Comedonal acne occurs when a type of oil is produced in the skin that allows the surface of the hair follicle to become clogged with keratin, resulting in blemishes known as blackheads and whiteheads.

Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are yellowish or dark in color, and appear as small plugs in the pores. They become darker as the keratin oxidizes in the air.

Whiteheads are closed comedones that appear as small bumps on the skin with a small white central area. These occur deeper in the follicle than open comedones.

When the pores become clogged, an overgrowth of bacteria can occur, leading to inflammation and skin eruptions, commonly known as zits or pimples. Large acne (pimples or zits) can be tender. This condition not only causes physical discomfort and damage, but it can also have a big emotional and social impact on your life. If you are feeling embarrassed and anxious about your appearance, these emotional side effects can lead to mood changes, depression, social withdrawal and poor performance in school or at work.

The following are visible signs of comedonal acne:

Comedones: Blackheads and whiteheads appear on the skin

Oily skin: An overproduction of sebum causes the skin to look and feel oily.

Excess oil production, which may have a slightly different composition in the sebaceous glands, is the primary cause of acne. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to developing acne due to elevated testosterone levels that occur during puberty. In most individuals with acne, the levels of testosterone are no different from those with no acne, but there is an increased sensitivity to this hormone in the oil glands. The oil produced has a slightly different composition, leading to proliferation of certain bacteria and inflammation. The initiating events in the production of acne lesions is controversial.A variety of factors can contribute to the development of acne such as heredity, medication and direct contact with oily substances or cosmetics that can block skin pores.

Good skin care is essential to healthy and blemish-free skin. A daily and thorough cleansing regimen can help maintain a clear complexion. Acne cleansers will remove accumulated oil, make-up, sweat, and dirt on the surface of your skin. In doing so, these products make it easier for topical acne treatments to be absorbed. However, excessive use of acne cleansers can lead to irritated and dry skin. Most people with acne will only need to cleanse with such products once or twice daily.

The most effective way to prevent acne is to keep the skin clean and clear of debris that may clog the pores.

Use gentle cleansers and exfoliators to remove the build-up of excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells. After cleansing, use an oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin adequately hydrated.

Another way to prevent acne is to use cosmetics specially designed for acne prone skin that are either oil-free or non-comedogenic (which simply means they don’t clog pores). Look for cosmetics that don’t contain isopropyl myristate, isopropyl esters, oleic acid, stearic acid, petrolatum and lanolin (especially acetylated lanolin, alcohols and lanolin fatty acids).

It’s also helpful to avoid contact with objects that may be greasy. Avoid touching your face after handling an item that is dirty or oily. Objects that are held close to the skin. such as cell phones or telephone receivers, may often have an oily residue on them. Make sure to keep them clean to prevent transferring oil directly to your skin.

Acne can be treated with a variety of options. If you have minimal acne, you can often get reasonable results using over the counter products, which are primarily directed at reducing the blockage of pores.

OTC
In general, these products include cleansers and some topical treatments, such as lotions, pads, gels, and creams applied to the skin. Over-the-counter products containing active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids are helpful in combating blocked pores and reducing inflammation.

Prescription
A doctor may prescribe a stronger prescription medication for acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments. Medicines that contain ingredients such as retinoids, are one of the most effective anti-acne agents for unblocking the pores of oil glands. They are generally considered to be the first choice of treatment for whiteheads and blackheads (comedones). Your physician can choose the one that is best suited to your needs.Topical Retinoids are the option of choice for comedonal acne. There are also products that combine BPO and adapalene. Acne results from several contributing factors, consequently, combination products are especially effective because they can address several causes.

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