The Bacteria Behind Acne Pimples

Everyone's skin is inhabited by a bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes which, at normal levels, causes no major disruption or noticeably pustules. However, as puberty approaches, the levels of this bacteria increase dramatically. That's because Propionibacterium acnes is a bacteria used by the skin to promote growth and, during puberty, individuals are typically growing at astronomical rates.

As this bacteria increases around the pores and follicles of the skin, white blood cells are sent to those follicles to counter it. These white blood cells, even with the best of intentions, naturally produce an enzyme which is actually damaging to the walls of the follicle they were sent to protect. This allows the bacterial contents to the follicle to enter the outer layer of the skin (the dermis) and results in scarring and inflammation.

The presence of Propionibacterium acnes causes the production of fatty acids around the inflammation, which is what leads to the sense of pain -- and red color -- of the pustules and nodules that are formed in this process. And that, typically, is the cause of most acne pimples all over the body.

The Plight of Hair Follicles

Sebum, produced the sebaceous glands, also has a knack for filling empty hair follicles, and will typically affect those who shave their face, arms, legs, or other parts of the body. They essentially fill a void left by the absentee hair and a repeat of the pimple-producing process begins. It is still unknown by dermatologists why this only happens to some hair follicles and not to others.

However, the typical "ingrown hair" is in fact not hair at all, but a blocked follicle that has been filled with sebum and obstructed. It is then irritated by fatty acids produced by white blood cells, producing a reddish inflammation that looks almost identical to traditional acne pustules.

Exacerbating the Problem

Acne is traditionally associated with oily skin, and that's true of most breakouts. Puberty causes the body to produce most of its chemicals and enzymes at above-normal rates that aren't friendly to skin nor hair. And in this, acne has another cause: interacting with a sufferer's hair.

While empty follicles will promote the occurrence of ingrown hairs and painful pimples, the transfer of oils from someone's hair to their skin introduces new dirt, enzymes, and oils that the skin is not traditionally used to defending against. Long hair, and unwashed hair, is perhaps the leading cause of acne among teenagers. And that, then, leads to the notion that poor hygiene also causes a great deal of acne.

No matter which process your skin is falling victim to, whether it's naturally occurring enzymes or the transfer of grime from elsewhere, acne is primarily a plague of bacteria, fatty acids, and dirt.