If you have heard about blackheads and whiteheads you must have heard all about about the irritating condition known as acne. It itches and irritates as the inflammation intensifies, it affects the sebaceous gland and inflames the hair follicle within the skin. Acne usually occurs on the chest, around the neck, back and on the face.

What follows are little known facts about the phenomenon called acne. The old adage is that knowledge is power, and never a truer word was said regarding this condition.

1. You will be hard pressed to find acne on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet. That is because sebaceous glands (microscopic glands in the skin which secrete an oily matter, sebum, in the hair follicles to lubricate the skin and hair) are found throughout the skin except the palms and soles. They are found in greatest abundance on the face and scalp.

2. During the teenage years sebum production is at its peak. Gradually sebum production lessens and is therefore less likely to cause problems.

3. There is always an abundance of bacteria on our skin. Bacteria and sebum make a bad mix and will begin to cause skin breakouts. Sebum needs to be removed so wash twice daily, but not with harsh soaps. Use a product that is medicated with at least 2% Salicylic acid which will also aid in the removal of plugged pores and gentle exfoliation.

4. When the sebaceous glands produce sebum, it fills up the follicle then secretes onto the skin, resulting in an oily look. In normal circumstances the process is healthy as the skin gets moisturized but there are serious problems when there is an obstruction within the follicle and the sebum gets trapped inside…blackheads and whiteheads form.

5. Acne leaves scars and it is difficult to completely remove any marks after the damage to the dermis. The skin will always try to repair itself by producing collagen fibers, but it doesn’t give back completely clear skin.

6. Never scrub or try to forcibly deflate the inflammation as it can lead to serious infection.