Special Article

Breakout!

Over 80 million people worldwide suffer from acne vulgaris (acne). Stubborn acne gives not only discomfort to people, it also leaves scars along with it. At its worst, persistent acne eruptions may give not only cutaneous (skin) scars; it may leave a deeper imprint on the emotion and self-esteem of a person. As Marion Sulzberger, an important figure in the field of modern dermatology, said: "...there is no single disease which causes more psychic trauma, nor maladjustment between parents and children, more general insecurity and feelings of inferiority and general sums of psychic suffering than does acne vulgaris." ("Psychogenic factors in dermatological disorders", Medical Clinicians of North America 1948; 32:669)

The Process of Acne

Unfortunately, doctors don't understand all of the causes of acne. Nevertheless, the good news is that they understand pretty well how acne develops. In this lieu, there are several factors that characterize the development of acne:

• too much production of sebum resulting from the increase of the androgenic hormone (testosterone)

• abnormal formation of keratin, a protein found in skin, hair and nails, in the hair follicle

• increase of P. acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) in the hair follicle

• inflammation

The skin contains a very important gland called the sebaceous gland. This gland is produces an oily substance called sebum, which lubricates and protects the hair and skin so that they will not be parched. Sebum also prevents the irritation of membranes by carrying away dead skin cells and debris of keratin (found in the lining of hair follicles) to the surface of the skin. However, when an increase in androgenic hormones (i.e. testosterone) occurs, the sebaceous glands become enlarged and overproduces sebum. Since sebum carries along dead skin cells and debris of keratin, too much of it may plug the hair follicles rather than flow smoothly through the follicles. When the follicles become plugged, they become an ideal environment for P. acnes to flourish. As a result, an inflammation follows. This skin condition is what we commonly know as acne vulgaris.

Types of Acne

The lesion of acne is called microcomedo. Acne lesions are categorized into two: non-inflammatory and inflammatory.

Non-inflammatory lesions include whitehead (closed comedo) and blackhead (open comedo).

Meanwhile, there are 4 kinds of inflammatory lesions:

• papule (pink-to-red, raised palpable lesion with no visible accumulation of pus/fluid )

• pustule (also a palpable raised lesion similar to the papule, although unlike papules, pustules have pus)

• nodule (tender, inflamed bump that may persist for weeks)

• cysts (large, pus-filled lesions that look like boils)

Treating Acne

Acne is known to clear up on its own even without treatment, but this takes a very long time to happen. Therefore, the proper way of treating acne is to keep it under control, and to help prevent any permanent damage to the skin (such as acne scars that result from picking on the acne spots).

Here are some self-help tips to fight acne:

• Use non-greasy make-up.

• Keep your hair off your face, especially if it is greasy.

• Avoid touching your face too often.

• Do not scrub your face. This will only make your condition worse.

• Don't squeeze your pimples. This leaves deep dark scars on the face.

• Use Godiva Anti-Blemish Products. The Godiva Anti-blemish line offers a natural way of helping prevent acne and lighten acne scars. Its natural formula contains clinically proven actives like lichocalcone and glabridin from licorice extract, and fruit acid from sugar cane, citrus, and apple extracts. Licochalcone  and fruit acid help limit the causes of acne flare ups. Glabridin and fruit acid work together to lighten acne scars.

• Don't use more or less than the prescribed treatment. Using more won't speed up results. Using less will reduce its effects.

• Don't be impatient. It takes 4 to 6 weeks for the average pimple to develop. It will take just about as long for acne treatments to really start working. It may take up to 3 months for acne to clear significantly.

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