Simply explained, “acne” (also affectionately known as zits, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads) is the result of clogged pores.
But, how do your pores become clogged?
The guilty party is sebum, an oily substance found in your skin. The excessive production of sebum is linked to hormonal changes, which is why acne is common in teenagers and women (before their periods), however acne is a skin malfunction that can occur well into adult-hood.
Everyone has P.acne bacteria (Propionibacterium acne) that normally lives in the skin, but the excessive production of sebum causes these bacteria to multiply inside the pores. The result? Inflammation that can make a pimple feel hot, swollen, red, and infected.
Is it OK to pop my pimples?
NO!! When you pop a zit or pimple, you actually push the infected material deeper into your skin which can lead to worse inflammation and infection, and increase your risk of scarring.
What is the difference between blackheads and whiteheads?
A blackhead occurs when a pore is clogged, but the surface of the pore stays open and you can see that black color. These are referred to as “open comedones”.
A whitehead is what happens when the surface of the pore becomes closed. The oil and bacteria remain inside creating a white or yellowish pimple called a whitehead. This is referred to as a “closed comedone” because the pore is closed.