acne?
- 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
Should we stop using the acne product if it does not yield satisfactory results in a few days?
No. Some acne products require enough time to have effect.
What are some examples of antibacterial ingredients for acne products?
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Sulfur
- Tea tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil)
What are some examples of exfoliating ingredients for acne products?
- Salicylic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
What are some examples of comedolytic ingredients in acne products?
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Tretinoin (drug)
Can acne products containing benzoyl peroxide be considered as a cosmetic product?
No.
